Facey Group

A farmer-run group in Western Australia that aims to improve on-farm practice to keep farms healthy & profitable. CEO is Tina Astbury supported by a great team!

[Facey Group @FaceyGroup]

📢 @FaceyGroup is on the lookout! 💡
Are you passionate about agriculture and making a difference in the paddock? 🌱

We’re hiring a full-time Agricultural Research & Extension Coordinator to help deliver local trials, support growers, and drive innovation across our region.

👩‍🌾 Be part of hands-on research
🤝 Build strong connections with growers & industry
🌾 Help shape practical, on-farm outcomes

If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and make an impact where it counts, we’d love to hear from you 🌱
Read the full position description here 👉🏻 https://t.co/AyjwHfbOrV

#agriculturejobs #ruralcareers #agresearch #extensionwork #farminnovation #australianagriculture #careersinag #growerengagement #sustainablefarming #growergroups #localagresearch

[Facey Group @FaceyGroup]

After 30mm of rain earlier this year… the paddock is already showing signs of change 🌱👀

We revisited the @WANTFA soil amelioration demo site after rain to see what was happening below the surface — and the difference was hard to ignore.

✔️ Easier digging
✔️ More open soil
✔️ Improved infiltration
✔️ Clear changes following the HORSCH Tiger MT pass

Even more interesting, the @theGRDC soil-borne diseases team from DPIRD were on site investigating whether soil amelioration could also help disrupt fungal disease loads.

This is where demos turn into real discovery 🔍🌾

#FaceyGroup #SoilAmelioration #SoilHealth #GRDC #DPIRD #WANTFA #WAgrains #AgResearch

[Facey Group @FaceyGroup]

Supporting the next generation of agricultural researchers is an important part of building a stronger future for regional WA 🌱

Last week, @FaceyGroup had the pleasure of hosting WAARC Honours student Joel Tinetti through the WA Agricultural Research Collaboration and Grower Group Alliance Honours Partnership Program. Joel spent the day assisting with seeding operations, completing crop emergence counts, and gaining hands-on experience in applied grain research across the Wheatbelt.

We also had the opportunity to hear Joel present on his Honours project, which explores how different enzyme combinations used in oat milk production influence quality parameters and end-product characteristics. It was a fascinating insight into the science behind value-added agriculture and food innovation, and a great example of the diverse research pathways connected to WA grain industries.

Programs like this play an important role in strengthening connections between growers, industry and universities across regional WA, while supporting emerging researchers to gain valuable industry experience.

Thanks, Joel, for your enthusiasm and contribution to the team 🌾

#WAARC #GGA #HonoursPartnershipProgram #WAAgriculturalResearchCollaboration #GrowerGroupAlliance #OatMilk #enzymes #industryconnections #agresearch
@WAAgCollab @GGA_WA

[Facey Group @FaceyGroup]

🐑 The future of WA’s sheep industry starts here.

Join growers, industry leaders & researchers at Beyond the Flock for an afternoon of practical insights, hands-on workshops & real conversations about what’s next for the sheep industry in WA.

Hot topics include:
🌧️ WaterSmart Dams Water Evaluation Tools
🐑🗺️ The Future Flock & WA Sheep Roadmap

Plus workshops covering SafeSheds Systems, Containment Modelling, & eID & NLIS updates followed by a relaxed sundowner.

📅Mon 22 June⏰ 11am – 6pm📍 Wickepin Community Centre

Event proudly brought to you by @ag_southwestnrm FEAST2030 project, supported by the @AusGov through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program. Supported by @woolinnovation & @FaceyGroup

#growergroups #localagresearch #BeyondTheFlock #WhatsNextForWASheep #SafeSheds #WaterSmartDams #NaturalHeritageTrust #TheFutureFlock #WASheepRoadmap #WaterEvaluation #ClimateSmartAgricultureProgram

[Facey Group @FaceyGroup]

🚨 FARM BUSINESS TRANSITION PROGRAM — ROUND 2 NOW OPEN 🚨

WA sheep producers can now apply for funding through Round 2 of the Farm Business Transition Program, open until 15 July 2026.

