The Grower Group Executive Network led by Ag Excellence Alliance strengthens the capability of South Australia’s farming systems groups by providing Executive Officers with opportunities to collaborate, share knowledge and develop the skills needed to deliver high-quality drought resilience initiatives across the state.

Building on previous Executive Officer Network programs, the project continues to support professional development, organisational capability and collaboration across the network. Through webinars, workshops, facilitated discussions and face-to-face forums, Executive Officers are strengthening the leadership, governance and operational skills required to support resilient farming communities.

Project description: 

South Australia’s grower groups play a critical role in connecting farmers with research, innovation and practical extension activities. As trusted regional organisations, they work closely with producers, researchers, industry and government to deliver locally relevant projects that improve drought preparedness and resilience.

The Executive Officer Network supports the leaders of these organisations by creating opportunities to share experiences, solve common challenges and build capability in areas such as leadership, governance, communication, human resources, project management and collaboration. Following the success of the previous project, this work has continued into 2026 with a participant-led program that responds directly to the priorities identified by Executive Officers, ensuring the network continues to evolve alongside the needs of South Australia’s grower groups.

Key achievements and results: 

The Executive Officer Network has become an important forum for South Australia’s grower group leaders, strengthening collaboration, professional development and organisational capability across the state’s farming systems network. By bringing Executive Officers together to share experiences and address common challenges, the program is improving the capacity of grower groups to deliver drought resilience initiatives and support farming communities.

Since the program commenced, Executive Officers have participated in workshops and forums covering organisational governance, leadership, monitoring and evaluation, succession planning, advocacy, resource sharing and collaboration. These activities have strengthened connections across the network while providing practical tools that improve day-to-day management and long-term organisational sustainability.

Building on these foundations, the program has continued into 2026 with a participant-led approach that allows Executive Officers to identify the issues most relevant to their organisations. This ensures the network continues to evolve alongside the changing needs of South Australia’s grower groups.

Project achievements include:

• Delivered professional development workshops covering leadership, organisational governance, monitoring and evaluation, succession planning, resource sharing and grower advocacy.
• Created a collaborative network where Executive Officers share ideas, resources and experiences to strengthen the delivery of drought resilience initiatives across South Australia.
• Continued the program in 2026 with Executive Officers identifying priority capability areas to guide the year’s activities.
• Delivered webinars focused on member communications, engagement strategies and sharing successful approaches across grower groups.
• Delivered specialist training in human resource management, covering recruitment, employment obligations, workplace policies, performance management and difficult conversations.
• Commenced planning for the annual face-to-face Executive Officer Forum, with participants co-designing the program to ensure it addresses current organisational priorities.