Issuu

2021

ANNUAL REPORT

Contents MFS Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 MSF Strategic Plan Summary 2020-2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Chair’s Report . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 MSF Program Manager’s Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 MSF Board Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Retired Board Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 List of Life Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 2021 David Roget Winner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 2020-2021 Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Mallee Sustainable Farming Incorporated . . . . . . . . . . 15 Independants Auditor’s Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

MSF WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING INVESTORS, RESEARCH PARTNERS AND COLLABORATORS FOR THEIR SUPPORT.

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

MSF Overview Mallee Sustainable Farming Inc. (MSF) is a farmer driven organisation delivering research and extension services to the less than 350mm rainfall Mallee cropping regions of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.

In the first 21 years of operation, MSF has achieved a great deal in partnership with Mallee farmers. Increases in farm profitability have been observed as a result of activities undertaken in conjunction with industry scientists and advisers, along with environmental and social gains. MSF continues to strive to be relevant to farmers’ information needs, whether in the sphere of cereal cropping or livestock management, supporting farmers to increase their knowledge and skills to meet continually changing production, environmental, climate and market challenges.

MSF OPERATES within a region of over four million hectares, extending beyond Balranald (NSW) in the east to Murray Bridge (SA) in the west.

OUR MEMBERS The Mallee has approximately 2000 dryland farming families whose farming activities include cropping (wheat, barley, oats, lentils, chickpeas, vetch, lupins and canola) and livestock (sheep for wool, lambs and cattle for meat).

THE MSF LEGACY MSF was formed in 1997 in response to a recognition that conservation farming practices had not been widely adopted across the region. There was a need to identify the issues restricting the adoption of technology that would enhance the development of profitable and sustainable farming systems.

MSF activities are open to all farmers with a strengthening membership base receiving new and timely information on research, best management practices and practical solutions. Such activities include trial sites, field days, farmer groups, innovative virtual reality extension products and research compendiums available on-line.

Sheep Tech Meeting - Wanbi Yards 2021

MSF Strategic Plan Summary 2020-2023 Our vision

Our key strategic goals and objec�ves

Dynamic, proﬁtable and sustainable farming systems across the low rainfall Mallee region.

1. Leadership & quality services 1.1. To engage and listen to our farming communi�es 1.2. To ensure high quality R&D is conducted in our region 1.3. To ensure that relevant research findings are delivered to Mallee farmers 1.4. To build capacity in our farming community 1.5. To enhance and protect our dryland environment by encouraging sustainable dryland farming prac�ces. 2. Partnerships & stakeholders 2.1. To be a partner of choice 2.2. To improve communica�on with partners and stakeholders 3. Growth, diversifica�on & consolida�on 3.1. To be responsive, strategic, accountable and financially viable. 4. Governance & management 4.1. To be known and respected as a professional organiza�on, worthy of investment and membership.

Our mission 1. To provide leadership in the crea�on of innova�ve research and extension pla�orms in partnership with farmers, researchers and industry. 2. To deliver locally relevant on farm research, development and extension services that enhance the resilience, sustainability and proﬁtability of farming systems.

Our strengths

Our values

• Leaders in Low rainfall farming systems <350mm • Tri-state – SA, VIC & NSW • Coverage of 4 million hectares • 900 subscribed members

• • • • •

MSF members

MSF partnerships

• Farmers • Researchers • Government professionals • Agribusiness professionals • Others with an ac�ve interest in farming in the Mallee

• GRDC • Na�onal Landcare Program • SA Grains Industry Trust • Mallee CMA • Natural Resources SAMDB • Western Local Land Services • AWI

Farmer driven Collabora�on Credibility Quality Innova�on

Key project themes

• • • • • • •

Mallee seeps management Sandy soils & deep ripping N ﬁxa�on and pulse produc�on Dryland pasture systems Frost research Riverland and Mallee Mesonet SAMDB NRM, Mallee CMA & Western LLS farmer extension

is commi farming s

Chair’s Report

Daniel is subcomm

ROBER

2021 at Mallee Sustainable Farming (MSF) has been a busy year with many challenges, as a collective we have had many successes and exciting changes as a Board and organisation. It has been yet another difficult year for the research and extension side of the organisation with cross border restrictions limiting field days and meetings. Through innovation and adaption, we have managed to fulfill all requirements with projects and had some fantastic Board meetings discussing strategy and planning.

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Robert cu Lameroo 3000 ha has gene produc�o

have been challenged by changes in border closures and restrictions, this has prompted some exciting things to come from MSF in the future on how we can communicate to our members. We are very pleased with how we have managed this year again with restrictions, our funding partners have been excellent with understanding some of the difficulties with this and been flexible enough for us to deliver on projects electronically and through what traditional field days and workshops we have been able to run. Personally, I would like to thank the fantastic Board that I have been able to work with and believe that we have made some great progress in a difficult year. I believe that MSF is in a great place with the current Board and the incoming directors will have some great people to lean on and transition into their new positions easily.

We have seen the appointment of two new Directors, Nicole Byrnes (Farmer Director NSW) and Therese McBeath (Specialist Director CSIRO Adelaide). The two have added a large amount of industry experience and extensive networks in their roles and will be a great asset to the organisation.

The twelve years I have been on the Board have been fantastic and I value everything I have gotten from MSF and the networking people and personal experience has been invaluable for myself. Over the time I have been at MSF I have seen some great changes in the organisation, and I believe now that it truly represents a farmer led Board. We are extremely agile and adaptable; this has made MSF flexible enough to upscale and downsize as needed due to funding and project requirements.

I would like to thank Ron Hards for his long service and commitment to MSF as a Farmer Director and as treasurer also. His experience in the grains industry from previous roles on other industry committees and organisations has been exceptional for the Board, past and present. Ron has been a great mentor and champion of MSF, which will be sorely missed by the Board.

I would like to thank everyone who has been involved with the Board over the time that I have been involved. The organisation has been a great group to be associated with and I am proud of the achievements that have been made in Mallee farming during this time.

As MSF evolves, we have appointed Tanja Morgan as Acting Executive Officer and Project Manager, the current structure of MSF has been designed strategically enough to allow for the flexibility needed when managing the funding cycles. Tanja has been the successor to Lachlan Sutton who had to leave MSF for personal reasons, his experience in the livestock and wool industry was very useful for MSF and has opened some doors into the future for MSF in the livestock industry. Tanja and the team have been outstanding at adapting to changes throughout the year. Once again COVID regulations and contractor arrangements

Yours Truly

Robert Pocock Chair Mallee Sustainable Farming Inc. 4

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PAULA

Invited Sp Director

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MSF Program Manager’s Report The 2020 MSF AGM was held in February this year due to COVID postponement, therefore this year’s annual report is only reflecting on the last 7 months of MSF activities, and despite border closures I am happy to report that we have still managed to deliver on our project commitments and maintain forward momentum with MSF business operations.

Mid way through the year we farewelled three contracted staff members with Lachlan Sutton, Tegan Buckley, and Sonia Allen all resigning from MSF for various reasons. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their great contributions to progressing MSF. Moving forward we will be working to rebuild the team as we look to new projects and opportunities on the horizon.

Fortunately, the entire MSF trial program was able to go in as planned, apart from a late and dry start delaying crop emergence. We are very grateful to Michael Moodie and the team at Frontier Farming Systems working overtime to ensure MSF could meet its trial commitments, especially as Michael continues to spend many hours on paperwork for travel exemptions and COVID management plans which has added to the workload and is all unfunded activity.

Many thanks to the MSF Board and our supportive business team who continue to drive the organisation forward with dedication and passion despite lengthy Zoom meetings in lieu of easier and more social face to face meetings. And finally, a huge thank you to Robert Pocock and Ron Hards who are both stepping off the MSF Board after 12 years of service. Both have been exceptional Board members, with Robert stepping up as Chairperson in 2021 and Ron having served as Treasurer for many years. The future of MSF is strong thanks to the leadership of both.

By the end of 2021 six large projects will come to an end and we knew we were likely to be approaching a cliff face of funding. However, five new projects have started since the beginning of 2021 and one additional project received an extension to keep a reasonable amount of project activity continuing across the region.

I am keeping fingers crossed for more rainfall to finish crops in the Mallee in 2021 and that we can soon travel freely across the tri-state area and resume business as normal. I am hopeful that as a team we can get across the region and meet more of our members at trials sites and events in 2022.

We have also continued to submit project proposals focused on addressing MSF member priorities and remain engaged in Future Drought Fund opportunities. Whilst we were hoping that field days would resume as normal, this has not been the case and spring events have only been able to continue in South Australia. Unfortunately, extremely dry conditions throughout the first half of the year have also affected some trial sites, but we will continue to record and deliver video highlights from sites that are showing clear management successes in a dry season.

Tanja Morgan Program Manager Mallee Sustainable Farming Inc.

Grain un�l 2007 when he returned to the family farm. Daniel has hosted various trial sites for Mallee Sustainable Farming and values the direct inﬂuence that this has had on his farming system. Daniel is commi�ed to the ongoing adop�on of research outcomes and innova�on that supports dryland farming systems.

MSF Board Members

Daniel is also a member of the MSF Finance and Audit and Research, Development and Extension subcommi�ees

