South Coast NRM Subregions
Ravensthorpe Agricultural Initiative Network
(R.A.I.N., formerly Ravensthorpe LCDC).
This group has a strong focus on farming, with major projects on the protection of remnant vegetation and tree planting, environmental management systems, as well as running field days to promote farming innovations. They are also a parent organisation with the FBG of the Fitzgerald Biosphere Marketing Association (FBMA).
Aim:
RAIN aims to support the community and other stakeholders in a wide range of NRM activities including the planning and implementation of on ground projects; coordination of trials; research and education; and providing a forum for NRM issues.
RAIN's ojectives include promoting responsible natural resource management and long-term sustainable agricultural systems in the Ravensthorpe district
Current Activities:
- Soil Health and Precision Agriculture project at Mt Madden
- Two SGSL grazing trial sites
- NAPSQ funded Salinity Management in the West River Catchment
- WA Agribusiness Trial Extension project (GRDC) with Jerdacuttup Topcrop and Grazing Group
- Hydrological assessment of Ravensthorpe shire
- Biodiversity enhancement projects
Planned Activities:
- Extension and field days for the above projects
- Raised beds demonstration site
- Grower tour to northern wheatbelt
Past Achievements:
- Group established in 2001 as project group of the Ravensthorpe LCDC (est 1984). Acts as an umbrella group to several catchment, grower and community groups.
- The group have developed a regular series of trials in collaboration with Department of Agriculture, SEPWA and local agribusiness. Interest has been in wheat varieties, serradella, SGSL perennial pastures on saline land.
- Annual field day to support local trial work
- Workshops as requested by community