Rupanyup grain grower Rodney Weidemann, along with his business partner Andrew Weidemann, is the owner of Weidemann Pastoral Co.
“Our people are the lifeblood of Australia’s agriculture communities. But it’s no secret that regional communities across Australia face significant challenges. The community spirit is as strong as ever, but we’re having to be more tactical when it comes to keeping the doors open in many of our cornerstone organisations.
This year we partnered with BASF on their first Community Paddock project designating one of our paddocks as an investment in our community.
BASF supplied the required crop protection products that can support the application of sustainable farming practices while achieving significant yields. It’s looking like a bumper season and we are excited to see these funds go back into the community post-harvest.
We had quite a few challenges maintaining funding for our local Rupanyup Panthers Football and Netball Club during the pandemic. All funds raised by the Community Paddock initiative with BASF will ensure that the club will have a lifeline for years to come.
A lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes of sporting clubs to keep them running. These funds will help us update training equipment, maintain the grounds and support our volunteers so we can keep the Rupanyup community thriving in the future.”
Gavin Jackson is the Head of Agricultural Solutions for BASF in Australia and New Zealand.
“We’re extremely proud to partner with local growers like the Weidemanns and play a small role in giving back to rural communities. Post-COVID we appreciate more than ever the importance and impact of community participation in sport, and we are excited to support the Rupanyup Football and Netball Club
This Community Paddock is just the first in a series that BASF are developing to support regional agricultural communities. We’re also planning to launch several new Community Paddocks in different communities 2023.”