ROBERT POCOCK POCOCK ROBERT Deputy Chair, South Australian Chair, South Australian Farmer Farmer Directorsince since2009 2009 Director Robertcurrently currentlyfarms farmsat atLameroo Lamerooininthe thesouthern southernMallee Malleeof ofSouth SouthAustralia. Australia.He Hemanages managesthe the Robert Lameroo proper�es with his Wife Courtney and parents Bruce and Gaylia. The farm “Lampata” Lameroo properties with his Wife Courtney and parents Bruce and Gaylia. The farm “Lampata” isis 3000ha haininarea. area.With Withhis hisparents parentsthey theyrun runaapoll pollmerino merinostud studwith with2000 2000breeding breedingewes. ewes.The Thebusiness business 3000 hasgenerally generallybeen beenmanaged managedas asaamixed mixedfarm farmand andisisroughly roughlyaa60/40 60/40mix mixbetween betweenlivestock livestockand andgrain grain has produc�on respec�vely. production respectively. Robert Robertalso alsoruns runsaacontract contractseeding seedingand andharvesting harves�ngbusiness businesswhere wherethey theyplant plantand andharvest harvest approximately 1,000 – 1,800 ha annually. Robert finished school in Adelaide in approximately 1,000 – 1,800 ha annually. Robert ﬁnished school in Adelaide in2002 2002and andthen thenreturned home to the farm. Once home he completed a Diploma in Agriculture, a graduate Certificate in Rural returned home to the farm. Once home he completed a Diploma in Agriculture, a graduate Cer�ﬁcate Business Management and participated in the Rabobank Farm Managers Program Program in 2009 ininNew in Rural Business Management and par�cipated in the Rabobank Farm Managers 2009 Zealand. Robert has also has completed the Australian InstituteIns�tute of Company DirectorsDirectors course incourse 2018. in in New Zealand. Robert also completed the Australian of Company From involvement with these he has he been toable hostto trials. has a high 2018.his From his involvement withgroups these groups hasable been hostRobert trials. Robert has level a highoflevel knowledge of modern farming technologies and equipment, along with sheep breeding. of knowledge of modern farming technologies and equipment, along with sheep breeding.

PAULA GORDON GAVIN HOWLEY GAVIN HOWLEY Invited Specialist Director and Secretary – Governance

Director since 2001 New South Wales Farmer Vice Chair, New South Wales Farmer Director since 2019 Director since 2019 Paula Gordon was invited onto the MSF Board as a specialist with experience in educa�on, communica�ons, rural community, building, corporate governance and policy development. Gavin farmswith with his his wife Rhiannon,capacity their four four young Children Children and his mother Mother and Father. Gavin farms wife Rhiannon, their young and his and Father. ‘Woodmount’ is approx. 6k hectares about half being floodplain forests on the Wakool – Murray Paula brings toisthe Board6kextensive at a regional (Mallee), Tri-State ‘Woodmount’ approx. hectares experience about half being floodplain forestsState, on the Wakooland – Murray junc�on at Kyalite. The farm has been in his family for over 100 years and is a grain and sheep farm. Commonwealth level. teacher and sociologist byfor training, Paula hasand heldis posi�ons largely the junction at Kyalite. The Afarm has been in his family over 100 years a grain and sheepinfarm. Gavin completed a Bachelor of Agriculture at Adelaide University, Roseworthy campus and has done Victorian Public Service in areas such as community services, management agriculture research and a Gavin completed a Bachelor of Agriculture at Adelaide University, Roseworthy campus and has done aadop�on farm exchange province Canada. management. of new farming prac�ce asSaskatchewan well as natural resource farm exchange to to thethe province of of Saskatchewan in in Canada. Gavin has involved with MSF many years aaprevious stint on the and as Gavin hasbeen been involved MSFfor forin many yearsincluding including previous oncapacity theboard board and asaa trial/ Paula has an interest andwith experience risk management and building s�nt farmer and resilience, field day host. GavinGavin likes to be to involved in community eventsevents and has been the captain of hisof local trial/field day host. likes be involved in community and has been the captain his fire having been involved with the establishment of the first Rural Financial Counseling Service in Australia brigade for several years. local fire brigade for severaland years. and then the development adop�on of program by the Commonwealth Government. Paula is currently re�red, but s�ll opera�ng a vine and almond nursery in a family business at Trentham Cliffs, NSW. Paula is also a member of the Execu�ve, (and Remunera�on and Human Resources (Chair) subcommi�ee.

CHRIS HUNT HUNT KENTON PORKER CHRIS Victorian Farmer Invited Specialist Director Treasurer, Victorian Farmer Director since2018 2018 Since 2019 Director since Chriswith with hiswife wife Leanne currentlyfarms farms inaafamily familyfarming farming partnership withhis his Brother, Mumand and Kenton brings a wealth of currently knowledge and in experience to MSF,partnership recently awarded the GRDC Southern Chris his Leanne with brother, Mum Dad in the Millewa Region Victoria. Chris le� the farm for about 15 years where he gained his trade Region 2019 Emerging Leader Award and the Australian Society of Agronomy 2019 Young Agronomist Dad in the Millewa Region Victoria. Chris left the farm for about 15 years where he gained his trade of ofDiesel a Diesel Mechanic and in diﬀerent industries and returned to2010 the farm in 2011.and Chris’ farm Kenton grew inworked the Mallee and started hisand career at SARDI in asina2011. durum barley aAward. Mechanic andup worked in different industries returned to the farm covers 5200 hectares owned and leased land spread over 90km. They have a mixed farm of cross agronomist before returning to the University of Adelaide to embark on a PhD with GRDC investment bred lambs usedreturned partly fortorota�on of2017 fodder cropping and farms cereals, peas, chickpeas and export in 2014. Kenton SARDI in lead the Waite cereal agronomy group. Chris’ farm covers 5200 hectares owned andtoleased land spread over 90km. They have a mixed farm Oaten hay. of cross bred lambs used partly for rotation of fodder cropping and farms cereals, peas, chickpeas, and export KentonOaten has a hay. strong reputa�on in the grains industry and is currently a lead scien�st and collaborator Chris is also aof member of the MSF Finance & Audit subcommi�ee. on a number important na�onal agronomy ini�a�ves across southern Australia through his Chris is alsowork a member of the MSF FinanceNSW & Audit subcommittee. proac�ve with colleagues at CSIRO, Department of Primary Industries, La Trobe and the University of Adelaide.

