Packed program brings more Ag expertise and training to EP farmers

Improving drought resilience, empowering local communities to create positive change, and managing unique soil challenges are all part of a packed program for AIR EP during 2025.

AIR EP Executive Officer Naomi Scholz says 2025 will be another big year for the farmer-driven organisation, with events, programs and research activities set to continue driving on-farm improvements and agricultural industry growth on the Eyre Peninsula.

“We’re excited to get to work on delivering initiatives that will give Eyre Peninsula producers new skills and knowledge they can apply directly to their on-farm operations,” Ms Scholz said.

“Recent dry conditions present a challenge and we’ll be working with the industry to plan for future drought resilience, as well as tailoring our workshops to respond to the conditions.”

AIR EP’s packed calendar of events and activities will kick off with the popular Pre-sowing Member Days next month in Wirrulla (11 February), Kimba (12 February) and Ungarra (13 February).

They’ll explore key topics to prepare for the growing season including the current water and nitrogen status across various EP locations, lessons learned from 2024, nutrition strategies, pulses and soil amelioration, what to watch out for with herbicide residues, and reducing frost risk.

Dry Saline Soil Workshops planned for Ceduna, Minnipa and Buckleboo in March will bring experts including Dr Chris McDonough.

Producers will also hear from Dr Sean Mason on variable rate technology and how they can better target their inputs to manage costs, especially following a low-production year.

“Our Pre-sowing Member Days and Dry Saline Soil Workshops will give farmers information and advice specific to our EP conditions that they can take into planning their approach to seeding for the 2025 growing season,” Ms Scholz said.

“Considering topics such as soil management strategies and fertiliser rates to maximise the chances of a successful season will be front of mind for farmers looking to recover from 2024’s drier conditions and lower yields.”

In conjunction with the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, AIR EP will deliver a series of Changemaker Workshops in June, which aim to empower locals to overcome challenges facing their communities.

Participants in the two-day workshops will go on to help create positive change for the benefit of others in their area.

AIR EP is also responding to increasing interest in carbon farming, with workshops planned at six locations aimed at introducing producers to the concept – and the opportunities available.

“There’s both interest in and caution about carbon farming, so these workshops will get down to basics to introduce farmers to what it’s all about,” Ms Scholz said.

“It will help them to start thinking about their carbon footprint and guide them through the minefield of measuring and managing that.

Importantly, there are also opportunities for our producers in this area, so we want to demystify the issue and get them thinking about some of the benefits as well.”

The finalisation of the EP Drought Resilience Plan is also a high priority. AIR EP is working with Regional Development Australia Eyre Peninsula and other local experts on the regional plan, which will provide valuable strategies to assist the EP’s agricultural sector to weather years of low rainfall or drought.

“Recent drier-than-average conditions are a reminder of the importance of this work, and it will be timely to have the plan finalised this year,” Ms Scholz said.

“We’re encouraged by the number of organisations, producers, researchers and ag industry experts who have all provided input into the creation of the plan so far.

We’re all heavily invested in developing a strategy that safeguards and supports our industry through the very real challenges of drought.”

With a focus on continuing to provide the latest in agricultural research to EP farmers and producers, AIR EP will also start the process of updating its Strategic Plan.

The current plan ends in 2026, making this year the ideal time to create a new five-year map of future priorities.

“AIR EP exists to support our EP farmers with research, development and education that meets their changing needs.

While we’ve achieved a lot over the current five-year plan, there’s still plenty to explore in terms of new and ongoing research, knowledge-sharing and practical support, training and guidance for those working across the EP’s agricultural sector,” Ms Scholz said.

“We want to make sure that our new Strategic Plan captures and responds to the needs of growers, producers, researchers and industry members – and identifies opportunities to support the future viability, productivity and sustainability of the sector.”

AIR EP membership provides access to education, training and extension opportunities for EP farmers, as well as the latest results of applied research undertaken specifically on the EP in response to local industry challenges, needs and opportunities.

For more information about AIR EP or to become a member, visit the website at AIR EP.