Programs

OUR PROGRAMS are HELPing PEOPLE ACROSS the region

Riverine Plains delivers a variety of programs that aim to increase opportunities for people involved in farming, or who are in the early stages of their agricultural careers. Our suite of programs sits separately to our traditional production-based projects, with each having a well-defined people or business focus.

Riverine Plains’ programs aim to bring people together in a way that supports strong and connected communities. Peer and mentor networks are incredibly important in agriculture, and our program events are designed to help people meet, explore new ideas, and come up with solutions to real-world problems.

For example, finding good staff can be difficult given the seasonal nature of work on the farm and the distance from major centres. Our programs aim to help local faming businesses attract and retain skilled staff to support their production and business needs, through practical training in safety and people management, communication and business processes.

Managing farm businesses efficiently, professionally and sustainably requires farm owners and managers to be across many areas of administration, governance and finance. Our programs are specifically designed to support awareness of farm risk and risk mitigation strategies, as well as access to current and future local and global markets.

Youth in Ag

Riverine Plains is empowering the next generation of agricultural leaders. Learn how our Youth in Ag Program is benefitting young people in agriculture, through our program of events, scholarships and student membership.

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Ladies Lunch

Riverine Plains celebrates International Rural Women’s Day over a gourmet lunch. Learn how this event connects and inspires rural women, with influential speakers sharing their stories and experiences of rural communities.

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Better Business

Riverine Plains is committed to building capacity in our farming community. The Better Business program is building skills for farm business managers across the vital areas of the financial, governance and human resource management.

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OUR PROJECTS

Our research and extension projects are providing solutions to complex agricultural issues, to help farmers solve their practical and business challenges.

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Diagnosis frameworks for multiple and complex soil constraints

This project will help Australian farmers identify and ameliorate constrained soils, helping to improve soil health and productivity.
Link between cereal stubble, subsurface acidity and crown rot

Good seasons, stubble retention and tight cereal rotations have favoured a build-up of Fusarium crown rot in the Riverine Plains. Crown rot can cause significant yield loss, and we are investigating the potential link between it, subsurface acidity and different stubble management techniques.
Machine learning for managing soil constraints

This project aims to develop a computer-based technology to help farmers find tailored solutions when managing multiple soil constraints like sodicity, acidity, and salinity. The aim is to increase productivity and profitability using precise, data-driven strategies.
Building soil resilience & carbon through plant diversity

This project is identifying ways to build resilient soils and enhance carbon stocks in cropping systems, using a range of species in cover cropping and companion crop plantings.
Visualising Australasia’s soils

This project is increasing the knowledge and understanding of local soils, helping researchers to develop ideas to improve the sustainability of farms in the Riverine Plains.
Assessing soil water storage

The project will assist farmers in improving water and resource use in crops grown on soils with constraints.
Optimising soils and available water to improve drought resilience

This project aims to show how farmers can use legumes, early sowing and nitrogen banking to safeguard the natural capital of soils for environmental and economic sustainability.
Rewarding soil stewardship

This project is connecting soil scientists, farmers and the finance sector to review the benefits, costs and uncertainties related to different soil stewardship practices, as well as the available returns from different markets and sources.
Strategies to help with nitrogen decisions

Better matching nitrogen supply with demand, by maintaining soil mineral nitrogen levels at a pre-determined level.
Soil extension activities

Supporting farmers to improve their soil health in the Riverine Plains.