ANDREW BIELE Deputy Chair, South Australian Farmer Director since 2014

6 on the 2,000ha mixed family farm at New Residence, west of Andrew started his farming career Loxton SA. Encouraged to get a trade Andrew qualiﬁed as a mechanic and gained valuable machinery

RON HARDS HARDS RON Treasurer,Farmer Victorian Farmer Victorian Director since 2009 Director since 2009 CHRIS HUNT

RonHards Hardsfarms farms 3800ha with his son Nick at Yarrara in the Millewa area of North West Victoria. Ron Ron Victorian Farmer3800ha with his son Nick at Yarrara in the Millewa area of Northwest Victoria. has been associated withwith many organisa�ons suchsuch as the Millewa Carwarp Landcare Group where he Ron has been many organisations as the Millewa Carwarp Landcare Group where Director sinceassociated 2018 held the role of President for 6 years from 1987-1994. From 1989–2006 Ron was involved with the he held the role of President for 6 years from 1987-1994. From 1989–2006 Ron was involved with the Chris with his wife Leanne currently farms in a family farming his Mum and VFFGrains Grains Council. From1999–2003 1999–2003 Ronheld held theposition posi�on ofpartnership Presidentof ofwith theVFF VFFBrother, GrainsCouncil Council and VFF Council. From Ron the of President the Grains and Dad in theonMillewa Region Victoria. Chris le� theand farm for about 15 years where he roles gained his was also the Farrer House Board for 4 years during this period held various on thetrade Grains was also on the Farrer House Board for 4 years and during this period held various roles on the Grains of a Diesel Mechanicincluding and worked diﬀerent and industries and returned to the farm in 2011. Chris’ farm Council ofAustralia, Australia, ViceinPresident President Treasurer. Council of including Vice and Treasurer. covers 5200 hectares owned and leased land spread over 90km. They have a mixed farm of cross bred lambs used partly for rota�on of fodder cropping and farms cereals, peas, chickpeas and export From to 2006 Ron was a member of the Grain Corp Board and Audit Committee. He also has From2004 2004 Oaten hay. to 2006 Ron was a member of the Grain Corp Board and Audit Commi�ee. He also has been involved been involvedwith withthe theGrain GrainGrowers GrowersAssociation Associa�onfor for22years, years,11year yearas asPresident Presidentinin2005/06. 2005/06. In In October 2009 Ron was appointed Treasurer. Ron is also a member of the MSF Finance and Audit, October 2009 Ron was appointed Treasurer. Ron is also a member of the MSF Finance and Audit Executive anda Research, and Extension subcommittees. Chris is also member ofDevelopment the MSFDevelopment Finance & Audit (Chair), Execu�ve, and Research, andsubcommi�ee. Extension subcommi�ees.

ANDREW BIELE BIELE ANDREW South Australian Farmer Deputy Chair, South Australian Farmer Directorsince since 2014 2014 Director Andrew Andrewstarted startedhis hisfarming farmingcareer careeron onthe the2,000ha 2,000hamixed mixedfamily familyfarm farmat atNew NewResidence, Residence,west westof of Loxton LoxtonSA. SA.Encouraged Encouragedto toget getaatrade tradeAndrew Andrewqualified qualifiedas asaamechanic mechanicand andgained gainedvaluable valuablemachinery machinery knowledge, knowledge,always alwaysassis�ng assistingininharvest, harvest,sowing sowingand andshearing shearingduring duringthese thesebusy busy�mes. times.Andrew Andrewalso also has considerable experience in the Hor�culture industry and holds an Advanced Diploma has considerable experience in the Horticulture industry and holds an Advanced Diplomaof ofRural Rural Business BusinessManagement. Management. Andrew has also worked within SARDI managing field operations out of Loxton which involved all forms of research, including grain variety trials and frost research. Andrew’s current position is Farm/Operations Manager at “Bulla Burra”, a collaborative farming business, based Andrew has also worked within SARDI managing field opera�ons out of Loxton which involved all at Loxton in the SA Mallee. They manage 13,000ha of land and their cropping program consists of forms of research, including grain variety trials and frost research. Andrew’s current posi�on is Farm/ 9,000ha of wheat, canola, barley, chickpeas, peas and lentils. Having the drive to move forward and Opera�ons Manager at “Bulla Burra”, a collabora�ve farming business, based at Loxton in the SA always looking to achieve operations effectively and efficiently, the passion to “Farm for the Future” is Mallee. They manage 13,000ha of land and their cropping program consists of 9,000ha of wheat, the motto for both Bulla Burra and Andrew. Andrew is a member and the Chair of the MSF Research canola, barley, chickpeas, peas and len�ls. Having the drive to move forward and always looking to Development and Extension, subcommittee. achieve opera�ons effec�vely and efficiently, the passion to “Farm for the Future” is the mo�o for both Bulla Burra and Andrew. Andrew is a member of the MSF Research Development and Extension, subcommi�ee.

NICOLE BYRNES New South Wales Farmer Director since 2021

RON HARDS Nicole Byrnes farms with her husband in the Pooncarie district in Western NSW on wheat and

sheep stations, over two properties totalling 12,000 acres situated on the Darling River and Great Treasurer, Victorian Farmer Anabranch. Nicole completed a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Hons) at Melbourne University and Director since 2009 a PhD from Charles Sturt University and has recently served a term on Western Local Land Services Ron Hards farms 3800ha withpart his son at Yarraraasinthe theprogram Millewa leader area offor North West Victoria. Ron board. She currently works timeNick at SuniTAFE horticulture innovation has been associated withhas many organisa�ons such as the Millewa Carwarp Landcare where he and technology. Nicole been involved with MSF for many years, including as theGroup former extension held the role of President for 6 years from 1987-1994. From 1989–2006 Ron was involved with the coordinator and as a field day host. Nicole is also involved in much community initiatives including the VFF Grains Council. From 1999–2003 Ron held the posi�on of President Pooncarie Field Days, and the Pooncarie Fire and Ambulance teams. of the VFF Grains Council and was also on the Farrer House Board for 4 years and during this period held various roles on the Grains Council Australia, including Vice President and Treasurer. Nicoleof brings to MSF • Enhanced leadership skills for use in the community and enabled stakeholder engagement • 2004 Project management From to 2006 Ron was proficiency a member of the Grain Corp Board and Audit Commi�ee. He also has • Access to resources which will help with community focused opportunities, been involved with the Grain Growers Associa�on for 2 years, 1 yearchallenges, as President in 2005/06. Inand solutions. October 2009 Ron was appointed Treasurer. Ron is also a member of the MSF Finance and Audit (Chair), Execu�ve, and Research, Development and Extension subcommi�ees.

KENTON PORKER PORKER KENTON InvitedSpecialist SpecialistDirector Director Invited Since 2019 Director since 2019 Kentonbrings bringsaawealth wealthof ofknowledge knowledgeand andexperience experienceto toMSF, MSF,recently recentlyawarded awardedthe theGRDC GRDCSouthern Southern Kenton Region2019 2019Emerging EmergingLeader LeaderAward Awardand andthe theAustralian AustralianSociety Societyof ofAgronomy Agronomy2019 2019Young YoungAgronomist Agronomist Region Award.Kenton Kentongrew grewup upininthe theMallee Malleeand andstarted startedhis hiscareer careerat atSARDI SARDIinin2010 2010as asaadurum durumand andbarley barley Award. agronomist before returning to the University of Adelaide to embark on a PhD with GRDC investment agronomist before returning to the University of Adelaide to embark on a PhD with GRDC investment 2014.Kenton Kentonreturned returnedto toSARDI SARDIinin2017 2017to tolead leadthe theWaite Waitecereal cerealagronomy agronomygroup. group. inin2014. Kenton Kentonhas hasaastrong strongreputation reputa�onininthe thegrains grainsindustry industryand andisiscurrently currentlyaalead leadscientist scien�stand andcollaborator collaborator on onaanumber numberof ofimportant importantnational na�onalagronomy agronomyinitiatives ini�a�vesacross acrosssouthern southernAustralia Australiathrough throughhis his proactive proac�vework workwith withcolleagues colleaguesat atCSIRO, CSIRO,NSW NSWDepartment Departmentof ofPrimary PrimaryIndustries, Industries,La LaTrobe Trobeand andthe the University of Adelaide. University of Adelaide.

THERESE MCBEATH Invited Specialist Director Director since 2021 Therese is a specialist director with experience in agricultural systems research. She is a Research Team Leader in Agriculture and Food Systems with CSIRO at the Waite Campus in South Australia. Therese has a Bachelor of Agricultural Science and PhD in Soil Science, both from the University of Adelaide. Prior to her PhD Therese worked as a consulting agronomist in Viticulture with Landmark and as a Research Technician. Since her PhD she worked at the University of Adelaide as a Research Fellow investigating soil constraints and fertiliser chemistry options. Therese has worked for CSIRO for the last 10 years on a range of national and regional projects that explore options to improve the productivity of crops grown on many of our more challenging soil types (sandy, calcareous, constrained at depth). Therese has international collaborations that focus on improving the efficacy of fertilisers. Therese is a member of the MSF Research Development and Extension subcommittee.

