Event History
The idea for Southern DIRT to hold WA’s first Cropping Competition was introduced by a Board Member who had been to visit the Birchip Cropping Group in the Wimmera and Mallee regions of Victoria. The Birchip Cropping Group are the founders of the competition.
In 2013, Southern Dirt hosted the first WA cropping challenge which was located in Kojonup. The DIRT to $ Cropping Challenge ran over a three year period with a rotation of wheat in the first season, wheat in the 2013 season and barley in the 2015 season. Categories that won were the Highest Yield and Best Nett Profit and, after the first year, overall Cumulative Total Gross Margin
The aim of the challenge was to create a fun and educational environment where Growers could compete against their peers and industry professionals in growing a successful crop and learn from the experience. It also gives the teams the chance to experiment with new/different products. One of the most valuable learning experiences came from the discussion about tactics, theories, products and ideas that each team will use.
The 2017-2019 Competition
From 2017, the Southern DIRT team managed the competition and we have Kaylx managing the site. The site is located in Katanning on the Great Southern Highway and is highly visible from the road.
Teams can have as many members as they would like, however Teams must nominate a Captain who will submit agronomy and grain marketing decisions to the DIRT to $ Cropping Challenge managers who will co-ordinate implementation.
The crop rotations for each year are as follows, and the annual winners thus far listed below: