🐑 Agenda Released! The program for Beyond the Flock is here. Join producers, researchers and industry experts for a full day of practical insights, emerging technologies and future-focused discussion. ✔ Future Wool updates ✔ Water technology demonstrations ✔ SafeSheds ✔ Workforce solutions ✔ Lamb containment economics ✔ eID & precision sheep management ✔ WA sheep industry roadmap to 2028 📅 Monday 22 June 2026 🕚 11:00am – 6:00pm 📍 Wickepin Community Centre Take a look at the agenda and join us as we explore what's next for sheep enterprises in WA. 🔗 Register or find out more: bit.ly/42WptAs #growergroups #localagresearch #BeyondTheFlock #WAAgriculture #WaterSmartDams #WaterEvaluationPlatform #FarmWaterManagement #DroughtResilience #NationalHeritageTrust #UWA @ag_southwestnrm @ausgov @woolinnovation @Faceygroup

Something exciting is on the horizon 🌅 📅 Save the Date | @Faceygroup Rural Women's Day 2026 Thursday, 6th August 🌟 Rise • Lead • Inspire 🌟 A day to connect, learn and celebrate the women making a difference across regional and rural Australia. Proudly sponsored by @CSBPfertilisers Stay tuned for more details. #growergroups #localagresearch #RuralWomensDay #WomenInAg #RiseLeadInspire #SaveTheDate #WomenCelebratingWomen

💧Water security is becoming an increasingly important part of farm planning. At Beyond the Flock, Professor Nik Callow from the UWA Centre for Water & Spatial Science (CWSS) will share the latest in farm water management, including key findings from the WaterSmart Dams project & a live demonstration of the Water Evaluation Platform (WEP). This practical session will cover: ✔️ Key learnings from WaterSmart Dams ✔️ Emerging on-farm water management technologies ✔️ Strategies to improve water security & drought resilience ✔️ A live, interactive WEP demonstration Bring along a laptop or iPad to join in the demonstration. A limited number of iPads will also be available for shared use on the day. Register here ✍️ bit.ly/42WptAs Proudly brought to you by @SouthWestNRM FEAST2030 project, supported by the @AusGov through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program. Supported by @woolinnovation & @FaceyGroup #growergroups #localagresearch #BeyondTheFlock #WaterSmartDams #WaterEvaluationPlatform #FarmWaterManagement #DroughtResilience #WAAgriculture #WaterSecurity #NationalHeritageTrust #CentreforWaterandSpatialScience #CWSS @UWANews

👋One Farewell, One Welcome ... A fond farewell to Irene Digard, who is off to Melbourne for an exciting new opportunity. Thanks for everything you've contributed to @FaceyGroup, Irene—we wish you all the best for the future! 👏 At the same time, we're pleased to welcome Ritika Menon to the team as our new AgREC. A UWA Agricultural Science and Genetics graduate, Ritika is passionate about connecting research with practical farming outcomes and is looking forward to working with growers and researchers across our region. Join us in thanking Irene and welcoming Ritika to Facey Group! 👋 #growergroup #newstaff #farewell #FaceyGroupTeam #everchanging #alwaysgrowing #alwaysstriving #agresearch

After 30mm of rain earlier this year… the paddock is already showing signs of change 🌱👀 We revisited the @WANTFA soil amelioration demo site after rain to see what was happening below the surface — and the difference was hard to ignore. ✔️ Easier digging ✔️ More open soil ✔️ Improved infiltration ✔️ Clear changes following the HORSCH Tiger MT pass Even more interesting, the @theGRDC soil-borne diseases team from DPIRD were on site investigating whether soil amelioration could also help disrupt fungal disease loads. This is where demos turn into real discovery 🔍🌾 #FaceyGroup #SoilAmelioration #SoilHealth #GRDC #DPIRD #WANTFA #WAgrains #AgResearch

