MORE than 35 years of trial work was celebrated by the Corrigin Farm Improvement Group (CFIG) last month.
The group marked the occasion with more than 90 current and former members gathering at the Corrigin Recreation Centre for the event on September 22.
CFIG was established in April, 1981 after local farmers attended a nearby Kondinin Farm Improvement Group seminar at Hyden.
After a few beers they thought it would be good for Corrigin farmers to have a group of their own.
During their first year the farmers held a highly successful spring crop inspection field day, an event that has continued every year since.
CFIG president Simon Wallwork said the achievement spoke volumes about the model in which the group had been run over 35 years and the people involved.
"The real success and sustainability of the group is its ability to provide a social setting in which information can be exchanged in an open, safe and generous manner," he said.
"The members rate the social interaction very highly, so we try not to be too formal and not too structured."
Mr Wallwork cited several key achievements including being the first group to conduct trials into variable rate technology (VRT) in WA, a three-year trial program on soil moisture efficiency on heavier soils and machinery demonstration field days attracting more than 200 people.
The group also participates in the National Variety Trials (NVT) every year.
"This year we are conducting a trial on chemical fallow and double break crops to establish which break crops are the most profitable as a way of extending our cereal rotation," he said.
"We are also looking at seeding establishment on non-wetting soils as well as working with industry on a range of fungicide and pre-emergent herbicides.
"Our pasture group is also very active in trialling new species and herbicide options for pasture."
Mr Wallwork said the group was adapting its program to incorporate trial work when there was a particular issue in the area that needed to be addressed, such as frost or disease.
"We tend to do more of the practical type of research which means the adoption from some of the outcomes of the research is pretty good," he said.
The group has more than 100 members and sponsors.
"There have been some terrific events over the years and continuous learnings, research and information exchange.
"The group has had many supporters during the years including Department of Agriculture and Food WA early on and industry representatives in more recent times.
"We have a clear plan for now and the future."
Last month CFIG held its annual spring field day, a pasture field walk and a bus trip to Esperance.
