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 subscribe to receive updates once or twice a month via email. You can contact Molly O'Dea to get your next event or news out there.

MNHRZ - Winter Walk, Leighton/Farrell Flat/Giles Corner, 31 July
PIRSA - 2026–27 SA Soils Bursary Program - supports students, farmers, advisors, researchers and early-career professionals to participate in training, conferences and knowledge-sharing activities that strengthen soil capability across SA. Individuals up to $2k, groups up to $5k.
NYLB - Agricultural Revegetation and Natural Capital Program - for primary producers in the Wakefield River catchment area. EOI closes 3 August
Want to be a member of your Landscape Board? Nominations now open.

General

PIRSA - kangaroo culling - eligible primary producers can apply for $7 financial incentive for each humanely shot kangaroo (min. 100 roos)
2026–27 SA Soils Bursary Program - supports students, farmers, advisors, researchers and early-career professionals to participate in training, conferences and knowledge-sharing activities that strengthen soil capability across SA. Individuals up to $2k, groups up to $5k.
NYLB - Agricultural Revegetation and Natural Capital Program - for primary producers in the Wakefield River catchment area. EOI closes 3 August

Livestock

Expanded eID rebate for sheep – expanded to 8 colours
Farm Business Transition Program — Round 2 - up to $75k to support sheep producers to increase on-farm adoption and uptake of alternative farming systems and practices.

Tough times assistance

Check out our dry times resources
PIRSA - SA Drought Loan Scheme, Free advice service, assistance guide, assistance guide for grape/wine, Family and Business (FaB) Mentors
RDA Yorke and Mid North - Business 2 Business Drought Program - one-on-one business support
Rural Business Support - Free Rural Financial Counselling Service and relief funds
Rural Aid | BlazeAid - Give a Farmer A Break | Need for Feed | Rapid Relief Team | Farmers Relief Agency - drought relief, incl. fodder
Regional Investment Corporation (RIC) low-interest loans, incl. drought loans
UnitingSA - free and confidential mental health support
Algal bloom support
Varroa mitesupport

For organisations

NYLB - funding for events (workshops, field tours, bus trip, etc)
FRRR - ANZ Seeds of Renewal - opens 1 July, closes 30 July - Up to $15k for community organisations for projects that will help their community thrive.
FRRR - Nutrien Community Grants Program - opens 7 July, closes 6 August. Up to $5k for projects that will contribute to the success, vibrancy and wellbeing of remote, rural and regional communities.
FRRR - In a Good Place - Supporting mental health in rural communities, including farmer stream. Up to $20k, closes 18 August.

July

31 | MNHRZ - Winter Walk, Leighton/Farrell Flat/Giles Corner

August

03 | Ag Excellence Alliance - Forum & Awards, Marion

05 | RDA - Circular Economy Opportunities Information Session, Clare

05 | GRDC - Get ISCC Ready Workshop 2, Clare

05 | GRDC - Grains Research Update, Maitland

05-08 | $$ RCS - Farming & Grazing for Profit, Hahndorf

06 | GRDC - Grains Research Update, Burra

07 | UNFS - Annual Expo 2026, Melrose

September

01 | $ GRDC - Disease Management Extension Network workshop, Maitland

02 | GRDC - Get ISCC Ready Workshop 3, Clare

15 | $ Hart Field Site - Hart Field Day, Hart

25 | MNHRZ - Spring Field Day

October

11 | Hart Field Site - Spring Twilight Walk, Hart

July 2026

29 | DAFF - Soil Carbon Masterclass

Landcare Australia - 2026 State & Territory Landcare Awards - open for nominations
TRAIL Emerging Leaders Program
$ Australian Rural Leadership Program

Have your say: Dry saline soils survey - the survey is aimed at farmers who have dry saline or magnesia patches on their farms, but responses are also useful from farmers who are unsure, only have small areas, or are just starting to notice patchy establishment. This survey is about dry saline or magnesia patches — not Mallee seeps or watertable-related salinity.
Australian Farmer Survey - Assessing Interest in a Nitrogen Fertiliser Plant
Australian Wool Innovation research opportunities including merino sire evaluation, blow fly lures and genetics
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
Join a Wine Australia discussion group
CSIRO - National climate survey - to better understand how farmers are using long-term climate information to support on-farm decision-making.

Wait, there's more!

AgCAREERSTART - employ a young Australian to work on your farm for 10-12 months and share your skills, knowledge, and industry insights as a farm-host

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