Western Australian growers taking a break down south in January are invited to attend the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) ‘Summer Sesh’ forums in Busselton, Bremer Bay and Dunsborough on January 9, 19 and 23.

Hosted as part of GRDC’s National Grower Network (NGN), the events are an opportunity to catch up with other grain growers and raise ideas about opportunities and constraints relevant to the industry.

Farm management consultant and Agrista director John Francis will speak at the ‘GRDC Summer Sesh’ event in Dunsborough. Photo: Agrista

GRDC western region grower relations manager Jo Wheeler said all growers, advisers and industry representatives are welcome to participate in the forums, which are free of charge.

“The facilitated forums will be very interactive, enabling participants to share their thoughts on priority areas for investment of grower levies by GRDC,” Ms Wheeler said.

“Each forum will discuss constraints affecting farm productivity and profitability and will identify opportunities for local GRDC research, development and extension support.

“It’s a great opportunity to have a say about GRDC investments and to raise ideas with GRDC staff in-person.”

This season’s events have a ‘farm to table’ component which will be presented by local breweries.

In Busselton, Shelter Brewing Co will present on ‘which barley makes the best beer’, while in Dunsborough Eagle Bay Brewing Co will present the story behind their Wheatbelt Lager, including how the barley for this popular line is sourced locally in WA.

Experience consultant Barry Mudge will present on de-risking farm decision making at the GRDC ‘Summer Sesh’ events in Busselton and Bremer Bay. Photo: Oli Le Lievre/GRDC

Participants will also hear from high profile guest speakers including Barry Mudge (Busselton and Bremer Bay) and John Francis (Dunsborough), who will speak on de-risking farm decision-making

Mudge’s 45-year career has seen him combine his on-farm experience with business acumen to help farm businesses build resilience in risky environments. His work has taken him from his family farm in Port Germein, South Australia, to working to support the adoption of conservation agriculture practices in north Africa and India.

Mr Francis is a director and farm management consultant at Agrista, based in southern NSW. After beginning his career as a jackaroo, Mr Francis obtained a degree in agricultural science and practiced as a public sector district agronomist for several years, before moving into farm management consultancy. He enjoys the continued new challenges working in the grains industry presents and is passionate about solving problems in agriculture.

The Summer Sesh events will be held from 4pm to 7pm on the following dates and locations:

• January 9, Shelter Brewing Co, 11 Foreshore Parade, Busselton
• January 16, Bremer Bay Sports Club, 142 Frantom Way, Bremer Bay
• January 23, Dunsborough Country Club, 40 Gifford Road, Dunsborough

For more information or to register, visit the events listing on the GRDC website or contact Rural Edge on 0401 090 286 or admin@ruraledge.org.au.