Expression Of Interest

GLENRAC are seeking partnerships to host Farming Forecaster soil moisture probes on grazing properties.

The broad intention of these sites will be to improve confidence in seasonal decision making across the Northern Tablelands region.

To achieve this, expressions of interest are invited from graziers across the region, including but not limited to beef and sheep producers.

By partnering with GLENRAC there is an opportunity to subsidise upfront and installation costs as well as contributing to the greater benefit of producers across the region.

If you are interested in hosting a site to connect to the Farming Forecaster dashboard, please answer the following questions which will help us select the most appropriate sites for this first round of soil probes in the region.

Please note, submitting an expression of interest does not guarantee securing a Farming Forecaster site.

Name

First NameLast Name

Email

example@example.com

Address of Nominated Property

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Phone Number

Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Please rate your enthusiasm for Farming Forecaster to be introduced in our region and willingness to host a site. 5 - super enthusiastic 1 - the least excited I've ever been

Can you please indicate on a percentage basis what your land is utilised for. eg: 50% grazing 30% cropping 20% bushland

Property Owners are required to erect a stock proof fence immediately around the probe location (approximately 1.5m x.1.5m) and always maintain the fence in a stock proof condition. Are you willing to comply with this requirement?

Are you willing to maintain the site, check and clean the rain gauge at least every quarter?

The soil and rainfall data would be shared publicly for the benefit of the region. Would you support this approach?

GLENRAC has funding to subsidise the purchase and installation of the soil moisture probes and pasture modelling. The farmer would be expected to contribute approximately $3,000 towards the project costs, demonstrating their commitment to the project's successful delivery. Would you be willing to commit this sum to the project?

There will be an ongoing annual cost, to connect the sites to the Farming Forecaster dashboard. This current round of funding will cover the first year, thereafter the site host will pay for the subscription costs. The subscription amount may be $800-$1000/yr. Would you support this approach, as a potential site host?

This project has a legacy timeframe of 10+ years. Do you intend to sell your property within the foreseeable future?

As part of region wide education and upskilling to utilise this technology GLENRAC will be hosting a number of field days and training days. Would you be willing to host these events of your property?

As part of the Farming Forecaster website a GrassGro model is developed at the site of the soil probe. This process required a short questionnaire on the farming systems at the site, including lambing/calving times, grazing methods, pasture species mix etc. Would you be willing to partake in the questionnaire?

Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions. They will be a great help in determining the best and most appropriate site hosts and site locaations within our region.

We will be in touch over the coming weeks to determine the final outcomes.

Sincerely,

The GLENRAC Team