Established in 1993, the Birchip Cropping Group’s (BCG) initial objectives were to conduct cropping research in the southeast Mallee and share those outcomes with local grain growers so they could be applied almost immediately.
Held before sowing each year, Trials Review Day was – and still is – an event offering farmers the opportunity to learn about local research they can apply in their own paddocks or business. The purpose of this event remains largely unchanged and each year it continues to fill the room, drawing about 180 growers from across western Victoria.
Past publications were reviewed and reflections of past and present BCG team members and BCG farmer members were analysed to identify some of the key success factors. These included involving producers throughout the development process, providing a relevant program and structure, and making adjustments such as enabling online attendance.
Introduction
In 1992, a group of Birchip and district farmers who were keen to see agricultural research in their region established the Birchip Cropping Demonstration Sites (later to become BCG). Initially, their motivation was to see how grain varieties, pulse crops and agricultural products performed in local soils and conditions, and to share this information for the betterment of grain growers in the region. The following year, a local farmer donated land to host research trials. Canola and lentils were demonstrated in the southern Mallee for the first time and experts were asked to provide agronomic support to the group in establishing and managing agronomic trials. The initiative proved an exceptional success with more than 500 people attending the first field day, clearly demonstrating a thirst for local, farmer-driven agricultural research.
BCG has grown to more than 400 members and has established research trial sites across the Wimmera, Mallee and North Central Victoria, looking at all aspects of farmingsuch as agronomics, farming systems (including livestock), climate, plant nutrition, crop diseases, weed and pest management and risk management.
Trials Review Day is one of many events delivered each year by BCG and one of two flagship events, the other being the Main Field Day held on the second Wednesday of September.
Trials Review Day began as an ‘Update’ in 1997. The research gap identified by the BCG founders was one thing, but sharing the information with local farmers was the other important link. As then-Chairman, Ian McClelland, pondered in the February edition of the member newsletter in 2000: “It gives members the chance to really understand the important issues we are uncertain about”.
With that mindset, the purpose of Trials Review Day is to deliver the outcomes of the previous year’s research so it can be integrated into management decisions made in future years, while maintaining an ethos of innovation that drives prosperity in the region.
Method
An analysis of historic evaluations was undertaken as well as surveys targeting long-term Trials Review Day attendees and former staff. A review of BCG’s internal processes, established by the extension team, was also undertaken.
Program Development
A review of past programs reveals the topics included in the program are highly responsive to the season: ‘Rusts and diseases after wet seasons’ (2011), ‘Aerial Blackleg management’ (2020) or ‘Seeking solutions to the snail epidemic’ (2013).
Less often there is a reflective, bigger picture topic to discuss: ‘Do stock have a place in the Mallee cropping systems?’ (2001), ‘The agronomic, environmental, economic and co-existence impacts of GM canola’ (2014) and ‘Farming without glyphosate’ (2023).
Weather, soil moisture and climate outlooks are regular features of the program.
Ultimately, the topics presented in the program represent the research conducted by BCG which is shaped by its members. Topics delivered include pests and diseases, crop types, varieties, soil management, livestock, nutrition, weed management, new technology, and cropping systems approaches such as time of sowing, crop sequences and row spacings.
Having a balance between well-respected presenters and new “up and comers” (BCG staff) was also an important element. One former BCG staff member said the value was in “relevance/topical information, showcase(ing) BCG staff capability ie. they had skin in the game and observed the trials all year – credibility, results were presented in an understandable and applied manner, combination of deep-dive and short and sharp topics, brought in expertise where required but it really is a showcase of BCG capability”.
The program is also developed in consultation with two advisory committees (Mallee and Wimmera). These volunteer committees comprise farmer and advisors who meet regularly to discuss challenges and opportunities being experienced in their region. Research opportunities or extension activities are then identified by BCG staff, and the research shared at Trials Review Day reflects this.
What farmers want to know
Feedback and evaluation are undertaken in multiple forms, however the two most important are formal evaluations and personal conversations. Historically, the formal evaluations have been in written or electronic form and personal conversations are discussed and recorded at staff meetings. Feedback from the advisory committees, as previously mentioned, is also considered.
In a survey of attendees conducted in 2013, 72 per cent indicated they expect a combination of information from groups such as BCG, including varieties, weeds, farming systems, livestock and risk management.
Variety discussion is consistently a popular topic. In evaluation interviews conducted in 2011, one grower said “different results for varieties” was of value to them while another attendee said they were looking to “incorporate a new variety predominantly due to rust” (issues in the previous season) and appreciated the “expert opinion on varieties”.
The social aspect of the day is valued by attendees, so organisers put an emphasis on allowing time in the program for one-on-one interaction. Specifically, this means 30 minutes for morning tea, an hour for lunch and time for refreshments at the day’s close.
Attendees appreciate the opportunity to talk with other farmers, industry representatives, researchers and presenters. Respondents indicate, “lots of discussion”, “networking and what other people are thinking”, “talking with advisors from so many different areas” as important.
One of the long-term Trials Review Day attendees said: “getting like-minded people together and being able to ask questions of the panellists and researchers always provides good info”.
Local research for local farmers
In a survey of long-term attendees, it was identified as the “Best day of the year” and the “Best event” (offered by BCG).
In a survey of attendees conducted in 2013, 96 per cent indicate they perceived ‘independent ag research’ as either important, very important or essential ‘to their farm business’ (56 per cent indicated it as essential).
An important element of Trials Review Day is the release of the annual Season Research Results Compendium. This includes about 25 articles reflecting the research conducted by BCG each year.
Analysis of past programs revealed about 60 per cent of this research is presented at Trials Review Day by BCG staff. The remaining 40 per cent is research conducted in collaboration with BCG, but delivered by external presenters such as representatives from Agriculture Victoria or a University.
On average, 16 different topics are presented in any given Trials Review Day which offers attendees value for their investment of time.
Farmer to farmer learning
A popular addition has been the farmer discussion panel when farmer members share their reflections on the year and plans for the coming year. ‘Farmer to Farmer learning’ sessions at the start of the day remain popular.
Opportunities
While the format remains relatively unchanged – as one former staff member reflected “continue to hold this event, it is the only true Members Day and it has long standing success and value proposition for Members” – improvements are always being made to accommodate the audience’s evolving needs. Recent developments include providing the opportunity to attend online, and delivering the compendium electronically as well as in print.
Conclusions
The long-term success of Trials Review Day is underpinned by reliability (same time of year, before sowing), collaboration (invited speakers with a good reputation), social opportunities and the guarantee that local research will be delivered by the people who have been observing them all year.
The research is delivered in a format that is palatable, is supported by the research compendium and overs value for investment in time.
This event remains an effective way to share key research outcomes for immediate application on farm.
Acknowledgements
This event is supported by BCG membership.
Thank you to Kelly Angel and Janine Batters for contributing to this article.
Thank you to BCG members and former staff for their assistance in providing feedback.