These grants are designed to assist individuals, businesses and communities to confidently plan and adapt to laws passed by the Australian Parliament to end live sheep exports by sea from 1 May 2028.

Funding of up to $75,000 is available for:
✔ Infrastructure upgrades
✔ Equipment purchases
✔ Alternative farming systems
✔ Innovation & new management practices
✔ Training & business planning

If you’re considering applying, now is the time to review the program guidelines and eligible activities.

🔗 Find program information, eligibility details and application resources here:
https://t.co/bZk698y5eV

[Facey Group @FaceyGroup]

🚜☣️REMINDER — AUSCHEM Skill Set Course in Wickepin

There’s still time to register for the upcoming AUSCHEM Skill Set Course.

📅 Tues 9th & Wed 10th June 2026
🕗 8:30am – 4:00pm
📍 Wickepin Community Centre

This nationally recognised training is ideal for people working in industry who handle & use chemicals as part of their role.

Successful participants will complete:
✔️ AHCCHM304 – Transport and Store Chemicals
✔️ AHCCHM307 – Prepare and Apply Chemicals to Control Pests, Weeds and Disease

💲 FREE to attend
📘 Course textbook available for purchase: $75
🥪 BYO lunch and snacks

To register or find out more, email [email protected]

#ChemicalSafety #AUSCHEM #FarmSafety #ChemicalHandling #Wickepin #AgricultureTraining #growergroups #localagresearch @CRTAFE @FaceyGroup

[GRDC @theGRDC]

Applying #phosphorous (P) fertiliser to high P fixing soils will result in it being locked up and converted into forms that plants can’t easily absorb.

It means plants can’t get the nutrient they need, reducing yields by up to 50%, and lowering the return on your fertiliser investment.

A new 4-year GRDC project, led by @VicGovAg, brings together grower groups, advisers and university researchers from SA, Vic and WA to strengthen confidence in P management in these soil types.

Want to find out more? https://t.co/q1JQaCH5Xw

@BCropGroup @AgSolutionsOz @FaceyGroup @AIREP @DirtSouthern @uwanews @latrobe @AgCommunicators Trengove Consulting @SEPWA_ag Adelaide University

#HighPFixingSoils

[Facey Group @FaceyGroup]

🤔 Can we sow oats earlier while still managing frost risk?
That’s the question we’re exploring in our 2026 Time of Sowing Oats Trial, delivered as part of the @TheGRDC RiskWi$e initiative.

The trial has kicked off with early oats sown at two different times. The first sowing, planted on 17 April, has established well, followed by a second sowing last week into moisture-holding soils.

Earlier sowing can increase biomass and yield potential, but it can also push flowering into higher frost-risk windows. Across the season, we’ll be tracking:
1️⃣ Crop development and flowering timing
2️⃣ Frost exposure during the reproductive period
3️⃣ Impacts on yield and stability

This work is helping build local evidence for oats in time-of-sowing strategies, while also growing @FaceyGroup's capacity to deliver more regional trials under commercial conditions using our own seeder.

We’ll keep sharing updates as the season unfolds 👀

#GRDC #RiskWise #TimeOfSowing #FrostManagement #growergroups #localagresearch

[Facey Group @FaceyGroup]

🌾 How are deep sown oats performing so far this season?

Check out how the @TheGRDC Evaluating Deep Sowing of Oats in WA Production Systems trial is progressing with @FaceyGroup CEO Tina Astbury, just two weeks after sowing.

Following sowing at three different depths into moisture — & with a rainfall event afterwards — we’re seeing excellent establishment across the trial site.

This research project is exploring whether oats can be sown deeper than usual to access stored summer moisture, helping create earlier sowing opportunities across WA’s wheatbelt. Current 2026 research is also investigating varying herbicide practices & their effects on crop establishment & performance.

📽️ Watch the video below & stay tuned for more project updates as the season progresses 🌱

Visit our website for full project information 👉 https://t.co/3Wb4vKsie3

#GRDC #Oats #DeepSowing #ChasingMoisture #BroadacreFarming #WAAgriculture #DrySowing #AgResearch #FaceyGroup #growergroups #localagresearch

[Grower Group Alliance @GGA_WA]

Join MLA for a webinar sharing findings from four years of research for the SheepLinks Feed365 project in WA.

