After guiding this significant phase of growth, Jenny Garonne has stepped down from her role as Managing Director and will continue contributing to the organisation as a Director on the MSF Board.

Stepping into the organisation’s most senior operational role is Tim Smythe, MSF’s newly appointed Chief Executive Officer. Tim has spent the past two years in program and project management roles at MSF and brings extensive experience from industry and regional development, with previous roles within the wine industry and state and local government.

Tim recognises the vital role farming plays in regional communities and the need to actively manage land to produce food and fibre. He notes that the advancements made over the past 25 years in the Mallee – from water use efficiency to increased groundcover and productivity – have been driven by strong partnerships between farmers, researchers and industry.

“Working together allows us to build a collective capability – to understand our strengths and how others can contribute,” Tim said.

MSF has also welcomed two new farmer directors to its Board – James O’Day (Millewa) and Richard McKee (Cowangie) – while acknowledging and thanking Gavin Howley for his service as a director for the past 6 years.

With its strengthened leadership and board, MSF continues to build capacity to deliver meaningful outcomes for farming communities across the SA, VIC and NSW Mallee.

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Steve Burt, Chair of MSF, highlighted the strengths that Richard and James bring to the organisation. He stated, “Both Richard and James will be assets to the Board through their understanding and connections in their respective farming communities. Both are advocates for increasing knowledge through research for dryland farming advancement and are hardworking volunteers in the respective communities.” Richard is based in the lower parts of the Victorian Mallee region at Cowangie, while James’s farm is located at Merrinee in the Millewa region.

Steve Burt further expressed his confidence in their contributions, saying, “We are confident that their insights will play a significant role in steering our organisation towards continued success to ensure Mallee farming systems continue to advance in sustainability, thrive through resilience, and remain productive and ready for the future.”

Richard McKee shared his perspective on joining the Board, noting, “The position as Farmer Director at MSF is an opportunity to provide input into research for his region and support farmers to gain insight into improved farm practices. He is drawn to the role given the importance MSF plays in supporting the farmers and the communities he is part of, to continue to be sustainable in the long term.”

James O’Day echoed Richard’s sentiments and added, “He is excited to be involved with MSF that has recently completed the strategic plan for the next ten years and are committed to leadership and innovation in dryland farming. Importantly the farmers remain at the heart of everything that MSF does.”

Richard McKee

James O’Day

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Mallee Sustainable Farming (MSF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Day as its new Communication and Extension Manager. Sarah brings more than a decade of experience in grains research and development from her time at SARDI’s Clare Research Centre.

With a strong background in fostering partnerships between growers, researchers, and industry, Sarah is known for translating complex research findings into practical on-farm solutions. Her expertise in clear communication and building meaningful connections has helped drive innovation and the adoption of improved management approaches throughout the farming community.

Jenny Garonne, Managing Director of MSF, stated, “I am confident that Sarah’s skills and knowledge will be invaluable in advancing MSF’s engagement with farmers and stakeholders. She will play a key role in addressing their needs, supporting MSF to apply new research, and sharing results and innovations.”

Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Ms. Day said, “I have a passion for connecting growers with practical, science-based research and I look forward to continuing a high level of engagement across the Mallee. Together, we will help deliver sustainable farming outcomes for the region.”

MSF also extends its gratitude to outgoing manager Tanja Morgan, who is stepping down to focus on the expansion of her own farm business. “Tanja is to be congratulated for her leadership, energy, and unwavering passion for Mallee farming, which have been central to MSF’s success,” Ms. Garonne added.

Recently published MSF’s latest annual report highlights a 10% increase in membership, surpassing 900 members. The Communication and Extension team hosted over thirty workshops and field days, receiving high ratings from hundreds of participants. Through innovative outreach including social media, podcasts, and video reels MSF reached over 5,000 followers. The team also introduced animated characters, Charlie Carbon and Sandy Grain, to make research more engaging and accessible to a wider audience.

As Sarah steps into the role, she will continue to strengthen these initiatives and explore new ways to connect Mallee farmers with the latest research and innovations.