Deep ripping Masterclass in Tooleybuc 2021. Presented by Chris Saunders from Uni of SA.

Lameroo proper�es with his Wife Courtney and parents Bruce and Gaylia. The farm “Lampata” is 3000 ha in area. With his parents they run a poll merino stud with 2000 breeding ewes. The business has generally been managed as a mixed farm and is roughly a 60/40 mix between livestock and grain produc�on respec�vely.

Retired Board Members

Robert also runs a contract seeding and harves�ng business where they plant and harvest approximately 1,000 – 1,800 ha annually. Robert ﬁnished school in Adelaide in 2002 and then returned home to the farm. Once home he completed a Diploma in Agriculture, a graduate Cer�ﬁcate in Rural Business Management and par�cipated in the Rabobank Farm Managers Program in 2009 in New Zealand. Robert has also completed the Australian Ins�tute of Company Directors course in 2018. From his involvement with these groups he has been able to host trials. Robert has a high level of knowledge of modern farming technologies and equipment, along with sheep breeding.

PAULAGORDON GORDON PAULA Invited Specialist Director and Secretary – Governance Invited Specialist Director and Secretary - Governance Directorsince since 2001 Director 2001 PaulaGordon Gordonwas wasinvited invitedonto ontothe theMSF MSFBoard Boardasasa aspecialist specialistwith withexperience experienceinineducation, educa�on, Paula communica�ons,rural ruralcommunity, community,capacity capacitybuilding, building,corporate corporategovernance governanceand andpolicy policydevelopment. development. communications, Paula brings to the Board extensive experience at a regional (Mallee), State, Tri-State and Commonwealth teacher and sociologist training,(Mallee), Paula hasState, held Tri-State posi�onsand largely in the Paula brings to thelevel. BoardA extensive experience at by a regional Victorian Publiclevel. Service in areasand such as community services, management agriculture research Commonwealth A teacher sociologist by training, Paula has held positions largely in the and adop�onPublic of new farming prac�ce asas well as naturalservices, resourcemanagement management. Victorian Service in areas such community agriculture research and adoption of new farming practice as well as natural resource management. Paula has an interest and experience in risk management and building farmer capacity and resilience, Paula has an interest and experience in risk management and building farmer capacity and resilience, having been involved with the establishment of the ﬁrst Rural Financial Counseling Service in Australia having been involved with the establishment of the first Rural Financial Counseling Service in Australia and then the development and adop�on of program by the Commonwealth Government. Paula is and then the development and adoption of program by the Commonwealth Government. currently re�red, but s�ll opera�ng a vine and almond nursery in a family business at Trentham Cliﬀs, NSW. Paula is also a member of the Execu�ve, (and Remunera�on and Human Resources (Chair) subPaula is currently retired, but still operating a vine and almond nursery in a family business at Trentham commi�ee. Cliffs, NSW. Paula is also a member of the Executive, (and Remuneration and Human Resources (Chair) sub-committee.

DANIELLINKLATER LINKLATER DANIEL Chairman, New South Wales Farmer New South Wales Farmer Directorsince since2014 2014 Director Daniel runs a no-�ll cropping enterprise with his father and brother at Trentham Cliffs NSW. The Daniel runs a no-till cropping enterprise with his father and brother at Trentham Cliffs NSW. The 12,000haproperty propertyincludes includescropping, cropping,grazing grazingand andconservation conserva�onareas. areas.Break Breakcrops cropsof ofcanola, canola, 12,000ha chickpeas and field peas have been introduced over the past four years to support the con�nuous chickpeas and field peas have been introduced over the past four years to support the continuous cropping system. Daniel studied commerce at Flinders University (SA) and then worked forABB ABB cropping system. Daniel studied commerce at Flinders University (SA) and then worked for Grain un�l 2007 when he returned to the family farm. Daniel has hosted various trial sites for Mallee Grain until 2007 when he returned to the family farm. Daniel has hosted various trial sites for Mallee SustainableFarming Farmingand andvalues valuesthe thedirect directinfluence influencethat thatthis thishas hashad hadon onhis hisfarming farmingsystem. system.Daniel Daniel Sustainable commi�edto tothe theongoing ongoingadoption adop�onof ofresearch researchoutcomes outcomesand andinnovation innova�onthat thatsupports supportsdryland dryland isiscommitted farming systems. farming systems. Daniel Danielisisalso alsoaamember memberof ofthe theMSF MSFFinance Financeand andAudit Auditand andResearch, Research,Development Developmentand andExtension Extension subcommittees. subcommi�ees

