BUSINESS roadshows

vegetablesWA’s Carnarvon and Geraldton Roadshows, delivered in March 2026, brought growers and industry stakeholders together at an important time for Western Australia’s vegetable sector. The focus was simple. Deliver practical, relevant information that supports real on-farm decisions.

Words Chi Nguyen, Regional Development Officer, vegetablesWA

WITH more than 70 participants across both regions, including strong grower attendance, the roadshows provided a valuable chance to reconnect face-to-face, share knowledge, and hear directly from growers about the challenges they are dealing with this season.

The program covered key topics including fall armyworm (FAW) management, regional updates, vegetable research, crop nutrition, postharvest innovation, and soil-borne pest management. These are the issues growers are actively managing, both now and into the future.

From research to practice

A standout feature of the roadshows was the shift beyond presentations and into the paddock. On-farm visits gave growers the chance to see pest activity firsthand and discuss their observations with DPI Queensland scientists. This hands-on approach helped build confidence, particularly in identifying FAW and distinguishing it from similar pests such as

Helicoverpa and cluster caterpillar. Practical discussions focused on crop scouting, identifying key life stages, and using monitoring tools to better understand pest pressure.

Updates from DPIRD highlighted the realities of growing in Carnarvon. A semi-arid climate, high pest and disease pressure, and exposure to extreme and variable weather all shape how growers operate.

Research is focused on practical outcomes. This includes variety trials, improving heat tolerance, and managing soil-borne issues such as fusarium wilt and nematodes. Work is also underway on protected cropping systems such as net houses and modified polytunnels to reduce risk and improve consistency. New tools like drones and computer vision are being explored to support crop monitoring and decision making on farm.

Postharvest innovation and value-add

Postharvest management remains a key challenge, particularly in remote regions like Carnarvon where distance to market impacts quality and returns.

Technologies such as electrostatic cold chain systems (DENBA+) are being trialled to extend shelf-life and help maintain product quality during storage and transport. Early results show potential for some crops but also highlight the need to match the technology to the right product and system.

There is also growing interest in reducing waste and creating value from second-grade produce. Frameworks such as Waste2Worth provide practical steps to identify waste streams and explore new product opportunities. For growers, this opens up options to improve returns beyond the farm gate.

Strengthening integrated pest management

The roadshows reinforced the importance of integrated pest management and resistance management. In regions like Geraldton and Carnarvon, where there has been a strong reliance on conventional insecticides, there is increasing awareness of the need to take a broader approach.

This includes understanding pest biology, rotating chemical groups, and using multiple control strategies.

Regular monitoring and timely action are critical to effective pest control. Area-wide management was also highlighted as a key part of reducing overall pest pressure.

Listening to growers on the ground

Just as important as sharing information was listening.

Growers across both regions spoke openly about the pressures they are facing. Pest pressure, water availability, and seasonal conditions were all raised. However, one issue stood out clearly. Rising fuel and fertiliser costs.

“Prices keep going up, and it is getting harder to plan. But coming to events like this helps. We get the latest information and know we are not dealing with it alone.”

These conversations are critical. They help ensure extension stays practical and focused on what growers actually need.

Acknowledging recent challenges

The Carnarvon roadshow was delivered just one week before Tropical Cyclone Narelle impacted the region. Since then, many growers have been dealing with disruption and are now focusing on recovery while continuing production.

This adds to the ongoing pressure from rising fuel and fertiliser costs, making planning and decision making more challenging.

vegetablesWA acknowledges the resilience of the Carnarvon growing community during this time. The connections built through events like this play a vital role, especially when growers are facing difficult conditions.

Growers seeking support can access recovery information, assistance measures and updates through the Department of Fire and Emergency Services recovery portal for Cyclone Narelle.

Looking ahead

The Carnarvon and Geraldton Roadshows showed the value of practical, regionally focused extension. Bringing growers, researchers and industry together help turn information into action.

vegetablesWA will continue this momentum with upcoming roadshows in Myalup and Gingin, focusing on connecting with growers in those regions and addressing local priorities. These events will provide further opportunities to share knowledge, hear directly from growers, and support on-farm decision making.

The focus moving forward is clear. Continue supporting growers with practical tools, relevant research, and strong on-ground engagement.

Because in the end, effective extension is not just about sharing information. It is about helping growers make better decisions, improve outcomes, and stay connected as an industry.