The 2024 season brought significant challenges for farmers across the district however for most we are hopeful it was a better year. Wet, then dry conditions at the start of the growing season disrupted operations as did significant but variable rainfall during late Spring. As always, our ever-efficient farmers adjusted seeding programs as needed, for some the areas cropped and for most, timing of key activities. Livestock producers faced additional difficulties with supplementary feeding requirements – reduced and uncertain stock prices and confidence low overall. Thankfully, winter brought improved seasonal conditions, better livestock pricing and recent increases in grain prices have boosted optimism as harvest progresses across the region.
Key Highlights from 2024
- March Crop Updates: Held in Mukinbudin, this event attracted over 100 attendees and provided valuable insights from carefully selected expert speakers. It fostered connections among farmers, with learnings from drier regions via the Drought Hub themed panel. It was another successful collaboration between MADFIG, GIWA and the organising committee. We also helped host National Grower Network Forums for GRDC across our region.
- NVT Field Trials: We supported Living Farm to continue their National Variety Trials in our area. We’ll be aiming to increase trial activities in 2025, by engaging with industry partners and researchers. We’re always looking for opportunities.
- Kununurra Tour: MADFIG’s 2023 tour to Kununurra was a standout event, showcasing inspiring collaboration among growers in the Ord Valley. A shared approach to pest and weed management was the key takeaway along with visits to see Heat tolerant grain trials that will ultimately benefit our Eastern Wheatbelt growers. Efforts to expand cotton production to support the local cotton gin was also mentioned along with great fishing!
Project Successes
MADFIG partnered with several organisations this year, including GGA, GRDC, DPIRD, MLA, FRRR, WNRM and a range of Grower Groups, working on various projects to support local growers. We developed new projects such as the Oats Depth trials with Facey and the beginnings of an Agribusiness Network and Mentoring project. For more details on our current projects, click here.
Another Successful AGM!
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to MADFIG’s recent Annual General Meeting.
- We were joined by Tanya Kilminster, Knowledge Broker for the SW WA Drought Hub (GGA), who shared updates on exciting funding opportunities. Pictured below with MADFIG Committee Member Doug McGinniss – thank you, Tanya!
- Glenice, our EO, provided updates on key projects, including the Carbon Farming Outreach Program – designed to build capacity and share information from an independent and trusted source.
- The committee for 2024/25 was confirmed, with no changes except for Dani Whyte stepping down after five years of excellent service. We are incredibly grateful for her dedication and look forward to her continued involvement with MADFIG. Thank you, Dani!
A Look Ahead to 2025
There’s plenty to look forward to next year, including:
- Annual Eastern Wheatbelt Round Table – February 6th
- GRDC NGN Forum at Beacon – February 18th
- Carbon Farming Outreach Workshops Community Workshop (contact us to host)
- WNRM Talkin’ Soil Health Symposium (York) and GRDC Regional Crop Update (Cunderdin) in March.
- FRRR Agribusiness Network/Mentoring Program
- SPAA Grain Automate Expo and Workshop (early July)
- Drought Hub activities and Demonstration project.
Wrapping Up 2024
- MADFIG Management Committee and staff have worked hard to continue to develop a grower group that is sustainable and fit for purpose with strong governance and process.
- We’ve considered multiple opportunities to bring research and adoption and extension of innovative research to the region. We realised developing one of our funding applications, that MADFIG membership area covers over 6 million square hectares of cropping land in the Eastern Wheatbelt. That’s an opportunity for a big impact! Our membership is open to landholders in the Shire of Merredin and surrounding districts within a 150km radius of the Merredin townsite. This allows producers within the Shires of Mt Marshall, Mukinbudin, Nungarin, Trayning, the Yilgarn, Westonia, Bruce Rock, Wyalkatchem, Tammin and Cunderdin to participate. Additionally, MADFIG has Associate Members – corporate and individual industry participants who provide additional value and expertise and can share research through their extended networks.
As the year winds down, we acknowledge the dedication and resilience of our members. Despite the challenges, progress has been made and the outlook for 2025 is bright.
Exciting things are happening and we can’t wait to share them with you!
Wishing all members, sponsors and supporters a safe and enjoyable festive season.
