General News
20 June, 2026
Researchers seek more surveys
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 the questions covered 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 chief executive 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,” he said.
Mr Austin said that although they could compare results between surveys, the CMA was first and foremost focused 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.”