In the field (from left) Riverine Plains communications manager Michelle Pardy, project officer Sabita Duwal and sustainable practices manager Sayra Samudio.
Farmers leading the way: how a farmer-led group works
In farming, the best ideas often start with the people who live and breathe agriculture every day.
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That’s what makes farmer-led groups like Riverine Plains Inc so powerful. Riverine Plains is an independent, farmer-led organisation with more than 450 members across north-east Victoria and south-east New South Wales.
Our community of farmers, researchers and industry partners work together to improve productivity, profitability and sustainability on local farms.
Feedback from members shapes our programs, research and projects, so outcomes are practical, relevant and have real-world impact.
Our projects focus on peer-to-peer learning, trialling new technologies, and “kicking the tyres” before you invest.
Checking out a trial on a field trip.
We bring in technical experts, examine research and test what works in our region.
Members swap notes, learn from each other and gain insights that help them make decisions that save time and boost profitability.
“Because we’re established and driven by farmers, we’re focused on practical outcomes, things that improve profitability, sustainability and decision-making at the paddock level,” Riverine Plains CEO Pip Grant said.
“Our projects reflect the realities of farming systems, translating the relevant research, science and tech to identify short-term gains and support long-term asset management,” she said.
Riverine Plains has a dedicated team with experience across agriculture, on-farm trials, research, communications, economics and training. Many have spent years working on farms themselves.
This combination of hands-on knowledge and professional expertise ensures our projects make sense to farmers: backed by science but grounded in reality. Direct input from farmers and advisors is key.
Each year, Riverine Plains consults widely to design research projects, on-farm trials, workshops and training programs that tackle emerging issues and opportunities.
Results are shared back with members through field days, discussion groups, resources and events, always presented in a way that’s relevant to local farm businesses.
Getting down to business on the farm.
As long-term members Peter and Mary-Anne White of White Ag, Yarrawonga explain: “At its core, Riverine Plains is an independent organisation driven by growers to provide timely, evidence-based information that can be implemented to improve our farms’ efficient use of resources and profitability.
“It’s also a network of like-minded farming operators who share their experiences for the benefit of their peers to ensure ongoing sustainability, growth and success of our agricultural industry.”
Riverine Plains’ work strengthens farming communities, builds resilient landscapes, enhances farm performance, and fosters collaboration and innovation.
Membership gives farmers access to:
• Independent local research and on-farm trials that show what works in our region, to improve productivity, sustainability and profitability of farm businesses.
• Peer-to-peer learning and networking, sharing real experiences, ideas and solutions with other farmers.
• Practical testing of new tech and practices, helping you “kick the tyres” before investing.
• Targeted training and professional development, including bespoke workshops, subsidised events and expert-led sessions.
• Timely insights and alerts, from local weather data to production risks, grants, compliance updates and funding opportunities.
• Access to the latest farming system knowledge, delivered through the annual trial book, seasonal newsletters, case studies and a dynamic monthly email update.
• Opportunities to host trials on your own farm to test products or processes. In short, a farmer-led group is run by farmers, for farmers, with everything it does focused on boosting on-farm profitability, sustainability and efficiency.
Until March 15, 2026, new farming or affiliate member sign-ups will go in the draw to win a YETI esky and a Riverine Plains merchandise pack.
To learn more or join, visit riverineplains.org.au/join or contact Extension and Capacity Building Manager Lynn Macaulay at info@riverineplains.org.au
Digging into the soil profile at a Riverine Plains event.
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