Farmer-Led Innovation Takes Centre Stage at Gippsland Spring Field Day 2025
The Gippsland Agricultural Group (GAgG) hosted its Spring Field Day on Thursday 23 October at the Gippsland Research Farm, Bairnsdale Airport, showcasing the power of farmer-led innovation in building drought resilience across the region.
Why Farmer-Led Matters
Supported by the Regional Drought Resilience Planning (RDRP) program—co-funded by the Commonwealth Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Victorian Government—the event focused on practical, independent agricultural learning to help farmers prepare for and manage drought.
Hands-On Learning
Attendees explored topics critical to Gippsland’s future, including:
Perennial pastures for sustainable grazing
Lime application to improve soil health
Silage production for feed security
Livestock growth strategies, featuring the popular Weighty Weaners session
These sessions reinforced the need for unbiased, practical information and farmer involvement in research and extension.
Voices from the Farms
Robert and Ingrid Green, long-time Gippsland producers, shared their thoughts:
"The Gippsland Ag Group fills a vital gap in agricultural extension. Farmer-led initiatives are essential for delivering relevant, hands-on learning that actually work in navigating the challenges of drought and other difficult seasonal conditions."
The event also addressed long-standing challenges in agricultural extension, noting that traditional models have struggled over the past 40 years. Attendees called for more farmer-led trials, better communication with industry bodies, and continued development of independent learning networks.
A Collaborative Model for the Future
Beyond technical insights, the Spring Field Day provided a platform for community connection, supporting mental health and wellbeing through shared experiences and practical solutions.
Food & Fibre Gippsland and GAgG’s joint approach in hosting this event represents an effective model for revitalising agricultural extension—one that is collaborative, grounded in real-world experience, and focused on profitability and sustainability.
The 2025 Gippsland Spring Field Day is an initiative of the Regional Drought Resilience Planning program, supported by Food & Fibre Gippsland, through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Victorian Government.
