G’day First name / friend, 
 
As we head out of the depths of winter into what so far has been an exceptionally stormy spring, we bring you the latest news of our workshops, and other relevant industry information.
 
Last month, we held a successful workshop on sheep eID tags with Sally Martin from SheepMetriX and our very own Will Fergusson (see more later in the newsletter). 
 
In just over a week, we will be holding our next AGM - registrations for catering purposes are now open. We will have a presentation from Anna Cotton about her recent Nuffield Journey, go through the AGM motions, and enjoy a light meal. 
 
Also in the month just gone, I have attended the TAS Farm Innovation Hub’s partner forum. A clear message from the hub was that they exist to support farmers - and this was a message that rang true throughout the day (more below).
 
Thank you to those who completed the case study interviews with Leanne - this will be used by the hub to highlight the success of this project, and to highlight the benefit of the hub working with grassroots organisations. 
 
Our next workshop/field day will be in November. Please let me know if you have any ideas about what the focus should be for the next event, or any industry updates you would like to know about. 
 
See you at the AGM!
 
Cheers,
Tahnee 
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The TAS Farm Innovation Hub and Pinion Advisory are running two in-field demos in Campbell Town on Tuesday 24 September, which you can register for now.
 
The workshop is suitable for all farm managers and farm staff looking to improve their confidence, skills, knowledge and understanding of the importance of maintaining centre pivot irrigators and irrigation systems for peak performance.
 
It's sure to be full of valuable insights, and there are two 2-hour workshops you can choose from, with registrations closing on 17 September.
TAS Farm Innovation Hub - Partner Forum
Last week, I attended “The Hub’s” partner forum in Launceston. This is a chance to see what other projects the hub has been working on, as well as a chance to gather with other producers and service providers.
 
This past 12 months was the first time that the Hub has operated during a proper drought year. Whilst this has had detrimental effects on farms, it did provide the hub with an opportunity to partner with other organisations and to coordinate some emergency responses in areas that were not prepared for drought.
 
It was great to hear first hand from Deb Delaney, a King Island local who, through a joint initiative with the hub, NRE and Tas Farmers, stepped into the “Drought Coordinator” role on the island. Deb spoke about the importance of knowing what was going on, who needed what help, and the ability to tap into the right resources for each individual.
 
Another important theme for discussion was what is in store for the future of the hub? Participants had the opportunity to workshop what the hub was doing well, and where they could continue to support farmers over the next six years or so.
 
At ECPPA, we look forward to continuing our collaboration with the hub. 
Rural Relief Fund Extended
The Tasmanian Government has doubled the amount of support available under the Rural Relief Fund as well as relaxing the criteria for applicants, so that more people are eligible for assistance. The fund will now offer grants of up to $5,000 (up from $2,500) in recognition of the ongoing pressures faced by some farmers and their households.
 
Rural Business Tasmania will contact all those who have received a recent grant in the coming weeks, to advise them they can now apply for additional support of up to a total of $5,000. You can find more details about the fund and applications on the Rural Business Tasmania website.

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Swansea, Tasmania 7190, Australia