Lead researchers, DPIRD's Daniel Real and Paul Sanford, will cover:

✅Carrying capacity increases from ~9DSE/ha for winter and spring, to 10 DSE/ha all year round
✅Which pasture and forage mixes performed best across key seasonal feed gaps
✅How alternative species can help manage variable seasons and smooth feed supply

📅11 June, 2026
⏰12.00pm [noon] AWST
🔗Register here https://t.co/Dh1w82mqcj

[Facey Group @FaceyGroup]

AUSCHEM Skill Set Course

📅 Tues 9th & Wed 10th June 2026
🕗 8:30am – 4:00pm
📍 Wickepin Community Centre

Due to strong local interest, this will be the second AUSCHEM course offered in Wickepin this year — it's great to see so many people prioritising chemical safety 👏

This intensive program is designed for people working in industry who are required to handle & use chemicals as part of their role.

Successful completion provides nationally recognised units:
AHCCHM304 – Transport and Store Chemicals
AHCCHM307 – Prepare and Apply Chemicals to Control Pests, Weeds and Disease

FREE to attend
Course textbook available for purchase: $75
🥪 BYO lunch and snacks

For more information or to register, email [email protected]

#ChemicalSafety #Upskill #AUSCHEM #ChemicalHandling #ChemicalStorage #FarmSafety #PestControl #WeedControl #DiseasePrevention #growergroups #localagresearch #CentralRegionalTAFE @FaceyGroup

[Facey Group @FaceyGroup]

📰 FACEY CONNECT is back for Edition Two!
Fresh look, sharper format, same valuable insights 💪

We’ve made it even easier to stay in the loop—quick to read, simple to navigate, and now delivered monthly so you get timely updates on research, industry trends, and what matters most right now.

👉 Dive into April's edition here: https://t.co/RlUKR1zcxT

#growergroups #localagresearch #agriculture #farminginnovation #researchimpact #grainindustry #agupdates #FaceyConnect #ENews #newsletter #relevant @FaceyGroup

[Facey Group @FaceyGroup]

Out with @Living_Farm last week preparing to seed oats for the @TheGRDC NGN Evaluating deep sowing of oats in WA production systems 🌱

Led by @FaceyGroup in partnership with @MADFIG14, this project is taking a closer look at how oats establish under challenging sowing conditions across WA production systems.

Conditions aren’t ideal for deep seeding, but with rain on the way we’re hopeful for establishment across all depths. Every season brings its challenges—and opportunities to learn.

This year’s focus is on digging deeper into herbicide impacts, building on the strong variety work from the past two seasons. Looking forward to seeing how it all comes together in the paddock.

Find out more HERE https://t.co/0lHH8IfWxn

#growergroups #localagresearch #deepsownoats #oats #GRDC #LivingFarm #MADFIG #croppingprojects #growergroupsworkingtogether

[Facey Group @FaceyGroup]

🐑 Sheep growers ... this one’s for you 🐑

Save the date for BEYOND THE FLOCK, a hands-on day focused on what’s next for sheep enterprises in WA.

From water planning & eID to containment systems & industry direction, this event brings together practical insights & emerging tools you can apply on-farm.

📅 22 June 2026
📍 Details to follow

More information coming soon.

#NaturalHeritageTrust #sheep #livestock #BeyondTheFlock #WhatsNextForSheep #growergroups #localagresearch #WoolGrowers #WALamb @Ausgov @faceyGroup @southwestnrm @AWIExtensionWA @woolinnovation

[Facey Group @FaceyGroup]

Ahhh Easter… seafood feasts, too much chocolate, quality family time… & maybe a quick dash to the paddock after some welcome rain 🌧️🚜
It’s also often a time when families are all together — & those moments can open the door to important conversations.
Our recent Farm Succession Planning workshop, hosted by @FaceyGroup & facilitated by Peter Cooke & Nicol Taylor (#AgKnowledge), saw a strong turnout of local families tackling one of agricultures toughest topics.
With a practical workbook & focus on real issues like education costs, land separation & retirement, participants had open honest discussions & left with clear tailored action plans.
Did Easter spark a succession conversation with your family?

