‘Decision making for drought’ will demonstrate relevant existing research in cropping and grazing systems in the Limestone Coast, with the aim to increase adoption of research in local farming businesses. Workshops and some demonstrations will be conducted, in collaboration with relevant researchers and advisors, to localise results and provide regional context to research that has either been conducted elsewhere or conducted previously in the region.

The project will consist of three key activities:

1. Livestock Cost of Production workshop
2. Nitrogen Management workshop
3. “Dry Feed to Dollars” workshop and demonstration sites

Together, these four activities form a well-rounded approach to equipping farmers with the knowledge, tools, and collaborative support necessary to navigate the challenges of drought and maintain the productivity and profitability of their farming operations. This integrated program aims to strengthen the overall resilience of the farming community in the long term.

Project description: 

This project delivers a series of targeted workshops and demonstration activities designed to improve financial decision-making, feed utilisation, and nutrient management, ultimately enhancing the drought resilience of livestock and cropping enterprises in South Australia. Delivered by MacKillop Farm Management Group (MFMG), the project includes three key components:

Workshop 1: Livestock Cost of Production

A one-day workshop focused on helping livestock producers understand the true cost of production and improve financial decision-making. Participants explore key financial indicators such as breakeven analysis, ROI, and margin calculations using practical, real-world examples. Customisable tools and case studies support application of concepts on-farm. The workshop empowers producers to make more informed, data-driven decisions that contribute to greater financial resilience during drought.

Workshop 2: Nitrogen Management for Drought Resilience

A comprehensive session providing farmers with tools and strategies to improve nitrogen budgeting and nutrient use efficiency. The workshop covers decision-support tools, in-season monitoring, and adaptive application techniques suited to variable rainfall conditions. Additional focus is given to soil health practices such as cover cropping and reduced tillage to build long-term resilience in cropping systems.

Workshop 3: “Dry Feed to Dollars” + Demonstration Site

This component combines a demonstration site with a supporting workshop to help livestock producers maximise the value of dry feed resources such as hay and silage. The site provides real-world data for discussion on pasture budgeting, strategic supplementation, and feed utilisation techniques. The workshop reinforces the lessons learned through practical case studies, supporting better planning and feed efficiency during drought.

Additional project outputs will include:

• Promotion of events, activities, and resources through MFMG’s communications channels.

• Creation of a dedicated project page and online library for ongoing access to tools and materials.

• A podcast series to extend key messages beyond workshop participants.

Key achievements and results: 

The first two workshops (Nitrogen Budgeting: Back to Basics and Dry Feed to Dollars) were well attended and received positive feedback. Participants found the content relevant, timely, and directly applicable to their farming operations. They appreciated the clear explanations, practical approach, and local relevance, with comments highlighting the effectiveness of the presenters and the value of using real-life examples to support learning. The remaining workshop and deliverables are set to be finalised in the second half of 2025.

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