Welcome to another episode of EP Ag Chats. In early July, Dr. Kate Burke spoke at the AIR EP member morning events, addressing farmers on the crucial topic of decision making amidst uncertainty. These events were a part of the GRDC-funded RiskWi$e project, which aims to enhance growers' decision-making by balancing the probability of upsides against associated downside risks. The events were also supported by the SA Drought Hub.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Understanding Good Decision Making:

• Dr. Kate Burke, an independent consultant and author, emphasizes that good decision-makers in farming have an innate ability to gauge when to act or seek additional help. This often subconscious skill involves understanding the impact and investment of decisions and their broader business implications.

1. Self-Confidence and Intuition:

• Successful farmers possess the confidence to make decisions without undue concern for others' opinions. They act on opportunities promptly, such as applying fertilizer before a rain event, rather than waiting to see what others will do.

1. Impact on Profitability:

• Data shows that top-performing farmers often achieve double the profits of average farmers. The "farm effect" highlights that the unique combination of factors on each farm significantly influences profitability more than external elements like weather or soil type.

1. Changing Mindsets:

• Changing decision-making processes requires a desire to improve, trust in new methods, and practical tools to test decisions. Dr. Burke introduces concepts like impact vs. investment and control vs. uncontrollable factors to streamline decision-making.

1. Case Study:

• Dr. Burke shares her experience with share farmers in a variable rainfall area. By identifying climate patterns and providing data, she encouraged them to optimize nitrogen use, resulting in significantly higher yields and profits.

1. Community and Knowledge Sharing:

• The podcast highlights the importance of community support and diverse expertise in making informed decisions tailored to each farm's unique circumstances.

This episode showcases the importance of informed decision-making and managing risks in farming, providing practical insights and examples for farmers to enhance their operations.

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On today's episode Amanda Scott, from the Regenerative Ag Alliance and Farming Together program at Southern Cross University, talks to Amy Wright, the regional agriculture landcare facilitator at AirEp and part host of this podcast, about how this podcast came about and what they learned along the way.

This project is supported by FRRR, through funding from the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund.

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Today we speak to Tristan Baldock, a fourth-generation farmer from Buckleboo on upper Eyre Peninsula. Tristan speaks about his journey from university graduate to agronomist and now farmer owner of Karinya Ag. 

Working as an agronomist ‘out of his patch’ exposed Tristan to a broad variety of agricultural practices on the Eyre Peninsula, which he sees as an invaluable time in his career, especially when it came time to return home. 

At first returning to the farm with his wife as employees, then later becoming a part of the business, has allowed Tristan to grow into the role of decision maker, working with his parents as well as working closely with their private consultant and agronomist.

Tristan gives us insights into hosting trials on his property with researchers, how he became involved with the industry group Grain Growers, as well as his advice to emerging young people in agriculture. 

This project is supported by FRRR, through funding from the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.