Sustainable Ag Update

Welcome producers, agribusinesses and agricultural organisations! Here we share the latest information and opportunities for people working in agriculture in the Northern and Yorke region. You'll find details about current grants, upcoming events near you, as well as scholarships and research opportunities. Visit regularly to stay up to date. Or contact Molly O'Dea to get your next event or news out there.

NYLB - Carbon Ready Ag Conference - tickets on sale now! Port Pirie, 27-28 August
Barossa Water Allocation Plan Amendment - consultation open
Regional Capability Community Fund Round 4 - farm fire units/other supporting equipment (up to $5k) and firefighting water tanks (up to $10k). Apply by 8th August.

Sustainable land management survey

The Northern and Yorke Landscape Board is collecting information on current sustainable agriculture and land management practices to better understand the needs, challenges, and priorities of farmers and land managers like you. Your input will help shape future programs, resources and support services that are practical, relevant and tailored to your work on the land. Your responses are confidential and will be used to inform planning and decision-making at a regional level.
Complete the 15-minute survey to be in the draw to win! The total value of the prize pool is $2,100.

Eight random $200 prize draws occurring on a fortnightly basis from 14 July 2025. 14 July winner drawn - awaiting approval to release name.
Bonus draw: One random $500 prize draw for those who completed the survey before 30 June 2025. Winner - Andrew Kitto!

Winners can choose between the following prizes:

Soil testing by a local agriculture retailer or agronomist; or
Pest control products from NYLB; or
Plants from Red Centre Enterprises.

The survey is open until 31 October 2025. Terms and conditions.

General

Regional Capability Community Fund Round 4 - farm fire units/other supporting equipment (up to $5k) and firefighting water tanks (up to $10k). Apply by 8th August.
PIRSA - On-farm Drought Infrastructure Rebate Scheme - additional funding allocated - now Tier 1 and Tier 2 funding available
TEKFARM | Farmers2Founders - identify tech solutions for your farm with subsidised purchase options (up to 65% off)

Livestock

Expanded eID rebate for sheep – expanded to 8 colours

Tough times assistance

Check out our dry times resources
PIRSA assistance guide - including Farm Household Allowance information + more
PIRSA's Family and Business (FaB) Mentors are available to help primary producers navigate challenging times. Free service in SA, identifying assistance specific to your situation
Rural Business Support - Free Rural Financial Counselling Service and relief funds incl. South Australian Government’s Rural Support Grants (up to $1500)
PIRSA - SA Donated Fodder Transport Drought Assistance Scheme
BlazeAid - Give a Farmer A Break - matching farmers with assistance, including volunteers, donations of equipment and feed, and agistment
Rural Aid - feed/financial assistance/counselling + more - register even if you are not in need of support right now. This helps them to build a data base of farmers and distribute relevant information and support when it is needed.
Need for Feed | Rapid Relief Team | Farmers Relief Agency - drought relief, incl. fodder
Regional Investment Corporation (RIC) low-interest loans, incl. drought loans

For organisations

NYLB - funding for events (workshops, field tours, bus trip, etc)
PIRSA - Connecting Communities Events grants

July 2025

20-23 | $ Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference & Trade Exhibition, Adelaide

30 | Northern Sustainable Soils - Winter Walk, Bute

31 | Barossa Water Allocation Plan Drop-In Sessions, Lyndoch and Tanunda

August 2025

01 | Barossa Water Allocation Plan Drop-In Sessions, Angaston and Nuriootpa

05-07 | $ Australian Women in Agriculture - 2025 National Conference, Adelaide

12 | GPSA - Roadworthy Heavy Vehicles ...Made Easy!, Jamestown

13 | GPSA - Roadworthy Heavy Vehicles ...Made Easy!, Kadina

14 | Society of Precision Ag + Upper North Farming Systems - Grain Automate Expo, Melrose

15 | Elders - Roseworthy Dry Sowing Tactics Demonstration Field Walk, Kangaroo Flat

18 | $ RAHS - Drought Breaker Lunch, Adelaide

19 | NYLB / WoTL - Beginner's Guide to Carbon Farming and Carbon Calculator workshops, Manoora

20 | Ag Excellence Alliance - Carbon Farming. What is it and what's in it for me, Snowtown

27-28 | $ Northern and Yorke Landscape Board - Carbon Ready Ag Conference - tickets on sale now! Port Pirie

September 2025

12 | AWI and PIRSA - eID for Productivity and Profitability Workshop, Kapunda

16 | $ Hart - Hart Field Day, Hart

24-25 | $ Weed Management Society of South Australia - State Weeds and Pests Conference, Adelaide

31 | $ YP Field Days

October 2025

01-02 | $ YP Field Days

17 | Barossa Australia - Capability Skills Session, TBC

21 |Hart - Spring Twilight Walk, Hart

29 | $ SA Livestock Consultants - SA Livestock Advisor Update, Adelaide - more details to come

July

Coming soon...

Regional Leadership Program – offers emerging and established leaders in the Yorke and Mid North three unique opportunities to build their leadership skills.

Perceptions of farmers about net zero and decision making in agriculture - Federation Uni - 25 min survey
Farming and Fatigue - 10 min survey
Landholders’ perspective on nature-repair - seeking interview participants
Farming for the Future – Farmers, Ag advisors and ag accountants can apply to have a free natural capital account prepared (value: $35,000) as part of research project gathering evidence about value of natural capital to farmers
Australian Wool Innovation research opportunities including merino sire evaluation, supplementary feeding strategies, blow fly lures and genetics
Mice control research- Learning how to learn about gene drives for pest management

Wait, there's more!

GRDC 2025 SA Crop Sowing Guide
Personal Property Securities Register - ensures both buyers and sellers have clarity over ownership and financial restrictions on key assets, such as vehicles, machinery, livestock, and crops

Sustainable Agriculture Facilitators are supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.