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What started as a small group of progressive farmers has grown into a respected, farmer‑driven, not‑for‑profit organisation with a team of 15 dedicated staff.

In this video, we explore the story of SFS — how it evolved from grassroots collaboration into a trusted source of research, knowledge and on‑farm innovation. You’ll hear about the key milestones and achievements along the way, and how practical research has shaped real farming decisions across seasons, systems and regions.

We also look back at the moments where SFS was ahead of its time — asking the hard questions early, trialling new approaches on‑farm, and backing growers with evidence long before it was mainstream.

Whether you’re a farmer looking to stay ahead, an advisor supporting grower decisions, or simply interested in how research and practice come together, this conversation offers valuable insights into what makes farmer‑led research so powerful.

▶️ Watch Now to learn:

How SFS grew from farmers, for farmers

The role research has played in changing farming practices

Why early innovation matters in building resilient farm systems

Subscribe to stay connected with farmer‑driven research and real‑world insights.

Learn more about SFS: https://sfs.org.au/

Join or support SFS: https://sfs.org.au/forms/membership

Join Scott Chirnside, Col Hacking, Bruce Wilson and George Burdett as they reflect on the early days of Southern Farming Systems (SFS) and the motivations that brought it to life.

In this legacy video, our founders look back on what inspired growers in the high rainfall zones of South‑West Victoria to seek better answers for their farming systems—and to come together to form an independent, grower‑driven organisation focused on practical research and shared learning.

Thirty years on, SFS continues to deliver outcomes shaped by growers, for growers.

▶️ Watch, reflect, and celebrate the story behind SFS.

Learn more about SFS: https://sfs.org.au/

Join or support SFS: https://sfs.org.au/forms/membership

This webinar explores how farmers can be financially proactive during periods of uncertainty, with practical advice to support informed decision-making and business resilience.

Guest presenters Karen Brady and Matt Soul from Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria West share insights on:

Managing financial uncertainty in a farming context

Strengthening business planning and cash flow awareness

Available support services and practical next steps for farm businesses

This session is relevant for growers, farm managers, and anyone seeking guidance on navigating financial challenges in agriculture.

🔗More information on Uncertain Times https://sfs.org.au/project/uncertain-times-workshop-reset-recover-regenerate

Presented by Southern Farming Systems, South West Node of the Victorian Drought Resilience Adoption & Innovation Hub through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria West.

The webinar features leading Frost Research Expert Kelly Angel, BCG and local agronomists, discussing the latest research and approaches to managing frost on-farm. With SFS farmers sharing their experiences and ideas to direct future research investment.

Better Frost Decisions is an extension project that aims to assist farmers in frost-prone areas to make better-informed decisions to help farm businesses better manage (and reduce) the risk and impact from frost. Better Frost Decisions is part of a national GRDC investment through the project “Applying current knowledge to inform grower decision making to mitigate the impact of frost, now and in the future”, with Mallee sustainable Farming coordinating this project across the Southern Region.

XC & CT Canola Technologies IWM Trial at Southern Farming Systems Satellite Site.

This video presents the 2020 Pre-emergent Herbicide Trial at SFS Inverleigh Trial Site (Victoria, Australia) with Dr Chris Preston from the University of Adelaide focusing on strategies to maximise pre-emergent herbicide action and better control of late germinating annual ryegrass in crop.

This video presents Faba Bean Disease Management in 2020 at the SFS Hamilton Branch, Lake Linlithgow Trial Site (Victoria, Australia) with James Manson, SFS Senior Research & Extension Officer.

2020 Seasonal Canola Disease Update at the SFS Lake Bolac Trial Site with Steve Marcroft, Marcroft Grains Pathology.

SFS Winter Crop Walk Video Series has been developed in the response to improvements in our communications with members and partners and COVID-19 restrictions, you can't come to the trials we will bring the trials to you.