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Coinciding with the release of a refreshed visual identity, the Strategic Plan 2025-2035 cements MSF’s role as a trusted enabler of farmer-led research and a driver of sustainable growth for mallee farming communities across South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales.

Chair of MSF, Steve Burt, said the new strategy builds on over 25 years of success in transforming low rainfall farming through innovation, collaboration and community connection.

“Our plan is about more than farming, it’s about shaping the future of our region,” Mr Burt said.

“We’ve worked closely with farmers, researchers and stakeholders to understand what they need to succeed. This plan reflects that collective insight and outlines our commitment to supporting sustainable, profitable and resilient farms and communities.”

The plan is anchored by three key objectives:

• Enhanced productivity and environmental outcomes
• Improved efficiency, cost reduction and risk mitigation
• Resilient and connected rural communities

It also outlines MSF’s enabling goals which are to ensure Mallee farmers are recognised as both economic enablers and environmental stewards, and to grow MSF’s standing as a national leader in dryland farming research and extension

A complementary Research Plan 2025–2035 has also been released, establishing clear priorities for on-farm research, peer-to-peer adoption, and innovation. It focuses on reducing herbicide reliance, improving plant establishment and soil health, increasing pulse adoption, and supporting emerging carbon and commodity markets

“MSF will continue to deliver practical, independent, farmer-driven research that supports decision making in real-world conditions,” said Dr Penny Roberts, MSF’s Research Manager.

“We’re building on years of existing research with new technology, data insights and collaboration to future-proof farms and communities.”

As part of the rollout, MSF has updated its branding to better reflect its forward-thinking and collaborative identity. The new look is now live across MSF’s website, social http://at https://mfi.greecosy.us/reports-publications/media and communications channels.

The new Strategic Plan and Research Plan are now available HERE!!

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The program “Beyond the Crossroads: Developing Leadership Skills for Rural Women in Isolated Areas of Far-Western NSW” was a training and leadership project initiative that aimed to empower participants by building their self-confidence, communication, and leadership skills.

The initiative was supported by the Federal Government’s Future Drought Fund’s “Helping Rural Communities Prepare for Drought Small Network Grants” through the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR).

Women in rural areas often prioritise others’ needs over their own, especially during times of crisis, which can lead to burnout. The program focused on reconnecting participants with their strengths, experiences, and values to better support their family, business, and community roles. It aimed to provide opportunities for women to gather, share experiences, form supportive connections, and receive a variety of practical tips and tools to inspire and empower them.

During the program, participants received a training handbook as a resource. The initiative emphasised personal self-investment and sought to nourish and empower women while recognising their invaluable contributions to rural communities.

The project was developed and coordinated by Mallee Sustainable Farming’s Project Leader, Sonia Allen. For Sonia, being involved in coordinating the training program was a unique experience.

“It was a fantastic opportunity for everyday rural women to focus on what is important to them. Importantly, they were provided with a supportive environment where they could share their challenges and successes and recognise how they could develop their own leadership skills,” according to Sonia.

Toni Duka, skilfully supported by co-course designer Tanya Lehmann, facilitated the training initiatives. For Toni, the program focused on the needs of rural women who have limited access to personal development and leadership training opportunities.

“The commitment, openness, and honesty of all participants were remarkable. I felt extremely privileged to facilitate and support the training. I’m confident that this initial training experience will lead to greater opportunities for the women and, importantly, help strengthen resilience and leadership in these unique communities,” according to Toni.

One of the participants attending was local Pooncarie farmer Nicole Byrnes.

“All too often, we find ourselves overwhelmed by the demands of being a mother, business partner, farmer, community volunteer, and more. A key takeaway from the program for me was the realisation that we all need to be proactive in caring for our health and well-being. For me, the program was also about developing a success-focused mindset, building self-confidence, defining my non-negotiables, prioritising, and getting comfortable with saying no. We must take steps to reduce our workload, manage stress, and make time for activities that truly light us up,” concluded Nicole.

