Each season, Australia’s graingrowers rise to the challenge of coaxing the best from their paddocks.

This year, FMC Australasia is giving that challenge a refreshing twist with the launch of Farmer, Grow A Beer – a light-hearted yield competition designed for wheat and barley growers who use Overwatch Herbicide or Overwatch eXL Granules.

“We wanted to create something a bit different,” FMC herbicide portfolio manager Stuart McLaverty says.

“Growers already work incredibly hard and this challenge is a chance for them to show off their paddocks, share their progress, and have a bit of fun at the same time,” he adds.

The challenge is open to growers who have purchased enough Overwatch to treat at least 80ha between November 1, 2025, and April 30.

Participants simply nominate a paddock, crop type, and agronomist at entry, and then provide a harvest yield map to validate results.

Throughout the season, entrants will also be required to post at least three updates on social media using a shared hashtag – giving the farming community a front‑row seat to the crop’s journey from sowing to harvest.

The competition takes a unique approach to measuring performance with winners determined by kilograms of grain produced per millilitre of growing‑season rainfall.

This rainfall‑efficiency metric ensures growers from all environments are recognised fairly.

Each state will have several regional winners followed by one national runner‑up and one national winner – and their agronomists will be recognised with them.

“Using rainfall efficiency levels the playing field,” Stuart explains.

“It recognises smart agronomy and grower skill, not just the biggest seasons,” he says.

“And importantly, it keeps the competition enjoyable and inclusive.”

Prizes include FMC-branded merchandise for regional winners and the national runner‑up.

But the standout reward goes to the national winner with 50-60kg of their grain brewed into their very own custom beer, along with a celebratory trip to Sydney for them and their partner, and their agronomist and their partner.

“This challenge is about celebrating growers,” Stuart says.

“Their innovation, their resilience and the pride they take in producing great crops. And if we can finish the season by raising a beer they helped grow, even better.”

Growers and their agronomists are encouraged to get involved, have fun, and perhaps even grow a beer worth toasting.