Enhancing productivity and profitability in farming systems in Central NSW

The investment aims to reduce yield gaps in the Central NSW sub-regions by addressing key farming decisions related to nutrition, crop protection, and planting. Activities will be tailored to local conditions, leveraging professional agronomists, research, and extension resources to enhance productivity and profitability. Hyper-yielding aspects and resource efficiencies will also be examined to understand environmental and sustainability aspects.

This investment will adopt a participatory approach with growers and advisors to identify and address issues most relevant to the targeted regions. The process will involve identifying constraints, referencing existing research, developing new practices, and implementing action plans. Monitoring and evaluating project outcomes through on-farm trials and demonstrations will be integral to this approach. Peer-to-peer learning and the guidance of research and consulting agronomists will help growers understand and implement necessary changes.

Regional strategies and localised action plans will be continually reviewed and refined to build growers' knowledge and confidence, promoting practice change and adoption. Extension activities will support knowledge for decision-making, utilising multiple channels such as field walks, presentations, webinars, and podcasts. A detailed monitoring and evaluation plan will measure progress and effectiveness, ensuring that activities are impactful for growers and align with the five-year goal of reducing yield gaps.