CWFS ‘Weather Wise’ project

SQLD & NNSW Innovation Hub
Written By Cristy Houghton

CWFS ‘Weather Wise’ project

Project Funder:

Project Lead: Central West Farming Systems (CWFS)

Project Partner: NSW Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development (NSW DPIRD 

Project Durations: 2026-27

Project Locations: CWFS region


Project Overview

Weather Wise Agriculture is a practical program designed to help farmers better manage climate variability, improve drought preparedness and build confidence in business decision-making. This includes:

  • Translating climate forecasts into operational decisions

  • Knowing when to act early in drought cycles

  • Understanding risks and obligations in carbon and biodiversity markets

  • Maintaining business confidence under prolonged uncertainty

Project Activities

The project will deliver:

  • Two farmer workshops focused on climate risk and decision-making.

  • Practical demonstrations of climate and data tools.

  • Drought planning and trigger-point development.

  • Information on carbon and biodiversity markets.

  • A local farmer case study highlighting practical outcomes.

The project is supported by:

  • Dr Anthony Clark, NSW DPIRD, Climate Applications.

Project Outcomes

The project aims to:

  • Increase confidence in interpreting climate forecasts.

  • Improve drought preparedness and planning.

  • Build understanding of environmental market opportunities and risks.

  • Strengthen business confidence and decision-making.

The first workshop will be held in Condobolin on 1 October 2026.  More details to follow but if you would like any further information, please contact Diana Fear, CEO, CWFS on diana.fear@dpird.nsw.gov.au or 0427 897 530.

Project Events

The first workshop will be held in Condobolin on 1 October 2026.  More details to follow but if you would like any further information, please contact Diana Fear, CEO, CWFS on diana.fear@dpird.nsw.gov.au or 0427 897 530.

Cristy Houghton

Cristy's unique career has taken her from country NSW to the city lights of Clarendon Street South Melbourne and back again. With an early career in radio as a copywriter and creative strategist, she is now a Jill of all trades as a graphic designer, website builder, blog writer, video editor, social media manager, marketing strategist and more. 

In fact, give her any task and this chick will figure out how to do it! Go on, we dare you!

No, really, we DARE you!!

Cristy has won two Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) for Best Ad and Best Sales Promotion, and even has an 'Employee of the Year' certificate with her name on it.

Cristy and her husband James have traveled extensively through Russia, China and South East Asia, and have two fur-babies, Sooty (cat) and Panda (puppy). Cristy loves drinking coffee, meeting people to drink coffee, coffee tasting and coffee flavoured cocktails. She also enjoys road trips, TED Talks and watching cat videos on youtube.

http://www.embarketing.com.au
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