Grain & Graze provides extension activities for farmers and farming groups to learn about and apply the program's research and trial results.
The Grain & Graze Change on Farm Strategy identifies a range of tactics that support the program to achieve its targets for change - at least 6,800 farm businesses make changes on their properties that will see them more profitable, sustainable and socially resilient.
The activities include formal training, mentoring, field days, farm visits, forums, discussion groups, demonstrations, communication, and technology development.
To ensure these services focus on local needs, we have mapped out the extension priorities and activities for each region in the program's Change on Farm Strategy - 
Change-on-Farm Strategy.pdf (pdf - 895KB).
The regions have all identifed specific activities and products to support regional farmers' needs. For example, while one region might focus on growing lucerne as a break crop and integrated pest management; another might concentrate on summer active perennial pastures and incorporating livestock to reduce risk.
Each regional extension program aims to raise awareness about issues relevant to that particular region. We engage farmers and support their learning needs in a practical manner, aiming to increase their confidence in making decisions about the changes they would like to implement.
For more information about the extension activities of the Grain & Graze Program, contact Gillian Stewart, National Extension Coordiantor on 02 6263 6042; Richard Price, National Coordinator, on 02 6295 6300, mobile 0409 624 297; Merryn West on 02 6263 6021, or visit www.grainandgraze.com.au
Northern Agricultural Region - Philip Barrett-Lennard - 08 9475 0753
Avon Region - David Kessell - 08 9690 2000
Border Rivers Region - Kathryn Taylor - 07 4671 7900
Central West/Lachlan Region - Jodie Dean - 02 6895 1015
Corangamite/Glenelg-Hopkins Region - Cam Nicholson - 03 5258 3860
Eyre Peninsula Region - Naomi Scholz - 08 8680 6233
Mallee Region - Lance Brown - 03 5021 9105
Murrumbidgee Region - Katrina Sait - 02 6924 4633
Maranoa/Balonne Region - Nick Christodoulou- 07 4688 1450
The extension strategy makes sure the uptake of new practices and models is tailored to each region, increasing the likelihood of broad acceptance.
Not every farmer makes a decision in the same way so this framework takes into account the different experiences and learning preferences of farmers.
Field days and training courses may suit one region's needs, while a farmers' discussion group and mentoring may suit another region.
Change processes such as extension, training and provision of information cannot be considered in isolation from research and development activities nor just tacked on in a linear fashion.
This strategy recognises the need for research, development and extension activities that embrace regional needs and participation.