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On-Farm Experimentation Community Info No. 39
Jul 14, 2025
Co-editor Newsletter. 39
Thanks to my co-editor of the month, Dr Christophe D’Abbadie, Research Scientist with Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Gov. of Western Australia (Australia).
Upcoming event: Climate Adaptation Conference, Perth July 23-25th 2025
Mark your calendars for this essential gathering focused on agricultural climate adaptation strategies and on-farm experimentation approaches. An opportunity for the Australian OFE community to share experiences, challenges, and innovations in climate-smart farming practices. Link to the event.
Farmers Lead Nematode Research in Australia's Food Bowl
Western Australian Carnarvon’s vegetable farmers are teaming up with scientists to take on root-knot nematodes threatening tomato and capsicum crops. This grower-led research blends science and local know-how to develop practical, climate-smart solutions. Read more here.
Revolutionizing Apple Growing Through On-Farm Trials
Western Australian apple growers are pioneering climate adaptation through innovative 2D orchard systems in a national five-year on-farm trial. Australian-bred cultivars are being tested across different training systems and rootstocks to optimize growth, light interception, and yield under changing climate conditions. This grower-scientist collaboration demonstrates how OFE can drive climate-resilient horticultural systems. Read this story here.
220+ On-Farm Grain Trials Now at Your Fingertips
Western Australia's extensive network of on-farm grain trials is now accessible through an interactive digital map, showcasing climate adaptation research from tropical Kununurra to temperate Esperance. The platform highlights how growers and scientists collaborate across diverse environments to tackle region-specific challenges including changing rainfall patterns, heat stress, and evolving pest pressures. Each trial connects users directly with research scientists, fostering the knowledge exchange essential for climate-adaptive farming. View the map here.
Pastoralists Pioneer Climate Adaptation Through OFE
Australian pastoralists are leading climate adaptation efforts through two groundbreaking on-farm experimentation projects in the rangelands. The Southern Rangelands Revitalization Project demonstrates how producers integrate land restoration with profitability under increasing climate variability, while Rain Ready Rangelands showcases safe stocking rate trials across extensive grazing systems. These case studies highlight the critical role of pastoralist-led experimentation in building drought resilience and sustainable grazing management. Read the full story here.
OFE resources: New Guide Empowers Farmers to Lead On-Farm Trials
Looking to run your own on-farm experiment? A new Producer-Led Trials Guide from the University of Tasmania offers step-by-step support for farmers planning, running, and interpreting their own trials. Although targeted to winegrape producers, it is packed with practical tips, checklists, and real-world examples, and is a valuable tool for farmers and facilitators across different cropping systems. Consult this new guide here.
This letter was prepared by Louis Longchamps, co-chair of the ISPA OFE Community
Should you have something to share with the Community or the Community leaders, let us know here.