GrainGrowers chairman John Eastburn said the not-for-profit organisation would focus on six targets —

1. Significant membership growth in South Australia and Western Australia and appointment of two new directors to represent these members.

2. Better engagement with growers through regional forums, events, timely communication and increased contact with GrainGrowers’ field officers.

3. Delivery of enhanced decision-making tools to improve farm profitability, including the launch of the latest version of ProductionWise, GrainGrowers’ flagship program that seamlessly integrates a range of information from historical satellite and climatic data to seasonal rain forecasts. It has been years in the making and is the only system of its kind in the world.

4. Strong, coordinated grain input into the National Farmers’ Federation and decision makers to deliver innovative policy solutions.

5. Increase GrainGrowers’ capital base. GrainGrowers achieved impressive financial results last year and by building on this, better services will be delivered to members.

6. Delivery of an Australian Wheat Quality Report on the quality, milling and baking characteristics of the latest harvest to give confidence throughout the supply chain and allow growers to benchmark quality and varietal performance.

Mr Eastburn said GrainGrowers would be working hard to meet these targets.

“Australian growers are facing a range of political, economic and environmental challenges — from national debates that could dictate how they farm to fluctuating prices and unseasonal weather,” he said.

“Now, perhaps more than ever, they need access to the latest technology to enhance decision making, a vehicle to develop and advocate evidence-based policy, and passionate people representing grain producers’ interests on the national stage."