More than 35 scientists, researchers and farming systems group representatives travelled to Birchip last week for a RiskWi$e field trip that was widely regarded as a highlight of the national project meeting being held in Bendigo.
The visit followed the annual RiskWi$e conference in Bendigo and provided delegates from across Australia with a firsthand look at farming systems in the Wimmera Mallee, as well as the opportunity to hear directly from local growers about how they make decisions in the face of risk and uncertainty.
BCG plays a leading role in the GRDC initiative RiskWi$e in south-eastern Australia and the Birchip field trip reinforced the strength of BCG’s connection to farmers, its practical research capability and its influence across the national grower group network. The visit was also a reminder that groups from across Australia continue to look to BCG for inspiration, ideas and leadership in applied agricultural research and extension.
A highlight of the field trip was being welcomed into the homes of local farming families for dinner. Over Mallee lamb and conversation, participants gained insight into the realities of farming in north west Victoria and the importance of trusted local networks in supporting confident decision-making.
The following day, the group visited BCG’s Main Site at the property of Trevor Grogan. BCG’s Senior Research Agronomist Angus Butterfield discussed the CSRIO led Profitable Yield Frontier project, BCG Research Agronomist, Ben Edelsten showed visitors the Durum trial where the economics of a new Durum variety is being tested in a Mallee environment and BCG Research Agronomist Zoe Wilson discussed work she is undertaking looking at multiple end uses for a number of wheat varieties as part of her Hugh D.T. Williamson scholarship.
The tour continued to BCG’s Enhanced Efficiency Fertiliser nitrogen trial, where local grower Paul Barclay reflected on his appetite for risk and his experiences making nitrogen decisions in volatile conditions.
Participants then travelled to Wirrabilla Farms, now run by David and De Ferrier at Jil Jil. The group heard from John and Robyn Ferrier, De and David Ferrier, Greg Kuchel from Planfarm Advisory and Rik Maatman from Nutrien Ag. The panel explored succession, nitrogen management in recent months, and the way the business approaches major investment decisions.
Daniel Kidd from the Grower Group Alliance said the visit provided valuable insight into how farming families make decisions across generations.
“It was fascinating to hear how two generations of the same family tackle risk differently, yet are guided by the same principles that have helped build a successful farming business,” he said.
The field trip concluded with a farm tour, where participants looked closely at machinery and infrastructure to better understand how the operation runs on the ground.
The national RiskWi$e conference in Bendigo, brought together experts from across Australia to explore how growers make decisions under uncertainty and how the industry can better support confident, informed decision-making. Presentations covered nitrogen management, soil amelioration, machinery investment and the role of behavioural science in helping growers understand and navigate risk.
BCG’s Dr Yolanda Plowman presented on grower decision-making and decision fitness. Her presentation drew on interviews and monthly check-ins conducted over 12 months with 14 growers, exploring how they manage risk and uncertainty within their farming businesses.
To build on the presentation Yolanda facilitated a panel discussion with three local farmers, who shared their own approaches to managing risk, making major decisions and learning through experience. The session was well received by attendees, who valued the opportunity to hear directly from growers about how risk is managed in practice.
The overall visit provided an invaluable opportunity for researchers, advisers, grower groups and farmers to exchange ideas and strengthen the connection between research and practical on-farm decision-making.
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RiskWi$e is a five-year, $30 million national initiative running from 2023 to 2028. It aims to help Australian grain growers navigate increasing levels of risk from weather variability and price volatility. By improving understanding of the risk-reward relationships in on-farm management decisions, RiskWi$e supports growers to make informed, confident choices that maximise rewards and minimise potential losses.
RiskWi$e is conducted in partnership with grower groups, six action research group leads, research and extension partners, CSIRO and the Grains Research and Development Corporation. BCG is leading RiskWi$e work on the Decision Making and Machinery Investment Workshop.
Find out more at www.bcg.org.au/riskwise
