June 2026

In this issue:

CEOs Message

RISKY BUSINESS - Middle East Crisis Puts Pressure on Already Stressed Farm Enterprises

Member Spotlight - Robert Taylor
- Robert Taylor interview
- Fletcher Taylor interview

Hyper-Profitable Crops – 2025 Results

FarmLink Launches Grower Engagement Breakfast Series

GRDC Intercropping Project

CEO’s Message

Returning to FarmLink’s Roots While Facing the Future

Connecting with Our Community

It is my pleasure to welcome readers to the very first FarmLink Focus insert, now appearing in North East media publications throughout the regions in which FarmLink operates.

With this new initiative, we are stepping beyond our traditional membership only publication to reach more than 9,000 readers - an important step in strengthening our connection with the broader farming community.

FarmLink represents more than 1,200 farming enterprises spanning 1.4 million hectares across 12 local government areas. This reach brings with it both responsibility and opportunity.

Returning to Our Core Purpose

I have emphasised the importance of our core purpose for which FarmLink was founded in 2004.These principles, embedded in our Constitution, continue to guide our work today: improving productivity, sustainability and profitability for farmers through agricultural innovation and research across our region’s farms.

These principles are not just words - they are the foundation guiding our direction as we navigate an evolving agricultural landscape.

A More Hands-On Approach

As part of this renewed focus, we are taking a more practical and visible approach to engagement.

A recently acquired barbecue trailer (purchased from a Lions Club) will enable our team to visit farmers directly at their properties. These visits will create opportunities for meaningful, on-the-ground conversations about:

Research trials that matter to you;
Emerging technologies to support your operations; and
Opportunities available through FarmLink’s programs and networks.

This is about making our work more accessible, relevant, and directly connected to your needs.

You can expect more opportunities in the months ahead to meet our team, particularly our research staff, and learn about the projects and grant-funded initiatives we are pursuing to support modern, resilient farming practices.

Navigating Financial and Industry Challenges

However, alongside these opportunities, there are significant challenges.

At our most recent Annual General Meeting, members raised important questions about FarmLink’s financial position. In 2025, the organisation recorded a loss - part of an ongoing trend that is simply not sustainable in the long term. We are adapting our approach to finding ways to increase our access to research grants, highlighting the importance of engagement and growing the way in which we do business.

Yet, the broader operating research environment is also becoming more complex. Funding has reduced and is increasingly difficult to access, with grant processes involving lengthy and complex agreements and placing greater administrative demands on organisations like ours, with reducing margins.

Key Decisions Ahead

Temora Shire Council, which is the Trustee of the Crown Lease for the Temora Agricultural Innovation Centre (being the former NSW DPI Research Station at Temora), is also facing budget constraints and has indicated that it may need to reconsider its level of support.

This has led to an important discussion within our Board. Should we continue operating from the experimental farm, or return to our original model - working from a central base and conducting trials directly on member farms? No final decisions have been made but these are critical considerations that will shape the future of FarmLink. What remains clear is that strong member support will be essential to our long-term sustainability.

Advocating for Regional Research

Looking ahead, our Board will meet in Canberra in August to engage with politicians, key agricultural organisations and industry leaders.

Our message will be clear: regional research organisations like FarmLink play a vital role - not only within our local communities, but across NSW and the nation.

Looking Forward

I remain firmly committed to open and transparent communication with our members and the community. Robust discussion builds trust and fosters positive collaboration.

While these are challenging times, they also present an opportunity to refocus, adapt, and strengthen our purpose.

If we remain true to the principles that guided FarmLink’s founding, I am confident we can build a more sustainable and impactful future for farming in our region.

Until next time,