The program for the Future Drought Fund’s annual Science to Practice Forum, presented by Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, 6 – 8 June 2023 is out now.

The 3-day forum brings together farmers, researchers, government, industry, and the community to explore the innovative tools and practices helping our farmers and regions prepare for future drought.

Pip Courtney, award-winning television journalist and presenter of ABC TV’s Landline, is hosting this year’s forum and will facilitate engaging discussions with feature speakers, presenters and panel members alongside stories of drought resilience from around the country.

Each day focusses on a particular theme:

Tuesday 6 June – Research and Development

Data-driven projects, research trials and outcomes, opportunities under the Future Drought Fund (FDF), innovations at scale, international perspectives, commercialising drought resilience products and services.

Wednesday 7 June – Farmers, Producers and Agricultural Advisors

Farmer and farm-advisor delivered stories of drought and preparing for it, planning for profitability and productivity, tools for change, lived experiences and lessons learned, opportunities under the FDF for producers and their communities.

Thursday 8 June – Community and Policy

Community and social projects, insights from FDF network partners, relationships for resilience, engaging First Nations farmers, overcoming barriers to change, mental health heroes.

The 2023 Science to Practice Forum is held online and is free to attend.

Read the program and register here now: S2P-Forum.eventbrite.com

In support of this year’s forum the hub is also hosting a speakers session at the Charters Towers Northern Beef Producers Expo.

Hear from; 

• Hub Director David Phelps as he shares how the hub has been working with the community and local natural resource management groups to build drought resilience in our region
• Senior Research Officer Ana Almeida as she discusses “ESG on Farm. Are you ready?” the environmental (E), social (S) and governance (G) risks and opportunities for your property
• Digital Ag Innovation Consultant Kara-Glenn Worth on the “right tool for the right job” by empowering rural and regional producers to easily understand what ag tech tools are available and where they are best applied to develop their on-farm innovation