Welcome to “The Paddock Post” for August

As winter draws to a close, we’re gearing up for what is always one of the busiest times of the year, with spring field days, workshops and on-farm events just around the corner. This edition includes details of upcoming events, updates from current projects, and a range of opportunities that may be of interest. Take a few minutes to have a read, and if you’re planning to attend one of the many events over the coming weeks, we look forward to catching up with you there.

At the top of the page, you’ll find a series of clickable headings that allow you to jump straight to the sections that interest you, without having to scroll through the entire newsletter.

Information

• N-watch: Taking the guesswork out of nitrogen decisions
• Call for applications: WALRC Producer Council Members
• The power of participation – why communities matter
• Filling your silo: Staying clear-headed through uncertainty
• Podcast Corner

Thursday September 17th

8am – 5pm @ South Stirlings

Stirlings to Coast Farmers’ Spring Field Day 2026 is right around the corner!

With so many amazing speakers and topics already locked in, be sure to save the date in your calender!

This year we are heading to South Stirlings and the Green Range region. Come for a full day of updates from the year of trials, local presenters, and of course connecting with the community! 

Nitrogen decisions matter more than ever this season.

The N Watch project is monitoring crop nitrogen status across four barley demonstration sites in the lower Great Southern High Rainfall Zone using fortnightly plant tissue and soil nitrogen testing. The results are displayed on the dashboard below, using a simple spedometer system to help growers make more informed in-season nitrogen decisions.

What to expect: The dashboard will be updated fortnightly as new tissue test results become available, with weekly highlights shared on socials to keep you up to date with key trends and observations from across the four sites.

Follow along throughout the season as we track how different nitrogen strategies perform under the 2026 fertiliser supply and price challenges.

WALRC is seeking expressions of interest from two passionate producers to join the WALRC Council for a three-year term commencing at the end of September.

Producer Council members play an important role in shaping the future of Western Australia’s red meat industry by reviewing research and development project proposals and helping identify those that best address the needs of WA’s southern region beef and sheep producers. Members work closely with the State’s leading agricultural research organisations and gain valuable insight into the development, delivery and impact of industry research and extension.

To be effective in the role, Council members should be well connected within the red meat industry, actively participate in WALRC priority-setting forums, and be available to review project material and attend regular (primarily virtual) meetings.

These vacancies arise following the completion of the terms of Richard Metcalfe (Manypeaks) and Michael Humphry (Walebing). WALRC will formally acknowledge and celebrate Richard’s and Michael’s significant contributions to the Council later this year.

Appointments are skills-based, with successful applicants selected to complement the existing Council’s expertise while maintaining an appropriate balance across beef and sheep production systems and geographic regions.

If you’re passionate about the future of WA’s red meat industry and would like to help shape the next generation of research and extension, we’d love to hear from you.

Applications close 4.00 pm (AWST) on Friday, 28 August. Applications should be addressed to the Chair of WALRC and emailed to eo@walrc.com.au.

The power of participation – why communities matter

SCF member, Brad McLean, is currently participating in the Australian Grain Growers leadership program. As part of the program he has developed a short survey about rural communities and volunteers. The survey will only take a couple minutes of your time but will help Brad and others understand why or why not people participate in community groups.

Filling your silo: Staying clear-headed through uncertainty

“When the pressure builds, what’s in your mental toolbox”?

 Seasons demand more than technical expertise – whether it’s looking to make the most of great seasonal conditions, managing input supply risks, a run of rough seasons, financial pressure or simply the cumulative load of running a business. At times your mental and emotional reserves can run low, affecting decision-making, relationships and performance. Throughout the season your ability to think clearly and respond well becomes one of your greatest assets. Just as you monitor your grain silos, it’s worth keeping an eye on the resources that help sustain mindset so that you can navigate a clearer path forward.

 Steph Smidt introduces a practical framework for recognising where you’re at and shares simple, everyday strategies to refill your silo, helping you maintain energy, perspective and confidence through the challenges of farming.

Date: Thursday 20 August 2026

Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm (AEST)

Venue: Online

Cost: Free

As always we would like to thank our sponsors for their contribution to the SCF community.