Supporting the next generation of agricultural researchers is an important part of building a stronger future for regional WA 🌱 Last week, @FaceyGroup had the pleasure of hosting WAARC Honours student Joel Tinetti through the WA Agricultural Research Collaboration and Grower Group Alliance Honours Partnership Program. Joel spent the day assisting with seeding operations, completing crop emergence counts, and gaining hands-on experience in applied grain research across the Wheatbelt. We also had the opportunity to hear Joel present on his Honours project, which explores how different enzyme combinations used in oat milk production influence quality parameters and end-product characteristics. It was a fascinating insight into the science behind value-added agriculture and food innovation, and a great example of the diverse research pathways connected to WA grain industries. Programs like this play an important role in strengthening connections between growers, industry and universities across regional WA, while supporting emerging researchers to gain valuable industry experience. Thanks, Joel, for your enthusiasm and contribution to the team 🌾 #WAARC #GGA #HonoursPartnershipProgram #WAAgriculturalResearchCollaboration #GrowerGroupAlliance #OatMilk #enzymes #industryconnections #agresearch @WAAgCollab @GGA_WA

🐑 The future of WA’s sheep industry starts here. Join growers, industry leaders & researchers at Beyond the Flock for an afternoon of practical insights, hands-on workshops & real conversations about what’s next for the sheep industry in WA. Hot topics include: 🌧️ WaterSmart Dams Water Evaluation Tools 🐑🗺️ The Future Flock & WA Sheep Roadmap Plus workshops covering SafeSheds Systems, Containment Modelling, & eID & NLIS updates followed by a relaxed sundowner. 📅Mon 22 June⏰ 11am – 6pm📍 Wickepin Community Centre Event proudly brought to you by @ag_southwestnrm FEAST2030 project, supported by the @AusGov through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program. Supported by @woolinnovation & @FaceyGroup #growergroups #localagresearch #BeyondTheFlock #WhatsNextForWASheep #SafeSheds #WaterSmartDams #NaturalHeritageTrust #TheFutureFlock #WASheepRoadmap #WaterEvaluation #ClimateSmartAgricultureProgram

🚨 FARM BUSINESS TRANSITION PROGRAM — ROUND 2 NOW OPEN 🚨 WA sheep producers can now apply for funding through Round 2 of the Farm Business Transition Program, open until 15 July 2026. These grants are designed to assist individuals, businesses and communities to confidently plan and adapt to laws passed by the Australian Parliament to end live sheep exports by sea from 1 May 2028. Funding of up to $75,000 is available for: ✔ Infrastructure upgrades ✔ Equipment purchases ✔ Alternative farming systems ✔ Innovation & new management practices ✔ Training & business planning If you’re considering applying, now is the time to review the program guidelines and eligible activities. 🔗 Find program information, eligibility details and application resources here: agriculture.gov.au/biosecuri…

🚜☣️REMINDER — AUSCHEM Skill Set Course in Wickepin There’s still time to register for the upcoming AUSCHEM Skill Set Course. 📅 Tues 9th & Wed 10th June 2026 🕗 8:30am – 4:00pm 📍 Wickepin Community Centre This nationally recognised training is ideal for people working in industry who handle & use chemicals as part of their role. Successful participants will complete: ✔️ AHCCHM304 – Transport and Store Chemicals ✔️ AHCCHM307 – Prepare and Apply Chemicals to Control Pests, Weeds and Disease 💲 FREE to attend 📘 Course textbook available for purchase: $75 🥪 BYO lunch and snacks To register or find out more, email admin@faceygroup.org.au #ChemicalSafety #AUSCHEM #FarmSafety #ChemicalHandling #Wickepin #AgricultureTraining #growergroups #localagresearch @CRTAFE @FaceyGroup

Applying #phosphorous (P) fertiliser to high P fixing soils will result in it being locked up and converted into forms that plants can’t easily absorb. It means plants can’t get the nutrient they need, reducing yields by up to 50%, and lowering the return on your fertiliser investment. A new 4-year GRDC project, led by @VicGovAg, brings together grower groups, advisers and university researchers from SA, Vic and WA to strengthen confidence in P management in these soil types. Want to find out more? bit.ly/4ultZ7m @BCropGroup @AgSolutionsOz @FaceyGroup @AIREP @DirtSouthern @uwanews @latrobe @AgCommunicators Trengove Consulting @SEPWA_ag Adelaide University #HighPFixingSoils

