Irrigation discussion groups

WHY THIS PROJECT IS NEEDED

GRDC have invested in a suite of irrigation research projects across the southern irrigation zones, including projects looking to develop and validate soil amelioration and agronomic practices for irrigated grain crops, as well as maximising the dollar return per megalitre of water.

To tie these research projects more closely with farmer needs, farmer-driven irrigation discussion groups have been established across the southern region to enable farmers to be more actively involved in the irrigated grains research process.

In short: This project links GRDC's irrigation research with local farmer-driven groups. Farmers collaborate, learn, and have the opportunity to shape local research to maximise water efficiency and profitability in irrigated grain farming systems.

This project aims to link new and innovative research investments by GRDC with local farmer-driven groups, to improve the adoption of practices that improve the efficiency and sustainability of irrigated crop production.

The project follows on from the Facilitated Action Learning Groups to support profitable irrigated farming project.

Project focus

This project supports irrigation farmers to learn from one-another and build new peer and industry networks. The group provides access to the latest research data and allows farmers to shape project trial work to ensure it is relevant and meeting local needs.

The discussion group also provides an opportunity for farmers to experiment with new techniques, research methods or the development of an idea through local focus paddock trials on a local property.

The Irrigation Discussion Group meets three times each year to discuss agronomy and soil trials in the region, as well as the implications of the research results at a local level. This feedback will ensure research delivered is relevant to farmers and farming businesses.