Supporting the Grower Group Executive Group Network to increase their capability to deliver drought resilient initiatives across South Australia
A project to support the leaders who strengthen South Australia's farming systems.
Behind every strong grower group or farming systems group, there's typically a highly skilled and knowledgable Executive Officer. This project, supported by the SA Drought Hub through funding from the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund, enabled Ag Ex to form a state-wide Executive Officer (EO) Network. Through this network, Ag Ex works alongside grower group leaders across the state to build capacity, share knowledge, and strengthen the systems that support growers and regional communities.
This EO Network provides a structured, peer-based space for Executive Officers to connect, learn, and build the skills needed to support grower groups and deliver coordinated outcomes that strengthen farming systems across South Australia.
With 21 groups involved, the network hosts regular in-person and online sessions where the EOs come together to share challenges and opportunities, compare approaches, and learn new skills. These sessions are driven by the network participants.Â
A 2025 project update
As at January 2026, the network have explored topics of advocacy, succession and workforce development, monitoring and evaluation, resource sharing, and other priority themes, ensuring the content is both practical and relevant.
Feedback from participants highlighted the value of this project, with EOs reporting increased confidence, clearer organisational processes, and stronger relationships across regions. Many noted that the benefits extend beyond individual development, influencing staff practices, project development, board and committee discussions, and community engagement. The network also provided a consistent statewide forum to compare approaches, troubleshoot challenges, and align activities, aiming to reduce duplication of research efforts and contribute to a more streamlined extension landscape for growers.
Further information
To read more about the EO Network.
For insight into what the EOs are learning through this project, explore these practical M&E tips for grower groups from the recent monitoring and evaluation session with industry expert Denise Bewsell.
To enquire about the EO Network, please contact Ag Ex Alliance.
