Around the region with the Adoption Officers

30 July 2026

From conferences and field days to workshops and producer events, our Drought Adoption Officers have continued working alongside landholders to support practical drought preparedness and climate resilience across the region.

July saw the team engaging with producers at a wide range of events, including the NSW Farmers Conference, Mudgee Small Farm Field Days, virtual fencing demonstrations, PROGRAZE workshops, Better Bull Buying workshops and GRDC Research Updates.

The team also supported the Farm Business Resilience Program through a series of Smart Farm and Stronger Farm workshops, helping producers build the knowledge and confidence to make informed business decisions.

Looking ahead, the team will continue delivering on-ground support through a series of Profitable Grain Solutions workshops in Cowra, Condobolin, Molong and Warren/Collie, as well as another PROGRAZE workshop in Holbrook.

On 30 July, Drought Adoption Officer Matt Leischke hosted a webinar with livestock specialist Phil Graham, exploring what the current El Niño outlook means for producers and how to interpret seasonal forecasts when planning ahead.

The Hub's extension network will also come together in Orange on 12 August, with Drought Adoption Officers, Knowledge Broker Luke Peel and Regional Soil Coordinator Justine Cox meeting to strengthen collaboration, share ideas and build their extension and adoption capability alongside the Farm Business Resilience Program.

Get to know Brett Littler

What motivates someone to spend their days working alongside producers?

In this short video, Southern NSW Innovation Hub Drought Adoption Officer Brett Littler shares what drives his work, why practical support matters and how building relationships helps create more resilient farming businesses and communities.