Southern Farming Systems (SFS) recently had the privilege of hosting a visit from Hon Julie Collins MP, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and GRDC Managing Director, Nigel Hart along with other notable guests on Thursday 3^rd October.  The visit was focused on the uncertain dry times in the region, current and future projects designed to assist growers during times of adverse conditions and the official opening of the SFS newly renovated facilities.

“SFS assist the strategic approach of the Victorian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub in building farm resilience beyond the crisis.” said SFS CEO Bret Ryan, illustrating the value of grower groups and their connection with local producers to form a greater understanding of the information required from research and extension, that leads to adoption of more resilient practices in the long term.  “Producers operate a diverse and complex farming system that has many factors out of their control, the farming system needs to be flexible and adaptable to change, which can only happen when empowered with knowledge and skills” said SFS Senior Research and Extension Officer, Greta Duff.

Through on ground research and extension SFS is able to provide producers with reliable relevant research-based information for their farming systems.  In 2023 SFS was fortunate to receive a GRDC Infrastructure grant, to upgrade their research facility and laboratory at the SFS Inverleigh site in south-west Victoria. Nigel Hart spoke of the GRDC infrastructure investment grant allowing investment from producer levies to build Australia’s long-term grains research capacity and support the enduring profitability of the nation’s grain producers.

Leading to the official ribbon cutting ceremony by Hon Julie Collins and GRDC Managing Director Nigel Hart, and SFS Chairman of the Board, Scott Chirnside, marking the official opening of the upgraded research facility.

“The SFS team are excited to have the infrastructure that directly benefits the farmers of south eastern Australia through a co-investment of over $700,000. This grain testing facility and other state-of-the-art equipment will better enable us to provide this accurate research information to the agricultural industry with the highest level of precision and productivity with the new equipment and facilities”, says SFS CEO Bret Ryan.

Photo Caption: SFS facilities ribbon cutting Hon Julie Collins, SFS Chairman of the Board, Scott Chirnside and GRDC Managing Director Nigel Hart.