Empowering Rural Women: Participants from both Wentworth and Pooncarie came together to celebrate the success of the ‘Beyond the Crossroads’ leadership skills program. Pictured with Sonia Allen and Jenny Garonne (MSF), Toni Duka (Program facilitator), and Fiona Bradshaw (FRRR).

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Simone Kluge brings a strong local connection and a passion for sustainable farming. Raised on her family’s 4,500-hectare broadacre cropping and prime lamb farm at Bowhill in South Australia’s Murray Mallee, she has lived the challenges and opportunities of farming in the region. Simone recently completed a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at the University of Adelaide, equipping her with a solid foundation of technical and practical knowledge to begin her career in field-based research and extension.

Now based at MSF’s Tailem Bend office, Simone has already hit the ground running, spending time in the paddock and contributing to several key research activities. Over the next 12 months, she will work alongside MSF’s team of experienced researchers and extension specialists on a range of projects including crop rotations, soil amelioration, variable rate technology, pastures and grazing, weed management, and building farm resilience.

Simone’s internship is part of MSF’s commitment to fostering local capacity and supporting the long-term productivity and sustainability of Mallee farming systems. Under the guidance of Dr Penny Roberts, and with mentoring from across MSF’s experienced team and partner organisations, the program will provide Simone with hands-on training, field experience, and communication skills to help bridge the gap between research and real-world farming solutions.

“I’m really excited about learning the practical side of research and how it applies directly to the farm,” said Simone. “Having sustainable farming practices in place is so important for the long-term future of agriculture and food production in our region.”

Beyond her work with MSF, Simone enjoys horse riding and spending time at the river – activities that reflect her deep appreciation for the outdoors and the rural lifestyle.

MSF is thrilled to welcome Simone Kluge to the team and looks forward to supporting her journey as she helps advance applied research and grower engagement across the region.

Photo caption: Simone Kluge (inset), MSF’s first Research Intern, pictured with the Mallee Sustainable Farming team at the recent Mallee Research Update in Karoonda.

This project is supported by the South Australian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, which is one of eight Hubs established across Australia through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. The SA Drought Hub brings together a dynamic network of primary producers, industry groups, researchers, government agencies, universities, agribusinesses, traditional owners and others to work towards a common vision to strengthen the drought resilience and preparedness of farms and regional communities in South Australia. This project received funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

Further information can be found at:  SA Drought Hub – Supporting SA farmers and regional communities

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This year for the first time two recipients, Bill Davoren and Tanja Morgan, were recognised as having both played pivotal roles in shaping the landscape of Mallee farming through their unwavering commitment to agricultural research, communication, and farmer support.

Bill Davoren, a Senior Research Technician with CSIRO, was honoured for his significant contributions to sustainable farming practices, particularly in no-till and conservation agriculture. Having worked closely with farmers since the late 1990s, Bill’s research work in the Mallee region has been instrumental in transforming farming systems. Over the course of his career, Bill has been involved in more than 200 trials, helping farmers manage soil, nutrients, and rotations to enhance resilience and productivity. His dedication to the practical application of research has been central to strengthening the connection between the scientific community and Mallee farmers.

Tanja Morgan, MSF’s Communication and Extension Manager, was also awarded for her exceptional work in driving communication and extension activities in the Mallee. As a farmer from Jabuk, Tanja brings her firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by low rainfall farming communities. Since joining MSF in 2017, her passion for ensuring farmers have access to the latest research and resources continues to play a crucial role in improving the sustainability and productivity of Mallee farmers. She has been pivotal to the success of the organisation through her exceptional commitment to the ongoing MSF operation, strengthening the network of Mallee farmers and leveraging innovative communication platforms, including digital media, to reach a broader audience.

Mallee Sustainable Farming Managing Director Jenny Garonne praised both recipients for their dedication and leadership. “Both Bill and Tanja have made a lasting impact on the Mallee farming community,” she said. “Their commitment to improving the sustainability and productivity of farming systems reflects the spirit of the David Roget Award, and we are proud to acknowledge their contributions.”

