Background
For respected livestock advisor Phil Graham, one of the most valuable tools available to producers is access to trusted, experienced people who can help them navigate uncertainty. Through the Hub-supported Drought Adoption Officer program, delivered by Local Land Services, producers have access to practical support, local knowledge and evidence-based information when they need it most.
Phil has worked closely with Local Land Services and individual Drought Adoption Officers over many years, including contributing to the Hub's Saving Our Soils During Drought project through webinars and resource development. He believes these programs are helping producers make better decisions and strengthen their resilience to future droughts.
Adapting to increasing climate variability
After 31 years with the NSW Department of Primary Industries, Phil established Graham Advisory in 2017 and continues to work with livestock producers and the people who support them across southern Australia.
Over that time, he has observed a clear shift in seasonal conditions.
"The challenge isn't new, but the frequency and volatility of it has increased," Phil said.
Rainfall patterns are becoming more variable, even between neighbouring properties, making it harder for producers to rely on traditional seasonal expectations and increasing the need for flexible decision-making.
As conditions become less predictable, having access to trusted information and support is becoming increasingly important.
Turning knowledge into preparedness
A key outcome Phil has observed through drought-focused extension programs is the growing adoption of stock confinement feeding areas.
While confinement feeding has been available for many years, more producers now have the confidence to use it as part of their drought management toolkit.
"Stock confinement areas give producers a known back-up they can activate," Phil said. "It gives them flexibility and time."
Confinement areas allow producers to protect groundcover and pasture condition during dry periods while taking pressure off the rest of the farm. Importantly, they also create space for producers to consider their next steps rather than being forced into rapid decisions.
"It takes one issue off the table," Phil said. "Once groundcover is protected, farmers have more time to think through their options."
Through initiatives such as the Saving Our Soils During Drought project and the work of Drought Adoption Officers, producers have been able to access practical information, see up close local examples, and access ongoing support that helps build confidence in these approaches.
The value of trusted local expertise
Phil believes one of the strongest contributions of the Drought Adoption Officer program is providing producers with a trusted and independent sounding board during difficult periods.
"When things go pear-shaped, producers get under pressure," he said. "That makes it really hard to make effective decisions."
Having someone available to discuss options, challenge assumptions and provide practical advice can significantly improve decision-making during dry times.
"Having an experienced, knowledgeable person there is incredibly valuable," Phil said. "A person you trust who can act as a sounding board."
Because Drought Adoption Officers work across large regions, they also bring insights from a wide range of farming systems and seasonal conditions.
"They're seeing what lots of people are doing across a big area," Phil said. "They can bring ideas to the table that you might not have thought about."
This role is becoming increasingly important as producers navigate a growing volume of information.
"There's more information available than ever before, but not all of it is useful," Phil said. "What people actually need is a small amount of good-quality information they can trust."
Building resilience through better decisions
For Phil, drought resilience is closely linked to the ability of farm businesses to make timely, informed decisions.
"The most resilient farm businesses are usually the most profitable ones," he said. "They've got more buffer and more time on their side when they're making decisions."
The Future Drought Fund’s investment in Drought Adoption Officers, through the Southern NSW Innovation Hub, and practical extension activities is helping producers develop that capacity by improving access to trusted expertise, strengthening preparedness and supporting the adoption of proven management strategies.
The increasing confidence producers have in tools such as stock confinement areas demonstrates progress towards stronger adaptive capacity across the region. Equally important is the continuity of support available through experienced local advisors who understand the people, landscapes and production systems they work with.
As climate variability continues to challenge livestock businesses, Phil believes trusted local expertise will remain critical.
"When producers are under pressure, having someone you can talk things through with makes a real difference," he said. "That's when good decisions get made."
This combination of practical knowledge, trusted relationships and informed decision-making is helping build more resilient livestock businesses across southern NSW.
