Wimmera farmers are encouraged to take part in a national survey, Australia’s longest running research project of its type.

Associate Professor Hanabeth Luke from Murdoch University is leading the sixth Wimmera Rural Landholder Survey for Wimmera CMA. Previous Wimmera surveys were in 2002, 2007, 2012, 2017 and 2023.

The university has sent 2000 surveys to a selection of Wimmera landholders to gather information about farmer needs, challenges and priorities to ensure they are reflected in the programs and advocacy designed to support them.

The research is part of the national Soil Cooperative Research Centre Rural Landholder Social Benchmarking Study.

Wimmera CMA acting CEO Luke Austin said survey results provided valuable insights that enabled them to target investment and deliver support that aligned with landholder goals.

“Information from the survey complements the guidance and feedback we receive through our everyday work with landholders. It also helps strengthen the partnerships we have with the farming sector.”

Mr Austin said although they had the ability to compare results between surveys, the CMA was first and foremost focussed on current issues.

“We continue to periodically implement this survey so we have up-to-date information that reflects the current needs, issues and challenges facing our farming community.

“We look forward to gaining a better understanding of priorities for Wimmera farmers and how best we can support them.”

Mr Austin said although the survey had been mailed in paper form, it was also able to be filled out online.

“It is a busy time of year for farmers who are on their tractors for cropping, so if they would prefer to complete the survey on their phones or iPads that option is available,” he said.

A/Prof Luke said the confidential survey asked questions on a broad range of topics including soil management, farm practices, long term property plans and preferred sources of information. It takes about 30 minutes to complete.

“We also aim to uncover new farming trends and changes that have occurred since the previous Soil CRC survey in 2023, and similar surveys conducted over the past 12 years,” A/Prof Luke said.

• For more information, contact Associate Professor Hanabeth Luke on 08 9360 7472 or email Hanabeth.Luke@murdoch.edu.au
• Complete the survey online
• The Soil CRC national survey covers six major farming regions of Central West NSW, the Western Australian Wheatbelt and South-West, South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, all of Tasmania, and two major Victorian catchment areas. To date, around 4,500 landholders across Australia have participated in the national survey.
• Reports from earlier survey rounds
• 2025 webinar: What drives farmer decisions? — Insights from the Soil CRC study