FEATURE RDO update

In horticulture, the work never really slows down — and that’s what makes it so rewarding. July and August saw me visiting growers from the Perth metro area up to Geraldton and Carnarvon, then down to Albany.

Words Chi Nguyen, Regional Development Officer, vegetablesWA

ALONG the way, I joined field days, set up trials, shared updates on pests and diseases, connected with industry partners, and — most importantly — listened to what matters most to growers right now.

Geraldton: Innovation in hydroponics

In July, I teamed up with DPIRD and VegNet for a Farm Field Afternoon in Geraldton. One of the highlights was seeing a grower-led shift to a full-circulation hydroponic system for cucumber production — a big step towards more productive, sustainable, and resilient growing.

Close to 50 growers and stakeholders came along to hear from experts on water management, soil-borne disease control, climate-smart technologies, and integrated pest management in greenhouses. Afterwards, Bao Nguyen took us on a guided farm walk before we all gathered for a relaxed networking BBQ.

Thank you to Bao, your family, and your team for the warm welcome and for sharing one of the freshest, tastiest cucumbers.

Carnarvon: Variety Field Day and virus awareness

August took me north again for the DPIRD Vegetable Variety Field Day, where growers explored more than 150 tomato and capsicum varieties thriving in local conditions.

I also shared updates on Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (TBRFV), a serious threat to these crops. It was a great chance to exchange knowledge and hear the region’s feedback on pest and disease challenges.

Perth: Helping growers fight disease

Alongside Helen Newman from WA Berries, we ran the Strawberry Grower Workshop on Disease Identification and Fungicide Spray Programs in Wanneroo.

With guest expert Apollo Gomez and researchers from Curtin University, growers and agronomists explored ways to better manage disease and tackle fungicide resistance, particularly for botrytis.

Albany: Conversations and market connections

In Albany, I visited growers on-farm to hear about their challenges, share resources, and provide updates on what is happening across the industry. I also dropped into the Albany Farmers’ Market to connect with vegetable stallholders and hear their thoughts firsthand.

Grower Needs Survey — thank you

As part of our three-year extension project funded by the APC Vegetable Fee for Service, I’ve been reaching out to our members for the Grower Needs Survey.

Whether online, by phone, on-farm, or through in-depth interviews, your insights are helping shape the future of our industry.

A big thank you to all growers who have already participated. Your input is helping us:

• Understand what growers need today and anticipate what’s coming tomorrow

• Shape future extension services and research and development efforts

• Attract more investment into the WA vegetable industry

• Inform vegetablesWA’s next strategic plan

Trial update — smarter irrigation

Right now, I’m running a soil moisture probe demonstration trial with Sentek. The sensors are tracking moisture, salinity, and temperature, giving us a better picture of what’s happening beneath the surface. The aim is to fine-tune irrigation so we can save water, power, fertiliser, and time — while boosting yield and quality. I’ll share updates as we go.

Wanneroo Disease and Spray Workshop.

Let’s stay connected

At vegetablesWA, we’re here to support you — whether that’s training, funding opportunities, pest and disease control, or simply talking through ideas.