BUSINESS VegNET

Winter has been a productive period for the VegNET WA team, with activities focused on innovation, grower engagement, and strengthening industry connections across Western Australia and beyond.

Words Lisa Hasson, Regional Support Officer, vegetablesWA

OVER the past few months, the team has continued working closely with growers through regional visits, industry events, demonstrations, and national networking opportunities, ensuring WA growers remain connected to practical information and emerging opportunities across the vegetable industry.

Earlier in the season, the VegNET WA team had the opportunity to attend VicVid 26, connecting with growers, researchers, industry stakeholders, and fellow VegNET Regional Development Officers from across Australia. The event provided valuable opportunities to share ideas, discuss common industry challenges, and strengthen national collaboration across the VegNET network.

While every region faces different production conditions, many of the broader industry priorities remain consistent, including labour pressures, rising input costs, sustainability, and the increasing role of technology in horticulture. Attending events like VicVid 26 helps ensure WA remains connected to these national conversations while bringing innovative ideas and perspectives back to local growers.

Back in WA, the Myalup Roadshow brought growers from the Peel and Southwest regions together for a practical and engaging day focused on current industry priorities. The event featured presentations covering biosecurity, soil health, crop nutrition, regional research updates, drone technology, business risk management, and regional grant opportunities.

Myalup Roadshow – Drone Demonstration.

A strong point of interest throughout the day was the DJI T100 drone demonstration delivered by Aagri-tech, giving growers the opportunity to see the technology operating in a real-world setting and ask practical questions around adoption and application within vegetable production systems.

The roadshow also reinforced the value of grower-to-grower discussion, with plenty of conversations continuing well beyond the formal presentations. These events continue to play an important role in creating opportunities for growers to connect, share experiences, and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

The winter period also provided an opportunity to showcase some of the innovation happening within WA vegetable production. The VegNET WA team welcomed colleagues from AUSVEG to Manjimup, highlighting the grower-led OpenWeedLocator (OWL) prototype currently being developed in the region.

The visit demonstrated the strong innovation culture developing within WA horticulture, particularly around practical, low-cost precision agriculture solutions designed by growers, for growers. The trip concluded with a Manjimup sundowner, providing an informal opportunity for industry connection and discussion.

Interest in agtech and automation has continued to grow throughout the quarter, with the Gingin Drone Demonstration further highlighting the potential role of emerging technologies within vegetable production systems. Seeing equipment and technology operating in-field continues to provide growers with valuable insight into what may be possible within their own businesses.

Doug Chamberlain (Grown Smart Produce), Jesse Clune (RMCG) and Dr Doris Bleasing (RMCG). Jake Ryan, Maya Wallens (AUSVEG), Zara Burney (AUSVEG), Dr Doris Bleasing (RMCG), Jesse Clune (RMCG), Peter Spackman and Lisa Hasson (vegetablesWA).

The quarter wrapped up with attendance at Hort Connections, Australia’s leading horticulture conference. Hort Connections remains an important opportunity to engage with the broader industry, explore emerging trends, and ensure WA perspectives are represented within national discussions.

This year’s conference focused heavily on themes already being seen across the industry locally, including efficiency, sustainability, labour, and technology adoption. Events like Hort Connections help strengthen relationships across the supply chain while providing valuable insight into the future direction of Australian horticulture.

Alongside these larger events, grower visits have continued across multiple regions throughout winter and remain a core part of VegNET WA’s extension activities.

“ These visits allow the team to better understand local priorities, provide tailored support, and ensure extension activities remain grounded in practical, on-farm outcomes. ”

Across all activities this quarter, one theme has remained consistent: connection. Whether through regional events, industry networking, grower visits, or technology demonstrations, building stronger connections across the vegetable industry remains central to supporting a resilient and forward-looking WA horticulture sector.

Looking ahead, VegNET WA will continue delivering practical extension activities aligned with grower priorities, while creating opportunities for growers to connect, learn, and explore new ideas that support long-term industry sustainability and profitability.