🤔 Can we sow oats earlier while still managing frost risk? That’s the question we’re exploring in our 2026 Time of Sowing Oats Trial, delivered as part of the @TheGRDC RiskWi$e initiative. The trial has kicked off with early oats sown at two different times. The first sowing, planted on 17 April, has established well, followed by a second sowing last week into moisture-holding soils. Earlier sowing can increase biomass and yield potential, but it can also push flowering into higher frost-risk windows. Across the season, we’ll be tracking: 1️⃣ Crop development and flowering timing 2️⃣ Frost exposure during the reproductive period 3️⃣ Impacts on yield and stability This work is helping build local evidence for oats in time-of-sowing strategies, while also growing @FaceyGroup's capacity to deliver more regional trials under commercial conditions using our own seeder. We’ll keep sharing updates as the season unfolds 👀 #GRDC #RiskWise #TimeOfSowing #FrostManagement #growergroups #localagresearch

🌾 How are deep sown oats performing so far this season? Check out how the @TheGRDC Evaluating Deep Sowing of Oats in WA Production Systems trial is progressing with @FaceyGroup CEO Tina Astbury, just two weeks after sowing. Following sowing at three different depths into moisture — & with a rainfall event afterwards — we’re seeing excellent establishment across the trial site. This research project is exploring whether oats can be sown deeper than usual to access stored summer moisture, helping create earlier sowing opportunities across WA’s wheatbelt. Current 2026 research is also investigating varying herbicide practices & their effects on crop establishment & performance. 📽️ Watch the video below & stay tuned for more project updates as the season progresses 🌱 Visit our website for full project information 👉 faceygroup.org.au #GRDC #Oats #DeepSowing #ChasingMoisture #BroadacreFarming #WAAgriculture #DrySowing #AgResearch #FaceyGroup #growergroups #localagresearch

Join MLA for a webinar sharing findings from four years of research for the SheepLinks Feed365 project in WA. Lead researchers, DPIRD's Daniel Real and Paul Sanford, will cover: ✅Carrying capacity increases from ~9DSE/ha for winter and spring, to 10 DSE/ha all year round ✅Which pasture and forage mixes performed best across key seasonal feed gaps ✅How alternative species can help manage variable seasons and smooth feed supply 📅11 June, 2026 ⏰12.00pm [noon] AWST 🔗Register here ow.ly/nM4Y50YXijQ

AUSCHEM Skill Set Course 📅 Tues 9th & Wed 10th June 2026 🕗 8:30am – 4:00pm 📍 Wickepin Community Centre Due to strong local interest, this will be the second AUSCHEM course offered in Wickepin this year — it's great to see so many people prioritising chemical safety 👏 This intensive program is designed for people working in industry who are required to handle & use chemicals as part of their role. Successful completion provides nationally recognised units: AHCCHM304 – Transport and Store Chemicals AHCCHM307 – Prepare and Apply Chemicals to Control Pests, Weeds and Disease FREE to attend Course textbook available for purchase: $75 🥪 BYO lunch and snacks For more information or to register, email admin@faceygroup.org.au #ChemicalSafety #Upskill #AUSCHEM #ChemicalHandling #ChemicalStorage #FarmSafety #PestControl #WeedControl #DiseasePrevention #growergroups #localagresearch #CentralRegionalTAFE @FaceyGroup

📰 FACEY CONNECT is back for Edition Two! Fresh look, sharper format, same valuable insights 💪 We’ve made it even easier to stay in the loop—quick to read, simple to navigate, and now delivered monthly so you get timely updates on research, industry trends, and what matters most right now. 👉 Dive into April's edition here: bit.ly/4t5HvLd #growergroups #localagresearch #agriculture #farminginnovation #researchimpact #grainindustry #agupdates #FaceyConnect #ENews #newsletter #relevant @FaceyGroup

