The South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) and Mallee Sustainable Farming (MSF) have entered into a short-term collaborative agreement to support the delivery of the agronomy program and maintain research momentum across the grains sector.

Under a three-month agreement commencing in March 2026, MSF Research Manager Dr Penny Roberts will provide services to SARDI through its Agronomy Program, helping address a short-term skills gap and strengthening collaboration across the grains research, development and extension (RD&E) system.

Dr Roberts will continue to oversee the MSF Research Program throughout the term of the collaboration, reflecting MSF’s depth of capability and leadership in applied farming systems research.

This agreement highlights the value of shared expertise across the RD&E sector and underscores the important role that high-performing grower groups, such as MSF, play in supporting industry capability, continuity and impact.

MSF has a long and respected track record of collaborating with leading scientific and research organisations, including SARDI, Agriculture Victoria, CSIRO and universities. These partnerships have helped underpin innovation and practical outcomes for Mallee farming systems.

The collaboration also creates an opportunity to share knowledge and experience between regional farming systems delivery and statewide agronomy research, bringing together practical, grower-focused insights with broader program responsibilities.

MSF welcomes the opportunity to contribute to this collaborative arrangement, which meets industry needs, recognises staff expertise, and reflects a mature, forward-looking approach to service delivery across the grains RD&E sector.

For further enquiries, contact the MSF CEO, Mr Tim Smythe

Chief Executive Officer

E: tim@msfp.org.au

M: 0427 772 185