A pilot project led by the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) is helping strengthen collaboration across the Darling Downs, thanks to a Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) investment aimed at increasing extension capacity in the northern grains industry.
Dr Charlie Aves has taken on the role of Grains Extension Manager at UniSQ, working to connect people, projects and organisations so research delivers real impact for growers.
GRDC Senior Regional Manager – North Rebecca Raymond said the position was established in partnership with UniSQ and the Southern Queensland Northern New South Wales (SQNSW) Drought and Innovation Hub to develop an extension program that fosters a coordinated approach to addressing local industry challenges.
"We want to improve the adoption of extension linked to grains industry research on the Darling Downs and ensure an effective and coordinated approach to connecting with growers, advisers and other research providers," she said.
"Focusing on the capacity of our regions is key to ensuring we have the people and pathways needed for the future of the industry."
Dr Aves has been getting the 'lay of the land' by meeting to map industry ecosystems. Photo: GRDC
Over the past few months, Dr Aves has been getting the 'lay of the land' by meeting organisations (such as research, development and extension service providers) to map industry ecosystems.
"There is a huge amount happening in the northern region – more than 50 projects delivered by at least 20 organisations. But everyone is flat out doing their own work," Dr Aves said.
"I've been helping make that work more visible, drawing connections and reducing duplication so we can work smarter together.
"You don't know what you don't know. Sometimes it's as simple as introducing people. Those small steps can make a big difference.
It's not about a silver bullet. It's about creating a more connected ecosystem, so growers get the best outcomes.
Through the course of her work, Dr Aves has catalogued several areas for improvement including visibility of local projects, event clutter, information gaps and missed collaboration opportunities.
"Growers and agronomists often turn to their phones for answers. If information isn't easily searchable or accessible, opportunities for adoption are lost," she said.
"We need visibility online and clearer pathways for people to find who's working on what. When someone sees a problem in the paddock, they should know who to call.
"The gap isn't necessarily in more events – it's better coordination and collaboration behind the scenes."
Dr Aves's work will continue as she fine-tunes the pilot extension program through research and further local collaboration, scoping its potential for continuing and scaling activities beyond the pilot.
