Insights from the International Rangelands Congress
Pastoralists Alys McKeough (Carey Downs Station) and Debbie Dowden (Challa Station) were sponsored by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (SW WA Hub) to attend the 2025 International Rangelands Congress in Adelaide. In this episode, Alys and Debbie share key insights and takeaways from the event, from global perspectives on rangeland management to the importance of international collaboration.Alys and Debbie also reflect on the important role of women in rangelands leadership and how their contributions are shaping more sustainable, environmentally conscious practices. They discuss the ongoing challenges facing remote communities and highlight the need for strong support systems to build long-term resilience across Australia’s rangelands.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Dr Mary-Anne Glanzlowe.
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WaterSmart Dams: understanding dams with the Water Evaluation Platform
Dr John Duncan from The University of Western Australia and Dr Daniel Kidd from the Grower Group Alliance discuss the recently released Water Evaluation Platform (WEP), which was created as part of the WaterSmart Dams project. WEP is a web application that allows you to simulate the performance of a dam and its catchment allowing the landholder to understand and analyse the different options available. The WEP was designed with industry experts and growers to support individual farms, private contractors, water planners, and local communities to make drought-resilient investment decisions.This episode highlights the different types of analysis possible through WEP, as well as the data required, and the process taken to get here. This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.WaterSmart Dams: capturing and keeping water in dams - Dry Season Resources PodcastCentre for Water and Spatial Science | UWAThe Ripple EffectWaterSmart Farms – water security and resilience in a drying climate. | Department of Primary Industries and Regional DevelopmentWaterSmart Dams Introducing the Water Evaluation Platform (short video)Water Evaluation PlatformHub news - Drought Hub
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Optimising farm decisions in mixed farm operations
In this episode, Dr Michael Young, from Farm Optimisation Group and Johno O'Halloran, a local farmer in Kojonup, explore how decision-making tools can help manage challenges. Decision fatigue is common, but using models and expert advice can reduce the load and improve outcomes.The episode discusses the farm optimisation model that lets you test different scenarios, helping farmers move beyond gut instinct with data-backed decisions. Whether you're fine-tuning livestock vs cropping choices or considering incorporating legumes, this tool helps you understand potential outcomes and key drivers. Importantly, it's not about a computer telling you what to do, it’s a decision support tool for experienced and new farmers alike, which can be used solo or with a consultant. This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.Youngs Farm Analysis - ResearchIdentifying high-value tactical livestock decisions on a mixed enterprise farm in a variable environmentHub news - Drought Hub
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WaterSmart Dams: capturing and keeping water in dams
Dr Nik Callow from the University of Western Australia shares insights from the WaterSmart Dams project, which aims to build resilient water supplies for cropping and livestock operations.The episode highlights the issue of dams receiving less water due to lower rainfall, low runoff from catchments, and ageing dams; all exacerbating water shortages, especially during consecutive low rainfall years.Solutions discussed include using repurposed tarpaulins to increase catchment runoff, daisy dam covers and vegetation to reduce evaporation, repurposing subsurface drainage systems, and decreasing leakage losses. Many strategies were grower-led, with the project aiming to understand and quantify benefits. Implementing a suite of solutions tailored to individual farming needs may yield better results for securing long-term water supply.Water quality is also addressed, with some farmers offsetting water treatment costs through increased herbicide efficacy.An episode on the Water Evaluation Platform (WEP) will be released soon.The WaterSmart Dams project is jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Western Australian state government’s Agriculture Climate Resilience Fund, and is supported by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the Grower Group Alliance.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.WaterSmart Farms: Water Security and Resilience in a Drying Climate - DPIRDWaterSmart Dams: Making dams work again - Grower Group Alliance (GGA)Diving into WaterSmart Farms with Dr. Richard George (DPIRD) - Farming in the Eastern Wheatbelt | Podcast on SpotifyCatching Every Drop: MADFIG's Role in the WaterSmart Dams Project (Roaded Catchment) - Farming in the Eastern Wheatbelt | Podcast on SpotifyWaterSmart Farms: Wongutha CAPS - Farming in the Eastern Wheatbelt | Podcast on SpotifyWaterSmart Farms Deep Drilling project with Dr. Richard George - Farming in the Eastern Wheatbelt | Podcast on SpotifyWaterSmart Farms: Unlocking Opportunities with Desalination - From Stockwater to Spray Quality - Farming in the Eastern Wheatbelt | Podcast on SpotifyWaterSmart Farms: Reverse Osmosis trials giving rural communities fresh water for the future. - Farming in the Eastern Wheatbelt | Podcast on SpotifyNot all Water is equal: Water quality is the key to WaterSmart Dams (and Farms) - Farming in the Eastern Wheatbelt | Podcast on SpotifyHub news - Drought Hub
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The triple bottom line: lessons from the Pastoral Business Toolbox
Business, landscape/production, and mental wellbeing are deeply intertwined, each influencing and reinforcing the others. This episode explores the interconnectedness of these three pillars of the triple bottom line in livestock production in the Southern Rangelands.We are joined by agribusiness management consultant Richard Brake (Richard Brake Consulting), principal landscape ecologist/agroecologist Richard Marver (Contour Consulting) and rural counsellor and wellbeing health advocate Louise O’Neill (Farm Life Fitness). The three of them participated in the Pastoral Business Toolkit project led by the Goldfields Nullarbor Rangelands Biosecurity Association (GNRBA).While isolation poses one of the greatest challenges for pastoralists, both in terms of mental health and business operations, seasonal variability remains a significant concern from a landscape and production standpoint. Our guests discuss how decision-making can be particularly challenging when each choice carries substantial weight for the business. Having access to the right resources can make these decisions far less overwhelming and more informed. They share key lessons from the Pastoral Business Toolkit.The Pastoral Business Toolkit project is supported by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.This episode is brought to you by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and is hosted by Shannon Beattie.FRRR Pastoral Business Toolbox: Kanandah - GNRBAFRRR Pastoral Business Toolbox: Morapoi - GNRBAPastoral Business Toolbox heads to the Nullarbor - SW WA HubHub news - Drought Hub
The South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub is dedicated to sharing information that supports growers in preparing for and responding to dry seasons. In this podcast, you'll hear from growers and industry experts on managing dry season responses, ranging from early planning to tactical decision-making as the season evolves. The South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub is led by the Grower Group Alliance and funded by the Future Drought Fund.
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