Researchers are seeking more responses for the sixth Wimmera Rural Landholder Survey to identify Wimmera farmers’ needs, challenges and priorities.

Associate Professor Hanabeth Luke from Murdoch University is leading the survey, Australia’s longest running research project of its type, for Wimmera CMA. Landholders have until July 6 to complete the survey.

A/Prof Luke said they had received some completed surveys but needed more.

“We are grateful to all the Wimmera landholders who have completed the survey so far, during what is a busy time of year on farms,” she said. “To ensure the results are representative of the region, we would really appreciate if more landholders could contribute their insights, knowledge and experience.”

The university sent out 2000 surveys as part of the national Soil Cooperative Research Centre Rural Landholder Social Benchmarking Study. The confidential survey takes about 30 minutes to complete.

A/Prof Luke said questions were on a broad range of topics including soil management, farm practices, long term property plans and preferred sources of information.

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

Previous Wimmera surveys were in 2002, 2007, 2012, 2017 and 2023.

Wimmera CMA acting CEO Luke Austin said results enabled the CMA to target investment and deliver support that aligned with landholder goals.

“This research helps us further understand the issues facing farmers, and we can then strongly argue a case for projects and funding that will have the most impact and relevance in the long-term.”

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

“The higher the number of people who contribute to the survey, the better understanding we get of priorities for Wimmera farmers and how best we can support them.”

• 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