Building Drought Resilience through Collaborative Innovation: Addressing the Problem

This session would bring together leaders across Victoria to explore how collaborative models - such as the Vic Hub - are driving innovation in agriculture. Drawing on insights from the Vic Hub framework, the panel will explore the importance of defining the right problem, through the lens of the four stages of drought. Panellists will discuss how semi-structured consultation and strong partnerships leads to more targeted solutions. Additionally, the panel will highlight how these efforts contribute to enhancing resilience, while supporting sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.

Key Learnings

1. Importance of problem definition in complex issues
2. Understanding of the drought cycle and how being better prepared during non-drought times can support decision making are key to reducing drought impact
3. How consultations and data-driven insights tailored to regional needs can ensure better outcomes
4. Insights into how the Vic Hub's approach has helped farmers prepare for, and recover from, droughts while enhancing farming efficiency and sustainability

About Cam

CAM NICHOLSON is a director of Nicon Rural Services, a consulting business near Geelong working with the grazing and cropping industries. Cam has worked in pasture agronomy and soils for 35 years and has been involved in many farmer programs for the GRDC, MLA, Landcare and the current Future Drought Fund. He provides consultancy advice to farmers and lectures on animal and pasture systems at Marcus Oldham College. His most recent work has focused on understanding and discussing risk in farming businesses, carbon accounting and decision making. Cam recently helped revamp information and tools for MLA on pastures and soils.