Agriculture Northern Territory

01/06/2026

One of the biggest parts of research is turning it into on-ground results – and that happens through people.

Whether it’s field days, workshops, presentations or school visits, extension and education are a big part of what Katherine Research Station (KRS) staff do.

Come along to our next big event – the KRS Open Day! Meet new people, learn more about agriculture, and enjoy a day outdoors.

📅 Saturday 13 June
🎟️ Free entry

For more information go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/katherine-research-station-open-day-tickets-1983916326137?aff=oddtdtcreator

31/05/2026

As part of the 2026 International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Livestock Engagement Officer in Central Australia, Caleb Schwarz, recently visited Tieyon Station to speak with pastoralists Paul and Jo Smith about life in the rangelands.

Their story reflects the resilience, stewardship and decision-making that underpin pastoral life in Central Australia - where cattle, country and community are deeply connected.

From managing country and livestock through seasonal variability, to producing high quality grass-fed beef from landscapes unsuited to cropping, pastoralists play a vital role in the future of Australia’s rangelands and food production systems.

This feature highlights the people, landscapes and knowledge systems that continue to shape the outback and sustain regional communities 🤝

Read article: https://daf.nt.gov.au/news/2026/rangelands-and-pastoralists

30/05/2026

Katherine Research Station plays an important role in trialling cropping and horticultural produce.

Over the past 80 years, this has included everything from tropical fruits and pasture crops to “let’s give it a go” experiments – some thriving in the Top End heat, and others… well, teaching us valuable lessons!

It’s all part of discovering what grows best in our unique conditions and helping shape the future of agriculture in the Territory.

🎉 Come and celebrate 80 years of KRS at our Open Day
📅 Saturday 13 June, 9am–2pm

For more information go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/katherine-research-station-open-day-tickets-1983916326137?aff=oddtdtcreator

29/05/2026

Helicopter rides, face painting, a petting zoo, sandbag tossing, farm tours by train, and fish on display – how many activities can you fit into five hours? 😄

Whether you’re getting in on the action or just keen for a feed and live music, there’s something for everyone at the Katherine Research Station Open Day.

📅 Saturday 13 June
⏰ 9am–2pm
🎟️ Free entry

For more info go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/katherine-research-station-open-day-tickets-1983916326137?aff=oddtdtcreator

26/05/2026

Last week, the NT Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (NT DAF) proudly hosted collaborators of the 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 from La Trobe University and Clemson University 🌱

The team visited all three NT research stations across Darwin, Katherine, and Alice Springs 📍, as well as several vegetable and melon grower farms across the Territory. During the visits, valuable discussions were held around Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation (ASD) and its potential benefits for sustainable soil health and w**d management in plasticulture production systems 🌿🔬♻️.
It was encouraging to receive such positive feedback from growers across the regions, with several expressing strong interest in hosting future experimental trials on their farms 📊.

A big thank you to all NT DAF staff across the three regions for helping facilitate these visits and ensuring their success 👏. We also sincerely thank our project collaborators from La Trobe University and Clemson University for visiting the NT and generously sharing their knowledge, expertise, and experiences with our growers and staff 🎓.

Hort Innovation

25/05/2026

Nominations are now open for the 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀🏆
Delivered by the Chamber of Commerce Northern Territory and supported by the Northern Territory Government, these awards celebrate outstanding achievements across a wide range of industries — from local enterprises to internationally recognised exporters.🌏✨
Whether you’re leading in your field, expanding into new markets, or delivering exceptional service to your community, this is your opportunity to showcase your impact and gain recognition.
Put your business forward or nominate one you know and be part of celebrating the strength and diversity of the NT business community.
👉Find out more and apply https://chambernt.com.au/Web/Events/Awards/NTEBA-2026/NT-Export-and-Business-Awards-2026.aspx

22/05/2026

Darwin is set to welcome agronomists, researchers, growers and industry leaders from across Australia for the 2026 Agronomy Australia Conference 🌱

For the first time ever, the conference will be held in the Northern Territory, highlighting the innovation and growth happening across northern agriculture.

Under the theme Agronomy for a Diverse Future, the conference will explore topics including tropical horticulture, sustainable farming systems, emerging technologies and Indigenous knowledge in agriculture.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to experience northern agriculture firsthand through unique field trips showcasing mango harvest operations and agricultural research across the Top End.

📅 24–26 August 2026
📍 CDU Danala Campus, Darwin
🚌 Regional field trips & ancillary events: 27–28 August 2026

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is proud to support this important national event and showcase the Territory’s agricultural capability to a national audience.

For more information go to https://2026agronomy.eventsair.site/

19/05/2026

🌱 NT producers, this is your chance to help shape future drought policy and support in the Territory.
Join the conversation and make sure NT conditions and challenges are represented at a federal level. 👇

🌱Northern Territory Producers - this is your opportunity to be heard in Canberra!

Failed wet seasons has detrimental consequences - Long Dry's and fried seedlings in rainfed crops.

What does ‘drought’ mean in the NT, and what does it mean for federal policy and support?

The Social Research Centre is conducting online focus groups throughout Australia to find out how federal policy and support can be fine-tuned across regions.

This is your chance to tell government how our taxes can better support agricultural businesses in the North.

⏰ Thursday 21 May- 6:30pm – 8pm ACST (90 minutes)
💻 Online

✅What’s in it for you: Federal policy that recognizes NT conditions plus a $100 e-gift voucher for participating producers.

👉To register: email: [email protected]

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has commissioned the Social Research Centre to undertake national research on drought, including focus groups with farmers across Australia. Farmers in the Northern Territory are strongly encouraged to participate so their lived experience directly informs future drought policy, programs and communications.

THIS IS NOT A ONE-WAY BRIEFING. The online workshop is designed as a DISCUSSION where producers can share what is working, what is not, and what would genuinely make a difference for managing drought in NT conditions.

Feedback from this research will be used to shape how future drought support is designed and targeted, and it is important that NT perspectives are included.

Producers, this is your opportunity to influence policy and support for producers in the NT...your time will be well invested!

19/05/2026

A round of applause for Susan King on being selected for the 2026 National Farmers’ Federation Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program 👏

Susan, the Regional Director for the Big Rivers Region with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, has been recognised for her leadership, dedication and contribution to agriculture in the Northern Territory.

A fantastic and well-deserved achievement!

18/05/2026

🚜 Come see DAF at the 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗥𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄!

Join the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries at the Litchfield Rural Show (23–24 May, Livingstone Recreation Reserve) and learn more about protecting and supporting the Territory’s primary industries.

Our team will be sharing practical advice on:
🐔 Avian influenza
🐝 Bee biosecurity and hive registration
📍 PICs and traceability
🍌 Banana freckle permits
🚛 Biosecurity Emergency Response Trailer (BERT)
🐄 Animal welfare obligations
🎣 Fisheries and agriculture programs

Whether you’re a producer, hobby farmer, or just keen to learn, come and chat with our experts, explore our displays and get your questions answered.
👉 Drop by the DAF site and say hello!

For tickets, visit: https://tickets.iwannaticket.com.au/event/litchfield-rural-show-41vjxm?fbclid=IwY2xjawRzikhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE4aDlIM1BYZlQzZmwyRWZKc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuAviI2P2pgqP-bgDD3sDmH7thZYx3YbZelQSDjgJo68kdvKK9-9Y_-VP6aS_aem_JVctoB2BdghQ60yKcQ9FvQ

Litchfield Council