Growers and graziers urged to apply now for innovation funds

Posted on September 25th, 2015

Do you want to try a new technique in your grain growing or grazing operations, but not sure where to start? Then don’t miss your chance to apply for an innovation grant with Fitzroy Basin Association Inc. (FBA).
Time is running out to take advantage of the financial assistance and expert support on offer to the region’s grain growers and graziers wanting to trial innovative practices on their property.
FBA senior project officer Bronwyn Roberts said there were few remaining opportunities to access the innovations fund, which aims to help growers and graziers improve their practices to levels that exceed industry standards.
“Trying new techniques is fundamental to improving agricultural productivity and profitability, but it can be difficult to try new ideas and techniques without expert support,” she said.
Ms Roberts said the grants are supported by FBA through funding from the Queensland Government and expand on the success of industry-led programs Grains Best Management Practices (Grains BMP) and Grazing Best Management Practices (Grazing BMP).
“The two BMP programs are a resounding success, and we’re keen to build on that by working with the region’s grain growers or graziers who wish to apply for the assistance,” she said.
“We are particularly keen to help grain growers in the Central Highlands and Dawson catchments implement techniques that reduce the amount of herbicide and fertiliser they apply.”
Ms Roberts said one grains project and one grazing project will be developed as case studies so the lessons learnt can be applied by anyone who wants to implement similar techniques.
“On-site monitoring and assessment of new techniques is a key feature of this funding,” she said. “The lessons learnt from trialling new techniques will help others ensure their own future improvement projects are successful.
“Funding is also available to graziers wishing to implement new techniques that improve pasture species diversity and reduce declines in soil fertility,” she said.
Graziers must be located in the Dawson or Three Rivers (Isaac, Connors or Mackenzie) areas to be eligible.
For more information about the innovations, including eligibility and requirements, contact Barbara McKechnie on (07) 4999 2833.