Case Studies
East Coast Farming Futures
Currently underway, this project has allowed Grey Shrike to support the valuable work of Tasmanian farmer group East Coast Primary Producers Association (ECCP), through project management, communications and outreach.
It is an extension of the Farming Community Engagement and Learning Project, funded by the Tas Farm Innovation Hub through the federal drought fund. A core aim was to build on the previous positive results and ensure the continuity of the group, with some extra guidance in planning, governance and skills development for the board.
“Founded in 1975, the East Coast Primary Producers Association is one of the oldest and longest continuously running groups in Tasmania. It has a strong history of innovation and resilience, as this part of the state has often been exposed to the extremes of climate change. The continued innovations and knowledge-sharing of the group has potential to support farmers across the region, and beyond.”
Tahnee McShane, Project manager and Grey Shrike founder
Farmer Group Mapping for Tasmania
The Farmer Group Mapping Project explored the way peer-to-peer learning can inform and influence on-farm practices in the Tasmanian community by recording details and conducting in-depth interviews with farming groups operating in the state.
Delivered by the Tas Farm Innovation Hub through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, this was the first project of its kind in Tasmania and gained interest from groups and organisations across Australia.
These groups give people access to resources, new ideas, innovative solutions, support and a sense of connection that can be vital for resilient operations and wellbeing. They are often one of the only region-specific and financially viable ways to learn and be able to share approaches to growing and farming from people in the same field and region.
“It’s really important to hear what farmers think is working well and where there may be room for change or targeted projects that are relevant to the issues faced by farmers in different regions.”
Tahnee McShane, Project manager and Grey Shrike founder
A key aim of the project was to develop a clear picture of the grower groups operating in Tasmania, which could inform the Tas Farm Innovation Hub’s approach to supporting and creating projects that are relevant and specific to farmers in different areas of Tasmania.
Through the initial research, then conducting interviews, the Grey Shrike team also gained valuable insights into the value farmers placed on these groups, historically significant groups that no longer exist and key pressure points for members.
Farming Community Engagement and Learning Project
“This project was a new concept. We think it was super valuable. We think it is a great example to other community/farming groups. We felt very supported and communication and professionalism really improved.”
Feedback from a project participant
This project addressed the pressing issue of drought resilience among East Coast Tasmanian farmers through a partnership with the East Coast Primary Producers Association (ECPP) and the Tas Farm Innovation Hub (The Hub).
We took a community-led approach, beginning with interviewing farmers to identify key priorities related to drought readiness and existing knowledge gaps they wanted to address.
This informed the scope of our Project Management work, which included coordinating a series of workshops, peer-to-peer learning opportunities and other events that were facilitated by experts to fill the identified knowledge gaps and enhance drought preparedness.
Farmers who attended the sessions reported a notable shift in their awareness and thinking regarding the use of on-farm technology to enhance their agricultural practices and decision-making, particularly in the context of drought resilience and increased climate variability.