It’s not one-size-fits-all — it’s a process.
Ready to take the next step?
Contact Peter Cooke from the AgKnowledge team:
📞 0417 953 957
✉️ [email protected]

#growergroups #localagresearch #FaceyGroup #FarmSuccession #MtBurdettFoundation #WAgriculture #FamilyFarms #FutureFarming #RuralCommunities #AgLeadership #RealConversations #PracticalSteps #FutureFocused

[Facey Group @FaceyGroup]

Ahhh Easter… seafood feasts, too much chocolate, quality family time… & maybe a quick dash to the paddock after some welcome rain 🌧️🚜
It’s also often a time when families are all together — & those moments can open the door to important conversations.
Our recent Farm Succession Planning workshop, hosted by @FaceyGroup & facilitated by Peter Cooke & Nicol Taylor (#AgKnowledge), saw a strong turnout of local families tackling one of agricultures toughest topics.
With a practical workbook & focus on real issues like education costs, land separation & retirement, participants had open honest discussions & left with clear tailored action plans.
Did Easter spark a succession conversation with your family?
It’s not one-size-fits-all — it’s a process.
Ready to take the next step?
Contact Peter Cooke from the AgKnowledge team:
📞 0417 953 957
✉️ [email protected]

#growergroups #localagresearch #FaceyGroup #FarmSuccession #MtBurdettFoundation #WAgriculture #FamilyFarms #FutureFarming #RuralCommunities #AgLeadership #RealConversations #PracticalSteps #FutureFocused

[Facey Group @FaceyGroup]

WE’RE HIRING🌱💪

👩‍💻Finance & Admin Officer
Flexible casual/part-time role

Join @FaceyGroup & support meaningful agricultural research & grower outcomes across the region.

If you’ve got bookkeeping or finance administration experience, strong attention to detail, & enjoy working both independently & as part of a team, we’d love to hear from you.

Full position description available HERE 👉 https://t.co/A0m9uJIB5N

Apply now or get in touch to learn more.
Email Tina Astbury: [email protected]

#WeAreHiring #Finance #Admin #Recruiting #NewTeamMember #Bookkeeping #Casual #PartTime #growergroups #localagresearch

[SEPWA @SEPWA_ag]

🌱 Canola seeding isn’t far away

CSIRO research led by Dr Andrew Fletcher highlights key establishment tips:
• Sow shallow (1–2 cm)
• Soil temps ideally 25–35°C
• Separate seed & fertiliser
• Reduce press wheel pressure in sands

READ MORE: https://t.co/yDeHquKJEv

[Facey Group @FaceyGroup]

📢 TRIAL SUMMARY… Real results from a season of wheat variety testing 🌾

The 2025 @FaceyGroup Wheat Variety Demonstration in Bullaring has wrapped up, delivering practical insights for local growers.

Hosted with thanks by Alan Manton & Kelly Pearce, the trial compared Hamelin, Rottnest, Ninja, Shotgun & Brumby.

🔍 Key takeaways:
1️⃣Hamelin topped yield (5.6 t/ha), with later flowering offering flexibility to manage frost risk
2️⃣Rottnest stood out for noodle wheat (ANW1), delivering the highest gross return
3️⃣Grain quality proved just as important as yield for market access and profitability

A strong reminder that variety choice should align with paddock conditions, seasonal risk and market opportunities.

Thanks to @AGTBreeding for their support in donating grain.

#growergroups #localagresearch #farmerledtrial #wheatvarieties #hamelin #rottnest #ninja #shotgun #brumby #CompareTheGrain #AlignChoiceWithConditions

[Facey Group @FaceyGroup]

📰 Introducing the new-look FACEY CONNECT 👏

Same hard-hitting content… now in a simpler, easier-to-use format 💪

We’ve refreshed our seasonal newsletter to make it quicker to read & easier to stay informed. Plus, it’s now landing monthly—bringing you more timely updates on research, industry insights, & the topics that matter most.

Stay across what’s new without the overwhelm.

👉 Dive into Edition ONE here: https://t.co/u0wvWT5hJg

#growergroups #localagresearch #agriculture #farminginnovation #researchimpact #grainindustry #agupdates #FaceyConnect #ENews #newsletter #relevant