ROBERT POCOCK Deputy Chair, South Australian Farmer Director since 2009 Robert currently farms at Lameroo in the southern Mallee of South Australia. He manages the Lameroo proper�es with his Wife Courtney and parents Bruce and Gaylia. The farm “Lampata” is 3000 ha in area. With his parents they run a poll merino stud with 2000 breeding ewes. The business has generally been managed as a mixed farm and is roughly a 60/40 mix between livestock and grain produc�on respec�vely. Robert also runs a contract seeding and harves�ng business where they plant and harvest Riverland 1,000 Mallee–Mesonet (L-R): Warwick DamoninGrace, approximately 1,800 haworkshops. annually. Pictured Robert ﬁnished schoolGrace, in Adelaide 2002Mick and Faulkner, then Mark Stanley, Peter Cousins and Tanja Morgan from MSF returned home to the farm. Once home he completed a Diploma in Agriculture, a graduate Cer�ﬁcate in Rural Business Management and par�cipated in the Rabobank Farm Managers Program in 2009 in New Zealand. Robert has also 9 completed the Australian Ins�tute of Company Directors course in 2018. From his involvement with these groups he has been able to host trials. Robert has a high level

Life Members DAVID ROGET Date Awarded: 24/10/2006 In recogni�on of his contribu�on to produc�ve and sustainable farming across the low rainfall Mallee region, and for his many years’ support of, and his generous involvement in, Mallee Sustainable Farming Inc.

GARY DOYLE Date Awarded: September 2007 In recogni�on of contribu�on to Mallee Sustainable Farming Inc. and chairmanship from 14th January 1998 to 24th October 2002.

ANTHONY (TONY) ROBINS Date Awarded: September 2007 In recogni�on of contribu�on to Mallee Sustainable Farming Inc. and chairmanship from 24th October 2002 to 27th October 2003.

ALLEN BUCKLEY Date Awarded: September 2007 In recogni�on of contribu�on to Mallee Sustainable Farming Inc. and chairmanship from 14th October 2003 to 27th October 2004.

MALCOLM JAMES (JIM) MAYNARD Date Awarded: October 2011 In recogni�on of contribu�on to Mallee Sustainable Farming Inc. and chairmanship from 28th October 2004 to 21st October 2010.

IAN HASTINGS Date Awarded: February 2021 In recogni�on of contribu�on to Mallee Sustainable Farming Inc.. from 1998 - 2002 and Chairmanship from 2011-2018.

Riverland & Mallee Mesonet Station

2021 David Roget Winner Mallee Sustainable Farming is proud to announce Jason Brand, Senior Researcher with Agriculture Victoria, as the 2021 winner of the David Roget award for Excellence. Jason was presented the David Roget Award at the Mildura Mallee Research Update on February 3, 2021. Jason Brand leads the Southern Pulse Agronomy Program and is heavily involved in extension services to growers across the region and delivers field days and other initiatives in an informative and practical way. He has been recognised as approaching this extension work in a balanced way and has developed management packages to help farmers achieve optimal results with what are now key cornerstones of modern farming systems. Jason was nominated for the award for not only the instrumental role he has played in the development and extension of the Australian pulse industry but also for his work in attracting young people into grains research as graduates, PhD students and technical staff. For these reasons MSF believes Jason is an excellent candidate for the award.

MSF Former Executive Officer presenting Jason Brand with the DR award

2020 - 2021 Projects PROJECTS

Barley Grass Project

Diving into deep ripping

PROJECT PURPOSE

FUNDING SOURCE

This three-year project led by the University of Adelaide will implement a three-year trial investigating the best rotations and management strategies to reduce barley grass in low rainfall regions.

GRDC

This three-year project works with growers to establish deep ripping demos to learn more about best practice deep ripping strategies and machinery set up. The project will also develop two innovative extension products that will be available on Immersive Ag and a guide to deep ripping.

SAGIT

SMART FARMS

NLP Deep Ripping

This project works with growers to establish deep ripping demos to learn more about best practice deep ripping strategies and machinery set up.

Area Wide Weed Management

This three-year project will be trialling the effectiveness of region wide weed management, working across industries – broadacre and horticulture in the Sunraysia region to control weeds of common importance.

Rural R&D for Profit

Riverland & Mallee Mesonet

A network of 30 BOM compliant weather stations will be established in the Riverland and Mallee to provide farmers with accurate weather indicators to assess spray inversion conditions. The weather stations will also take a number of other measures including temperature, wind speed and grass fire danger index.

PIRSA Regional Growth Fund / Ag Ex Alliance

Legumes on Sands

This project supports trial work to improve the establishment and growth of legumes on sands. The aim of this four-year project is to find nutrition packages to improve legume growth on poorer soils to improve ground cover and prevent erosion.

SA Murray Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board

N Fixation Extension

This extension and communication project will add value to previous and current GRDC projects improving N fixation of winter pulse crops and promoting their wider adaptation and adoption.

GRDC

This project will work to uncover if Clearfield varieties are more susceptible to frost with or without the application of Clearfield herbicides.

SAGIT

Practical tactics to improve ground cover and ensure soil preservation following successive low rainfall seasons. This project will case study how 8 farmers have managed to reestablish eroded soils following successive years of drought.

