South Australian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub

15/10/2026

🌱 Planting is underway at three South Australian sites as part of the Climate Resilient Sheep Systems project.

Each planting has been designed around the producer’s goals, from shelter for lambing and wind protection to biodiversity and potential feed during dry periods.

At Caltowie, rows of Anameka saltbush will act as windbreaks alongside 11 other planted species. At Lameroo, the team has planted a mix of 19 species. The Roseworthy site will compare species with different levels of palatability, including a treatment designed by First Nations partner Red Centre Enterprises.

Adelaide University staff worked with producers Alison Henderson and Duane Simon, Upper North Farming Systems, Mallee Sustainable Farming and Conservation Volunteers Australia to establish the sites.

The team will track plant survival, growth, soil quality and natural capital measures. In later years, the research will examine grazing, the effect of shade on sheep temperature regulation, and lamb survival.

To find out more, check out our project page: https://bit.ly/47Sfgr1

08/10/2026

The Designing Engaging Extension Workshop returns this October, with limited spaces remaining!

This practical two-day workshop is designed to help agricultural professionals strengthen their extension and engagement skills.

Facilitated by Jeanette Long, participants will explore how people learn, make decisions and adopt new practices, while learning how to design effective extension programs.

Whether you’re a researcher, adviser or extension practitioner, this workshop offers valuable insights to help turn research into real on-farm outcomes.

When: Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 October 2026

Where: Hart Field Site, Clare SA

Registrations: essential – secure your place now: https://bit.ly/4y4Dp8r

28/09/2026

SA Drought Hub is proud to support the next generation of agriculture leaders through its sponsorship of WoTL's Stepping Into Leadership Program.

Congratulations to sponsor participant Jessica Henderson and the Hub's own Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting, Learning and Adoption Officer Demi Taylor on their successful completion of the program.

Investing in leadership development helps build resilient industry sectors and communities, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact these emerging leaders will continue to make across regional South Australia.

Read full article: https://bit.ly/4iSksSG

Applications for the 2027 Stepping Into Leadership Program are now open, offering a unique opportunity for women in agriculture and regional communities to strengthen leadership skills and support their industry.

Learn more and apply by Sunday 18 October 2026: www.wotl.com.au/sil/

25/09/2026

Take a closer look at how drought-resilient pasture legumes are performing in the paddock 🌱

Join Adelaide University researchers at Eden Valley/Springton to see how different annual pasture legumes perform under local conditions.

See how serradellas compare with clovers and medics on sandy soils, how the different species respond to grazing, and how their feed quality stacks up. You’ll also visit a regenerating paddock of summer-sown serradella established in 2023.

Hear directly from Assoc Prof Matt Denton and his team about what they’re seeing in the trials and discuss what these pasture options could mean for your own farming system.

Thursday October 1, 2026 | 10:30am - 12pm
📍 Shearers Rd, Eden Valley/Springton

Register here: https://sadroughthub.com.au/event/drought-resilient-pasture-legume-mixture-trial-visit/

23/09/2026

With water security a growing priority on many farms, lined catchments are an effective way to support drought preparedness.

BIGG has released two practical fact sheets to help navigate the approval and construction process of lined catchments on your property, which can help reduce water losses, improve the capture of rainfall and provide a reliable water supply for on-farm operations.

Learn more through the link below 👇

Considering a lined catchment? 💦

Now live on the BIGG website are two practical, easy‑to‑follow factsheets covering the approval and construction process for installing a lined catchment:

🔗 https://biggroup.org.au/water-security/

In partnership with Flaxman Valley landholder Leon Deans, the BIGG Lined Catchment project showcased how lined catchments can be successfully integrated into existing farm infrastructure to improve long‑term water security. Learn more via the link above.

This project is supported by funding from South Australian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, and the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board via the Landscape Priorities Fund.

22/09/2026

Expressions of interest are now open for the More Beef from Pastures 2.0 producer learning groups across NSW, VIC, TAS, SA and WA.

Producers operating self-replacing beef enterprises with at least 20 heifers that can be followed through the program are particularly encouraged to apply.

Places within each region are limited. Interested producers can submit an expression of interest now: https://bit.ly/3Tg2EWX

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18/09/2026

We’re at the Riverland Field Days! 🌱

SA Drought Hub’s Karen Hollamby, Regional Team Leader, and Deborah Francis, Events Coordinator, are on site to chat about the Hub’s latest projects, resources and opportunities.

It’s also a great opportunity to explore the services and support available to producers through PIRSA’s Drought Support initiatives.

👋 Come and say hello to the team in the PIRSA tent at Site 311.

15/09/2026

Make your extension activities more targeted, engaging, and effective.

Designing Engaging Extension is a practical two-day workshop focused on how to design extension activities that connect with the right audience and achieve the outcomes you’re aiming for.

Led by Jeanette Long of Ag Consulting Co, you’ll learn how to:
- Define and better understand your target audience
- Understand the stages of attitudinal change and decision making
- Consider how different personality types influence learning and engagement
- Plan content using the KASA approach
- Use a range of extension and engagement tools

You’ll leave with a clearer approach to planning and delivering extension activities, from workshops and field days to broader extension programs.

October 21 & 22, 2026 | Hart, SA

Places are limited. Register now: https://sadroughthub.com.au/event/designing-engaging-extension-workshop-2/

09/09/2026

The SA Drought Hub is pleased to be a Silver Sponsor of the SARDI Minnipa Agricultural Centre annual field day.

Karen Hollamby, Deborah Francis and Rachel May from the Hub team are here amongst the 120 pax crowd to hear from researchers on the latest soil, herbicide residues, trial and variety updates.

Of these presenters include SA Drought Hub and SAGIT supported intern Anna Osmond, and SARDI’s Elijah Luo.

Anna, whose position is hosted by SARDI and AIR EP, provided an update on the impact of alternative P sources on wheat growth.

And Elijah, who has been working on the SA Drought Hub funded ‘de-risking the seeding program on Eyre Peninsula soils’, presented comparisons of different seeding systems and crops in 2026.

It’s great to see strong interest in research and innovation that supports resilient farming systems across the EP.

Thank you to the Minnipa Agricultural Centre for hosting another successful field day!

09/09/2026

Apply now for one of ten bursaries to attend the SA Livestock Advisor Update this October.

Ten Sheep Industry Fund (SIF) Accelerate Bursaries are now available to agriculture teachers, university students and early-career professionals to attend the Update on 28 October at Hotel Panorama.

The SIF, in partnership with SA Livestock Consultants, is committed to building the capability of the next generation of livestock professionals and supporting those passionate about the sheep industry.

That's why the bursary has been designed to help participants accelerate their industry networks, knowledge and career progression by connecting with experienced livestock professionals, industry leaders and like-minded people.

For more information and to apply, visit: https://bit.ly/4zUnZWy

Applications close Wednesday 30 September 2026.