Gabrielle Duykers, Naracoorte Community News
Localised farm trials in the Limestone Coast and western Victoria will be significantly reduced after a research and innovation body chose to reprioritise its spending.
The MacKillop Farm Management Group (MFMG) helps deliver research on sustainable farming practices to locals in the broadacre cropping and livestock industry, encouraging them to use the information to benefit their business.
Historically, MFMG used funds from its members to conduct variety trials in areas throughout the region where there are either no National Variety Trial sites, where nearby trial sites have different growing conditions to those on members’ farms, or to conduct specific cropping trials as selected by the committee.
Earlier this month the group announced it would cease funding these trials indefinitely, citing rising running and management costs.
MFMG chief executive officer Meg Bell said while it may come as a disappointment to members, it was the “most responsible” decision given the circumstances.
“We can utilise members’ funds in other more useful ways such as funding events and a broader range of activities across all enterprise types,” Ms Bell said.
“We’ve got some more flexibility to be able to invest in things as they arise, and we’ll decide those when we identify issues or topics that are in our members’ interest.”
The MFMG was formed in 1998 and currently has more than 350 active members.
Ms Bell clarified that the organisation would continue its involvement in research initiatives and other trials when it was able to secure industry funding.
“We will still serve a purpose in the facilitation of research, just not actually doing it ourselves,” she said.
“Our job will be making sure that the research is right for our area and right for our membership base,” she said.
The group is currently collaborating or assisting with about 30 trials or research projects, including grain, oilseed, and pulse trials, as well as soil research and livestock extension.
Data from the various case studies is made available online, and results are also presented through forums or crop walks at trial sites. These events often feature guest speakers from leading research institutions who give growers an insight into the results as well as emerging innovation projects within the sectors.
Ms Bell said the MFMG was committed to keeping relevant parties informed on the latest developments in sustainable farming practice.
“We’re there to make sure that cutting-edge research is extended out to farmers, and they know about it in their area, and that they’ve got the skills to be able to implement some of those research outcomes on farm,” she said.
This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.