Out with @Living_Farm last week preparing to seed oats for the @TheGRDC NGN Evaluating deep sowing of oats in WA production systems 🌱 Led by @FaceyGroup in partnership with @MADFIG14, this project is taking a closer look at how oats establish under challenging sowing conditions across WA production systems. Conditions aren’t ideal for deep seeding, but with rain on the way we’re hopeful for establishment across all depths. Every season brings its challenges—and opportunities to learn. This year’s focus is on digging deeper into herbicide impacts, building on the strong variety work from the past two seasons. Looking forward to seeing how it all comes together in the paddock. Find out more HERE bit.ly/4u1pGh1 #growergroups #localagresearch #deepsownoats #oats #GRDC #LivingFarm #MADFIG #croppingprojects #growergroupsworkingtogether

🐑 Sheep growers ... this one’s for you 🐑 Save the date for BEYOND THE FLOCK, a hands-on day focused on what’s next for sheep enterprises in WA. From water planning & eID to containment systems & industry direction, this event brings together practical insights & emerging tools you can apply on-farm. 📅 22 June 2026 📍 Details to follow More information coming soon. #NaturalHeritageTrust #sheep #livestock #BeyondTheFlock #WhatsNextForSheep #growergroups #localagresearch #WoolGrowers #WALamb @Ausgov @faceyGroup @southwestnrm @AWIExtensionWA @woolinnovation

📢 @FaceyGroup is on the lookout! 💡 Are you passionate about agriculture and making a difference in the paddock? 🌱 We’re hiring a full-time Agricultural Research & Extension Coordinator to help deliver local trials, support growers, and drive innovation across our region. 👩‍🌾 Be part of hands-on research 🤝 Build strong connections with growers & industry 🌾 Help shape practical, on-farm outcomes If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and make an impact where it counts, we’d love to hear from you 🌱 Read the full position description here 👉🏻 bit.ly/4cdS6yx #agriculturejobs #ruralcareers #agresearch #extensionwork #farminnovation #australianagriculture #careersinag #growerengagement #sustainablefarming #growergroups #localagresearch

Ahhh Easter… seafood feasts, too much chocolate, quality family time… & maybe a quick dash to the paddock after some welcome rain 🌧️🚜 It’s also often a time when families are all together — & those moments can open the door to important conversations. Our recent Farm Succession Planning workshop, hosted by @FaceyGroup & facilitated by Peter Cooke & Nicol Taylor (#AgKnowledge), saw a strong turnout of local families tackling one of agricultures toughest topics. With a practical workbook & focus on real issues like education costs, land separation & retirement, participants had open honest discussions & left with clear tailored action plans. Did Easter spark a succession conversation with your family? It’s not one-size-fits-all — it’s a process. Ready to take the next step? Contact Peter Cooke from the AgKnowledge team: 📞 0417 953 957 ✉️ cookes@iinet.net.au #growergroups #localagresearch #FaceyGroup #FarmSuccession #MtBurdettFoundation #WAgriculture #FamilyFarms #FutureFarming #RuralCommunities #AgLeadership #RealConversations #PracticalSteps #FutureFocused

Ahhh Easter… seafood feasts, too much chocolate, quality family time… & maybe a quick dash to the paddock after some welcome rain 🌧️🚜 It’s also often a time when families are all together — & those moments can open the door to important conversations. Our recent Farm Succession Planning workshop, hosted by @FaceyGroup & facilitated by Peter Cooke & Nicol Taylor (#AgKnowledge), saw a strong turnout of local families tackling one of agricultures toughest topics. With a practical workbook & focus on real issues like education costs, land separation & retirement, participants had open honest discussions & left with clear tailored action plans. Did Easter spark a succession conversation with your family? It’s not one-size-fits-all — it’s a process. Ready to take the next step? Contact Peter Cooke from the AgKnowledge team: 📞 0417 953 957 ✉️ cookes@iinet.net.au #growergroups #localagresearch #FaceyGroup #FarmSuccession #MtBurdettFoundation #WAgriculture #FamilyFarms #FutureFarming #RuralCommunities #AgLeadership #RealConversations #PracticalSteps #FutureFocused