BASF’s Community Paddock breaks ground in Scaddan, Western Australia

• Initiative expands to Western Australia for the first time and focuses on canola crop

• BASF provides crop protection products and ongoing agronomic support throughout the season to support sustainable farming practices

• Harvest profits will support Scaddan community rebuild bushfire-damaged Country Clubhouse

BASF’s innovative Community Paddock program has expanded into Western Australia for the first time with a canola paddock in Scaddan, 53 kilometres north of Esperance, Western Australia.

BASF and local grower Gavin Egan have teamed up to grow a 80-hectare canola crop. As part of the collaboration, BASF has provided InVigor^® canola seeds, crop protection products and continuous agronomic support throughout the season. Harvest profits will be donated to the Scaddan Country Club to help rebuild their clubhouse after the devastating bushfires in 2015.

″Western Australia is the dominant Australian state for canola production, accounting for nearly 50% of the nation’s five-year average production of 4 million tons. We’re excited to bring the Community Paddock project to dedicated canola growers in Scaddan like Gavin,″ said Parvana Wali, Head of BASF Agricultural Solutions Australia and New Zealand. ″This initiative goes beyond just agriculture; it’s about making a positive impact on the rural communities that sustain us and our economy.″

Gavin says the initiative will help the community flourish. ″Since the 2015 fires, the Scaddan Country Club has become the heart of our community and it’s vital we support it. In growing this crop, we’re not just raising funds for a new community clubhouse, we’re ensuring that bowls, golf and other social activities have a place to thrive for years to come,″ he said. ″The generous support we’ve received from BASF, especially with canola seeds and crop protection products, has been incredible and will help us reach our goal of building a new space where everyone in Scaddan can gather and connect.″

To celebrate the partnership, BASF and the Scaddan Country Club hosted a community paddock walk-through and dinner which was attended by local members and their families. BASF representatives and local growers discussed farming best practice and the best products to tackle the toughest of weeds.

BASF is supporting the Community Paddock with innovative solutions, including top performing canola variety InVigor LR 4540P, seed treatments ILeVO^® and Poncho^® Plus, insecticide Versys^®, herbicide Liberty^® and the recently registered fungicide Revystar^®. In addition, BASF broadacre and technical specialists also make regular visits to provide agronomic advice, ensure the crops are thriving, and the right products are being used effectively to ensure sustainable farming practices.

Throughout the growing season, local farmers and agronomists will enjoy the opportunities to visit the Community Paddock and witness firsthand the crops’ progress. The program seeks to promote greater knowledge sharing and positively impact the farming region.