New Victorian Agriculture and Regional Development Minister Michaela Settle was in Birchip last week, where she visited BCG.

As part of the visit, Ms Settle toured BCG’s Phosphorus Use Efficiency trial at Lachy Barber’s property in Karyrie, with soils expert James Nuttall guiding the minister through the trial site. 

BCG chief executive Fiona Best provided Ms Settle with an overview of BCG’s work, highlighting the organisation’s long-standing contribution to research, innovation and farmer-driven outcomes. 

The visit gave the opportunity to discuss future BCG projects, including the vision for BCG Nexus – an accommodation and conference facility proposed in Birchip. 

Ms Best said the project was designed to attract researchers, students and industry professionals to spend time in the region, working directly with farmers and gaining a deeper understanding of the realities faced by farming communities. 

“The facility will provide a central hub where visitors can engage with local producers, conduct trials and ensure research and development outcomes are practical, relevant and readily adopted,” she said.

Ms Best said the minister appreciated being briefed on the project and positively spoke on how it sought to benefit not just the Birchip community, but the broader region and the future of agricultural research.

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