AGRIBUSINESS representatives came together last week to discuss the issues facing the Eastern Wheatbelt.
In an industry first, more than 35 people including agricultural consultants, farmers, banks, the government, Rural Business Development Corporation and Focusing Forward study group, were involved.
The discussion focused on three key areas - immediate challenges for people and communities in the region; challenges and opportunities for individual businesses over the next six to 18 months; and how to develop a sustainable and profitable industry over the longer term.
Southern Cross farmer Clint Della Bosca was one of about 10 farmers at the meeting and said it was a positive meeting in the fact industry people could finally begin discussing the issues out there.
"Some of the issues discussed were how banks are going with dealing with the situation and how farmers are going dealing with their banks," Mr Della Bosca said.
"It was more of a starting point for farmers and industry people to actually initiate dialogue which I think was excellent because it hadn't happened before.
"We concentrated on what was happening in the next couple of months and the pending harvest."
He said there was a bit of hope in parts of the eastern Wheatbelt with some crops emerging following some recent rain, but admitted unless the region gets a one in 20-year finish to the season it would still be a struggle.
He said a number of potential solutions were being looked at but there was no real solution in sight.
"There is no real clear way ahead, I think the solution would be for everybody to take a big deep breathe and take a step back and then come to an agreement together to go forward because the farmers out here are just not going to make it on their own," he said.
"We need government; we need banks and agribusiness to be on board."
Rabobank regional manager for central WA Stephen Kelly said while there were concerns about the volatility of farming in the eastern Wheatbelt, the same issues are applicable to other areas of the WA Wheatbelt.
"That is, concerns about climate, cost of inputs, production volatility, succession, liquidity in the business," Mr Kelly said.
"It is important to acknowledge that some farmers at the forum have actually moved forward in their business in recent years.
"One of the outcomes of the forum was to engage with farmers in the eastern Wheatbelt and get feedback as to what has worked and what hasn't over the past five years.
"As an industry we can learn from those that have managed volatility and managed risk, but also we need to acknowledge that there is a lot of concern for those farmers that have little equity in their business."
Mr Kelly said it was unanimous that industry needed to lift its image and project a more positive image of living and investing in the eastern Wheatbelt.
He said further investment in schools and hospitals in regional centres was critical to restoring confidence to communities in the Wheatbelt.
WAFarmers president Dale Park said looking at farming alternatives may be the way of the future.
"Maybe we are more into energy production and that sort of thing rather than looking at reasonably cheap protein which is what grain is," Mr Park said.
Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) director general Rob Delane said farm businesses, particularly in the Eastern Wheatbelt, were facing challenging times.
"There is a strong future for the region, but many businesses are currently dealing with chronic issues as a result of tough seasonal conditions and other business cost pressures," Mr Delane said.
"This meeting has brought together a range of views to help map out a way forward.
"The group recognised the importance of engaging across industry, particularly at a farm level, to ensure people had the opportunity to be involved and contribute.
"We've taken a positive step today, but the work needs to continue. For this to be successful, industry as a whole will need to drive this process and DAFWA is ready to support this work."
A follow-up meeting is planned at Merredin on September 26, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the Merredin research centre.
