Gippsland Spring Field Day 2025: Building Drought Resilience Through Innovation and Collaboration
The Gippsland Agricultural Group (GAgG) hosted its highly anticipated Spring Field Day on Thursday 23 October at the Gippsland Research Farm, Bairnsdale Airport. The event brought together farmers, researchers, and industry experts to share practical insights aimed at strengthening drought resilience across the region.
A Day Focused on Future-Proofing Agriculture
Supported by the Regional Drought Resilience Planning (RDRP) program—co-funded by the Commonwealth Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Victorian Government—the Field Day aligned with the broader vision of preparing rural communities and businesses for a sustainable future in the face of recurring drought.
Attendees participated in 10 dynamic sessions covering GAgG’s five research pillars: soils, pastures, livestock, grains, and fodder. Highlights included:
Expert panels on wheat, barley, and faba beans
Strategies for dryland lucerne and perennial grasses
Hands-on demonstrations of containment areas and tractor implements
Local vet Chelsea Hair shared insights on boosting weaner cattle growth
Fodder specialists Murray Stewart and Fiona Baker offering decades of experience in hay and silage production.
Collaboration in Action
Trade stalls, networking opportunities, and a delicious complimentary lunch added to the collaborative atmosphere, with farmers leaving equipped with new tools and ideas to tackle dry seasonal conditions.
Simon Johnson, CEO of Food and Fibre Gippsland, said: "This Field Day exemplifies the power of shared knowledge and community-driven innovation. By connecting farmers with research and each other, we’re building a stronger, more resilient Gippsland."
The event reinforced the collaborative commitment of Food & Fibre Gippsland and GAgG to revitalising agricultural knowledge sharing and supporting farmer-led solutions for drought preparedness.
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.