Both Bill and Tanja expressed their gratitude for the recognition. Bill described the award as a “fantastic honour” and expressed his enthusiasm for the future of farming in the Mallee, while Tanja noted that the award was “a big surprise” and it was rewarding sharing the achievements of Mallee farmers in improving their farming systems.

The David Roget Award, named after the late Dr. David Roget, was established to honour those whose contributions to sustainable agriculture have helped shape the future of farming in the Mallee region.

Mallee Sustainable Farming Deputy Chair Andrew Biele and Managing Director Jenny Garonne present the 2025 David Roget Award for Excellence to joint winners Tanja Morgan and Bill Davoren at the recent Mallee Research Update in Karoonda, SA.

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The mobile BBQ trailer has been the centrepiece of a project that received funding through the Future Drought Fund’s Community Impact Project (CIP), an initiative coordinated nationally by the Foundation for Regional and Rural Renewal (FRRR). The project submitted by MSF is titled “Risky Business” and is one of the few that received funding under the Murraylands Riverland region CIP.

The project title Risky Business captures the need to create a supportive and relaxed social environment where farmers and their advisers can engage in conversations about risk, risky decisions and developing plans for the future of their farms.

MSF project Leader Dr. Jay Cummins believes that the initiative reinforces the importance of having shared discussions about identifying options for managing the farm business in difficult times and sharing personal challenges.

“It’s all about taking time out to “chew the fat” when exploring options for making better decisions in farm businesses, paddock operations, or initiating long-term plans,” according to Jay.

Jay considers it important to be able to get out into the paddock and see what is happening regarding the latest agricultural R&D. According to Jay, this is a critical step in the adoption process and underpins the MSF philosophy of being a farmer-driven organisation.

The importance of caring for one’s mental health is another significant theme associated with the project. MSF is highly supportive of the ifarmwell program, which has been promoted at many recent MSF events.

MSF Project Coordinator (and acclaimed Barbecue Chef) Sonia Allen has been overwhelmed by the response from those attending MSF events and sampling the food offered.

“Let’s face it, everyone enjoys a hearty barbeque and, importantly, the opportunity to engage in casual conversations. All too often, we are in too much of a hurry to take time to talk to others in our local communities,” according to Sonia.

“The beauty of the BBQ is its mobility, allowing us to reach farmers throughout our region, particularly in communities with limited catering options. We source all our ingredients locally, ensuring support for local businesses and creating a ’win-win’ situation,” concluded Sonia.

The ifarmwell program can be accessed at ifarmwell.com.au

Sizzling success! 🔥 Sonia Allen and Kimberley Jacobs from Mallee Sustainable Farming cooking up a storm at the recent Mallee Research Update in Karoonda, SA.

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Our keynote presenter for the events is Mary O’Brien, founder of Are You Bogged Mate?, an initiative tackling mental health challenges in rural communities with a straight-talking, relatable approach. Mary understands the pressures of farming and brings a refreshing, no-nonsense perspective on keeping things in check – both in the paddock and in life.

Rural men face a unique set of pressures – managing rising input costs, unpredictable seasons, the pressure to keep a family farm going, and the mental load of wearing multiple hats as agronomists, business managers, mechanics, and marketers. Are You Bogged Mate? shines a light on mental health in the bush, encouraging men to look out for their mates and seek support when things get tough. Mary talks about breaking down stigma and recognising that speaking up takes just as much strength as working through the hard times.

But Mary isn’t just here to talk mental health – she’s a spray application guru, and she’ll be sharing practical, efficiency-driven strategies on spray drift risk management, application precision, and chemical best practice. Her workshops focus on getting chemicals on target, reducing waste, and improving compliance while saving money. If you’re looking to cut costs without cutting corners, this session is a must.

Soil Smarts with Charlie Carbon & Sandy Grain

Two new team members are stepping up to help farmers navigate soil management – meet Charlie Carbon and Sandy Grain. These engaging new mascots will be leading the way in promoting two exciting initiatives designed to provide farmers with reliable, easy-to-access soil information via social media and web platforms.

