Fall armyworm research, development and extension for horticulture

Thirteen participants from the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (DPI), VegNET, Hort Innovation and Agriculture Victoria explored this question during a two-day Facilitating Learning and Change workshop in Brisbane. Delivered under the Hort Innovation-funded national fall armyworm project led by DPI, the workshop was facilitated by Jeanette Long from Ag Consulting Co. It provided participants with practical approaches for planning and delivering extension activities that encourage participation, learning, practice change and adoption. Participants explored facilitation, extension, engagement, listening, purposeful questioning, extension planning and evaluation. Interactive facilitation tools—including Bus Stop, Think–Pair–Share, Walk and Talk, filters and reflection activities—demonstrated ways to encourage discussion and ensure different perspectives are heard. A major takeaway was the importance of planning, planning, planning. Clearly defining why an activity is being held, who should participate, what participants need to learn and how the session will be delivered creates the foundation for successful engagement. Well-structured, detailed run sheets and agendas also help facilitators manage timing, responsibilities, activities and expected outcomes.

Key takeaways

• Begin with a clear purpose and expected outcomes.
• Understand the audience and how participants learn.
• Use purposeful questions and active listening.
• Apply interactive tools to encourage participation.
• Prepare clear agendas and practical run sheets.
• Build reflection and evaluation into every activity.
• Create opportunities for participants to share, practise and apply their learning.

Participants will apply these approaches when planning fall armyworm workshops, field activities, grower meetings and other agricultural extension programs. This training program is delivered under the VG22006 project funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government.