Thanks to everyone who attended our AGM and stayed on to provide feedback to the GrainGrowers team – it was a valuable exercise by all accounts. Coming on the back of the GRDC Western Panel / GRDC Chair visit, we’re really starting to make our presence felt. This is great news for our MADFIG Members and our Eastern Wheatbelt region.
The MADFIG Management Committee and Executive remain the same for 25/26, and we sincerely appreciate the team’s ongoing commitment. This year we have the added bonus of Kate Hayes-Thompson joining the Committee. Welcome, Kate!
Any Members who missed the AGM, contact us on admin@madfig.com.au and we’ll forward the package.
Summary of Recent Updates – October 2025
Low Rainfall Resilient Sheep Systems
MADFIG is proud to be a partner in the new Low Rainfall Resilient Sheep Systems project – one of only two WA projects funded in the latest round of the national Future Drought Fund. To make sure we’re focusing on the right priorities, we’re asking our sheep producers to complete a short baseline survey as we begin designing the project.
This survey is just for sheep producers. If you’d prefer a quick chat instead of filling it out online, simply email eo@madfig.com.au and we’ll give you a call.
Talking of Surveys – this one is important too! The Soil CRC is a little light on responses from the Wheatbelt and that’s not good for any of us! So, if you do get a break during harvest, please complete asap. You might have received a paper survey – if so, include the serial number if completing the survey online. No specific property or person will ever be identifiable in the reporting, so please complete the survey online.
Oat Depth Trials – we’d love to hear from anyone who trialled sowing their Oats deeper this year for a case study chat around our Oat Depth project. Contact Glenice on eo@madfig.com.au
LiveEx Transition funding secured.
MADFIG recently hosted GGA CEO Rikki Foss and Drought Hub Director Jo Wisdom at DPIRD Merredin. GGA has secured $4 million in LiveEx Transition funding, and MADFIG has lodged an Expression of Interest to be involved. Once details are confirmed, we’ll reach out to our Eastern Wheatbelt members to understand what matters most for your businesses.
Separately, a reminder there are two funding programs now open until December 1st for Farm Business’s and Livestock Transport. See below for the prerecorded webinars containing general information only. You can view the webinar recordings here:
Rhizoctonia research and sampling in WA Wheatbelt
The Centre for Crop and Disease Management (CCDM) at Curtin University is studying Rhizo, which is suspected is a big problem this year. They are requesting Rhizo samples as part of Mara Schaefer’s PhD (2025–2028), which aims to understand the pathogen’s genetic diversity across WA’s wheatbelt and its pathogenicity in wheat.
If you’d like a paddock sampled, we can send postage-paid sampling bags or, if there’s enough demand, arrange a local drop-off. Once samples are tested, they’ll notify you if Rhizo DNA tests are positive and whether Fusarium is present.
Please let us know if you are interested by emailing eo@madfig.com.au or contacting the CCDM team directly:
- Fatima Naim, Senior Research Fellow – fatima.naim@curtin.edu.au
- Mara Schaefer, Student – mara.schaefer@postgrad.curtin.edu.au
WildEye Rain Gauges, Weather Stations & Soil Probes
As part of our Drought Hub program and new project, Integrated Climate Data Driven Decisions for the Eastern Wheatbelt, we’ve negotiated a new deal on prices to extend our Wildeye Network.
Meg Gethin is currently reviewing all sites and checking equipment in the existing network – please assist her when she calls. Once this review is complete, we’ll email all members with details and options for a bulk order.
Not a Member – that’s ok – we’ve just confirmed at our AGM that it’s $100 per farming enterprise annually with up to four family contacts included. See our Membership webpage for eligibility and details. Great value and gets you into the network and in the know! New Members are always welcome so don’t hesitate to get involved.
For any questions or to express interest directly, contact Meg at droughthub@madfig.com.au
From all of us at MADFIG, we wish our members a safe and successful harvest.