Soils Connect is a dynamic platform showcasing soil management in action, featuring practical examples from different regions and a comprehensive resource library that makes soil-related decision-making easier.

Farmers will have direct access to real-world insights, ongoing Question and Answer forums with technical experts, providing more time for decision making and spending less time searching for answers.

In addition, the new 101 Questions About Soils book (funded by the SA Grain Industry Trust) was developed by asking farmers what they wanted to know but hadn’t had the chance to ask. This resource compiles common soil management questions into a practical, easy-to-understand format that helps farmers better understand soil constraints, the reason for soil management strategies, and apply real solutions to real problems.

Charlie and Sandy will be the familiar faces delivering soil knowledge through engaging social media content, updates, and stories, ensuring farmers can tap into useful and relevant soil information anytime, anywhere.

These two initiatives are designed to help farmers cut through complexity and focus on what really matters – efficiency, productivity, and profitability.

Research, Recommendations & Risk

Joining Mary at the Mallee Research Updates will be MSF’s Research Manager Penny Roberts, who will break down last year’s trial results including the impact of soil amelioration, long coleoptiles, and nitrogen management in a dry season and what it means for 2025.

Crop nutrition expert, Sean Mason, Agronomy Solutions, will be covering fertiliser strategies and where potential savings could be made and Rick Llewellyn, CSIRO, will discuss how farmers can navigate risk and make smarter, more confident decisions in an unpredictable climate. Rick’s session will focus on the tools that inform on farm decisions such as summer weed control, seeding decisions, as well as decision making involved in adopting autonomous tractors on a typical Mallee farm.

Event Details and Registration

The Mallee Research Updates will be held at key locations across the tri-state region, delivering region-specific information that farmers can take home and put into action.

Tuesday 4^th March – Mildura Rowing Club, 8.45am-3pm

Wednesday 5^th March – Balranald RSL, 8.45am – 3pm

Thursday 6^th March – Pinnaroo Football Club, 8.45am – 3pm

Friday 7^th March – Karoonda Football Club, 8.45am – 3pm

Registrations are now open, and farmers, agronomists, and industry reps won’t want to miss this one.

For more information and to register visit  https://mfi.greecosy.us/events/

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Dr. Sean Mason, B.Sc. (Hons), Ph.D., has an extensive career in soil and plant nutrition, spanning both academic and industry sectors. He holds a Ph.D. in Soil Chemistry from the University of Adelaide, where his groundbreaking research focused on the development of the Diffusive Gradients in Thin-films (DGT) technique to predict nutrient availability to plants. This innovative approach has significantly advanced our understanding of soil nutrient dynamics.

Throughout his career, Dr. Mason has demonstrated exceptional leadership and research capabilities. As the Director of Agronomy Solutions, he has been instrumental in leading numerous research projects aimed at optimising soil and plant nutrition. His work has garnered significant recognition for projects such as optimising phosphorus nutrition in pulses and using soil and plant testing data to improve nutrient management.

Relevant to MSF might be the involvement in recent and current drought hub projects looking at demonstrating value of adopting VRT and assisting growers on this transition.

Dr. Mason’s professional journey includes roles as a Post-Doctoral Fellow and Research Fellow at the University of Adelaide, R&D Manager at the Australian Precision Ag Laboratory and various positions at CSIRO Land and Water. His contributions to the field are well-documented through numerous published papers in prestigious journals and presentations at national and international conferences.

In addition to his research accomplishments, Dr. Mason is actively involved in professional organisations. He served as the President of the South Australia Branch of the Australian Soil Science Society from 2015 to 2016 and is a member of the Australian Society of Plant Analysis and Council (ASPAC).

Dr Mason says “I am very humbled to be asked to be on the MSF board and is looking forward to working with great people to assist in MSF’s journey. Hopefully I can bring something to the table.”

Steve Burt, Chair Mallee Sustainable Farming said “He is confident that Dr. Mason’s expertise will be invaluable in advancing our mission to promote sustainable farming practices in the Mallee region. His appointment underscores our commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in agricultural research and development”.

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