1. The role of grower groups in fostering innovation - a grower’s perspective

2. Some background on us… Farming in Chapman Valley. Locally involved in Yuna Farm Improvement Group (YFIG) Regionally linked to North East Farming Futures (NEFF) Group Liaising with grower groups as WA Coordinator of Partners in Grain (PinG)

3. Some background on YFIG… Began in 2000. Up until 2008 was a boys club. 30 farm businesses. No staff. 1 cash sponsor. 240ha crop. Freedom to set its own agenda. HUGE impact locally through its – NETWORK – SUPPORT

4. Innovation on our farm 2008. Began investing into Controlled Traffic Farming. New to our area. New to us. Removed sheep. Removed fences. Discs on sandplain. Wide rows. Full stubble retention. Completely different in our area.

5. CTF Innovation & YFIG Having the network of growers & industry ensured discussion. YFIG peers questioned the concept. Tours allowed other to see our system & us to see others. Everyone wanted to monitor & measure changes. YFIG & DAFWA soil renovation trial. CTF interest from further afield.

6. The importance of a NETWORK … Encourages growers to share ideas & learn from each other. – Step outside your own business & family thinking – See, hear & question other growers successes, failures and ideas – Relate it back to your own business to implement Connects different people. – Across generations, areas, farming systems, social circles – Encourages group projects, collaboration & support for common goals

7. … The importance of a NETWORK Provides forums – Field Days & Field Walks – Update Days – Seminars & Training – Events run by a group seek outcomes (unlike social discussions) Links to industry – Groups can access support that individuals can’t. – Groups are easier to partner with than individuals. – Bring expertise to the area.

8. Funds – Self-funded or accessing funding, it all helps growers improve and innovate – Enables research projects & other opportunities – Enables paid coordination of a group Coordination – Having someone responsible ensures things get done – Growers are too busy with the ‘everyday’ – Makes it easy for growers to attend without organising The importance of SUPPORT …

9. … The importance of SUPPORT Shared Infrastructure – Bus. Weigh trailer. – Soil Moisture Probes. Deep Soil Sampler – Portable Cool Room. Pizza Oven. Marquee. – Yuna Community Centre: $120,000

10. Summing up Innovation on Farms I see the process of innovation as: 1.Discuss 2.Evaluate 3.Decide 4.Act Through NETWORKS & SUPPORT grower groups can play a really important role in helping growers with the first 2 steps. The next 2 steps are up to the individual grower. The majority of growers are always innovating.

11. Current YFIG business … Low rainfall agronomist Finalise the Community Centre Regional project with NEFF Crop establishment techniques Summer weeds booklet Secretary remuneration Grower tour

12. Grower groups do play a role in fostering innovation. The scope of that role depends on the group. Bigger is not always better. Industry needs to see groups (& growers) as partners with common goals. Grower groups need to remember their purpose – to provide opportunities to members. Don’t forget the growers who don’t have direct access to a group. Take home messages…

13. THANK YOU