The National Risk Management Initiative aims to understand and improve the risk-reward outcomes for Australian grain growers by supporting grower on-farm decision-making. RiskWi$e (the National Risk Management Initiative) is a five-year, $30 million national investment by e Grains Research Development Corporation (GRDC) from 2023 to 2028. The nationwide project will take a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach involving a network of 26 grower groups, 10 research partners, six research group leads, research/extension partners, CSIRO and GRDC.
In Western Australia, GGA is leading RiskWi$e work on decision-making on nitrogen and sowing decisions and machinery investment in collaboration with 8 Western Australian grower group project partners including, Stirlings to Coast Farmers, South-East Premium Wheat Growers Association (SEPWA), Facey Group, Corrigin Farm Improvement Group (CFIG), Western Australian No-Tillage Farmers Association (WANTFA), Liebe Group, West Midlands Group (WMG), and Mingenew Irwin Group (MIG).
Find out more at the GRDC or CSIRO websites below.
Project Overview
Project Updates
News
Project Updates
CFIG Case Study May 2025
Callum Nicholls’ approach to nitrogen management is closely tied to his use of pasture, particularly clover, which plays a significant role in reducing his overall nitrogen application. His decisions around nitrogen use are highly strategic and depend on factors such as the type of crop, the previous year’s pasture quality, and the seasonal conditions.
Read more:
Callum Nicholls Case Study – Strategic Nitrogen Management (Corrigin Farm Improvement Group).
CFIG Case Study May 2025
Ashley runs a mixed rotation that includes wheat, barley, canola, and lupins, alongside chemical fallow and pasture phases using clover and medic. These rotations play a key role in his nitrogen strategy by naturally replenishing soil nitrogen through mineralisation, particularly in legume and fallow years. This system allows Ashley to manage soil fertility while reducing reliance on synthetic nitrogen inputs.
Read more:
Ashley Jacobs Case Study – Nitrogen Management and Crop Rotation (Corrigin Farm Improvement Group).
CFIG Case Study May 2025
Clint has taken a hands-on, adaptive approach to nitrogen management through on-farm trials, variety selection, and equipment changes. His strategy is built on real-time observations, flexibility with inputs, and a clear understanding of how seasonal conditions, crop response, and soil health interact.
Read more:
Clint Pitman Case Study – Nitrogen Management and Adaptation (Corrigin Farm Improvement Group).
CFIG Case Study May 2025
Callum Nicholls runs a flexible and risk-aware farming operation, where time of sowing (TOS) and nitrogen decisions are shaped by seasonal conditions, crop type, and land suitability. By adapting his cropping program to the environment year by year, he improves resilience, manages risk, and maintains profitability, even in challenging seasons.
Read more:
Callum Nicholls Case Study – Adaptive Sowing and Nitrogen Strategies (Corrigin Farm Improvement Group).
Resources
Risk in Agriculture Blog Series
In this video, developed in collaboration with CSIRO, grower groups and extension partners, RiskWi$e aims to improve risk–reward outcomes. Hear from GRDC’s Courtney Ramsey, CSIRO’s Rick Llewellyn and grower Tanja Morgan.
Risk in Agriculture Blog Series
The University of Western Australia’s behavioural science team have released a blog series, Risk in Agriculture. Written by Professor David Pannell, the series explores discussions, explanations, and useful examples of risk in Australian agriculture targeted at grain farmers.
Weather forecasts – sources and interpretation
Australia has several climatic regions which are affected by many different weather systems.
On-farm decision making
Presenter Cam Nicholson of Nicon Rural Services uses his experience and insights to support producers to make informed decisions.
WA Farming System Project
A related project aiming to increase the adoption and integration of agronomic and systems innovations that support increased whole farm profitability through managing enterprise mix and rotations.
Project Team
Head of Projects GGA
West Midlands Group
West Midlands Group
Liebe Group
WANTFA
Stirlings to Coast
SEPWA
CFIG
Mingenew Irwin Group
CFIG
GGA
Contact
Enquiries to Daniel Kidd at GGA
Collaborators