GRDC

Identifying frost susceptibility in Clearfield varieties

Soil Preservation Project

National Landcare Program

PROJECTS

PROJECT PURPOSE

FUNDING SOURCE

Frost Extension Project

The purpose of this investment is to extend and apply the outcomes of previous R&D investments relating to frost to build knowledge that will inform grower and advisor decisions to pre-season planning, in-season management and post-frost event responses.

GRDC

AWI Feed Nutrition Project

This is a three-year project that will assess the feed nutrition of low rainfall pastures and grazing crops so that farmers have benchmarks for the digestibility, energy value and mineral content of a range of feed types to make informed animal nutrition decisions.

Australian Wool Innovation Limited

Red Meat & Wool Growth Program

A Producer Technology Group has been established in the Mallee to give participants improved awareness, knowledge, and practical application of precision livestock management technologies for improved decision-making biosecurity and business planning.

PIRSA

Mallee Seeps

This project aims to manage seeps through early detection, prevention of seep formation by improving water use on poor performing sands and remediating existing seeps.

Dryland Legume Pasture Systems

This project will investigate new pasture species and innovative management practices to improve the potential for pastures as part of the cropping rotation.

Rural R&D for Profit

Murrayland & Riverland Landscapes Board Partnership

This partnership project supports SA based extension of MSF work in the region by supporting the delivery of one Mallee Research Update and two Field Days.

Murrayland & Riverland Landscapes Board.

Mixed Cover Crops

This project will involve the demonstration of cover cropping in the farming system. A number of extension activities are planned to complement the paddock demonstration.

National Landcare Program / Ag Ex Alliance

This partnership project delivers Mallee Research Updates, Field Days and innovative extension applications to the Vic Mallee.

Mallee Catchment Management Authority

LLS Partnership

This partnership project aims to work with different NSW farmers groups in the Western LLS region to establish a trial of interest each year, with the main aim to reduce wind erosion, and conduct one field day to communicate results.

Western Local Land Services

Sandy soils / sands impact

The sandy soils research and sands impact demonstration projects will investigate sandy soil amelioration and mitigation practices across a range of sandy soils to develop best practice guidelines for improving sandy soils.

GRDC/ CSIRO

Mallee CMA partnership

SMART FARMS National Landcare Program

PROJECTS

PROJECT PURPOSE

FUNDING SOURCE

Soilborne pathogen Project

This small two-year project we will establish a demonstration paddock to investigate management options for root diseases of concern at the chosen. The site has high levels of crown rot therefore the new crown rot seed treatment has been trialled.

Farmlink

High impact digital extension of R&D in the Mallee

The purpose of this project is to support land manager practice change that will deliver more sustainable, productive, and profitable food, fibre and forestry business while protecting Australia’s biodiversity; protecting and improving the condition of natural resources; and assisting Australia meet its international obligations

Commonwealth Community Grants/ Natural Heritage Trust

Grain Legume Production

Regen Ag Project

Development and extension to close the economic yield gap and maximise farming systems benefits from grain legume production in South Australia This Grant will see Mallee Sustainable Farming deliver outputs and outcomes as part of the ‘Regenerative opportunities for increasing resilience in low rainfall farming systems. The project will assist growers to understand what it is to be regenerative, highlighting cropping and grazing practices that are known to increase biomass, maximize soil cover, improve soil health, and build soil carbon specifically in low rainfall environments

SARDI

Murrayland & Riverland Landscapes Board

SAGIT Deep ripping master class in Woodleigh SA. A great discussion at the soil pit with Rodrigo da Silva and Therese McBeath CSIRO.

MALLEE SUSTAINABLE FARMING INCORPORATED MALLEE SUSTAINABLE FARMING INCORPORATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2021

MALLEE SUSTAINABLE FARMING INCORPORATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30 JUNE 2021

MALLEE SUSTAINABLE FARMING INCORPORATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2021

MALLEE SUSTAINABLE FARMING INCORPORATED STATEMENT CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2021 MALLEE SUSTAINABLE FARMING INCORPORATED STATEMENT CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2021

MALLEE SUSTAINABLE FARMING INCORPORATED NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2021

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MALLEE SUSTAINABLE FARMING INCORPORATED NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2021

Mallee Sustainable Farming Incorporated Statement by Members of the Board

The Board has determined that Mallee Sustainable Farming Incorporated is not a reporting entity and that this special purpose financial report should be prepared in accordance with the accounting policies outlined in Note 1 to the financial statements. In the opinion of the Board, the financial report: 1.

Presents a true and fair view of the financial position of Mallee Sustainable Farming Incorporated as at 30 June 2021 and its performance for the year ended on that date.

At the date of this statement, there are reasonable grounds to believe that Mallee Sustainable Farming Incorporated will be able to pay its debts as and when they fall due.

This statement is made in accordance with a resolution of the Board and is signed for and on behalf of the Board by:

……………………………………………. CHRIS HUNT TREASURER

Dated at Mildura this 20th day of September, 2021

Independent Auditor’s Report