GRDC Grower Relations Manager West Luke Dawson said the NGN is the ‘front door’ for growers and advisers to engage with GRDC. Photo: GRDC
The GRDC popular Summer Sesh forums for Western Australia are back in January 2025.
Forums will take place in Emu Point, Dunsborough and Cervantes on January 13, 14 and 16, 2025.
The events are part of GRDC’s National Grower Network (NGN), which supports practice change by involving growers and advisers in the design and delivery of locally relevant research, development and extension (RD&E) investments.
Through the NGN, GRDC listens to growers to understand and address the constraints and opportunities on their farms, working to increase the profitability and sustainability of their businesses.
GRDC Grower Relations Manager – West Luke Dawson described the NGN as the ‘front door’ for growers and advisers to engage with GRDC and an opportunity to share insights and challenges.
“GRDC’s Summer Sesh forums are timed to coincide with grain growers’ January holiday break and are a fantastic opportunity to get together for a drink and a chat with GRDC,” Mr Dawson said.
“The National Grower Network provides a collaborative space for growers, advisers and grain industry professionals to highlight some of the biggest challenges on WA farms and explore RD&E opportunities in these areas.
“The ideas raised at the forums are prioritised by participants, documented by GRDC, and provide a basis to build on or create of new RD&E investments such as local trials. Other issues go on to become national, long term research projects.”
Speakers at the Summer Sesh forums include Tim Neale of DataFarming, an agtech business based in Queensland. Photo: Tim Neale
Guest speakers at next year’s forums include:
- Tom Holcombe, WA & SA Portfolio Manager with SwarmFarm Robotics. Tom has a background in agriculture and engineering, and he has been instrumental in developing SwarmFarm's technology and delivering its first machines to customers.
- Tim Neale, co-founder and Managing Director of DataFarming, an agtech business based in Queensland. Tim has over 25 years of experience in agriculture and was named Australian Agricultural Consultant of the Year in 2018.
The forums will be held at the following locations:
Complimentary food and refreshments will be provided.
For more information or to register, visit the events listing on the GRDC website or contact Rural Edge on admin@ruraledge.org.au.