Caring for our Country

What can I do?

Natural management practices

Our natural, social and economic circumstances are changing. Climate change is creating a shift in our communities with many individuals and businesses developing plans to save water, energy and carbon. Government regulation and funding is now strongly geared towards climate change and biodiversity issues.

These changes affect landholders in a number of ways creating opportunities for diversification and funding of landuse change.

Adapting to climate change

Sheep farm in drought, ACT.

Sheep farm in drought, ACT.
Photo Andrew Tatnell

Climate change has serious implications for natural resource management such as changes in salinity, water quality and quantity, coasts, bushfires, weeds and biodiversity. Landholders can take action to minimise negative consequences and be prepared for new opportunities.

To find out how climate changes may affect your land, past and likely future changes in temperature and rainfall are available at:www.climatechange.gov.au/impacts/trends  and regionally at www.climatechange.gov.au/impacts/regions . The likely impact of climate change on agriculture is outlined at www.climatechange.gov.au/impacts/agriculture.html .

Funding assistance for landholders to adapting to climate change may be available through Caring for our Country and other programs. See our funding page.

Research into adapting to climate change is expanding fast. Check:

Organic farming

Organic community farm near Dapto, NSW.

Organic community farm near Dapto, NSW.
Photo Mark Mohell

Organic farming aims to produce food of high nutritional value without the use of artificial fertilisers or synthetic chemicals. Organic farming includes 'biodynamic' and 'biological' farming. It is subject to government standards and certification.

Organic farming is not a new concept but techniques and markets are evolving. It may help you be more sustainable and increase your marketing options. It can be adapted to many types of farming and environments and has a wide range of potential benefits.

Information is available at:

And state agencies such as:

Pasture and soil management

Good soil management is the core of sustainable agriculture. Discussion about the effect of management decisions on soil health can be found at government web sites such as your state department of agriculture and regional catchment management authorities. There are also a private consultants including Soil Foodweb Institute Australia  who emphasise the use of compost to improve soil quality.

If you are considering alternative options or want to improve your management practices, there is specific online information for most land uses including:

Rotation grazing

Rather than grazing large paddocks for long periods, an alternative is to graze small paddocks for short periods. Sometimes called 'cell grazing', this may involve moving stock very frequently, building electric fencing and moving watering points. This may have benefits for soil structure, plant biomass and biodiversity, and may reduce inputs such as feed, fertiliser and pesticide. For more information:

Natural sequence farming

Natural Sequence Farming is an approach developed in the Hunter Valley of NSW to control the flow of stream water using low-key diversion structures. The structures slow the water allowing it to spread over flood plains and recharge the groundwater. The freshwater accumulates on top of salt aquifers and provides continuous moisture for deep rooted plants.

The method includes techniques for encouraging stock to high areas at night where the nutrients from their droppings can flow down to benefit the pasture. Hills and ridges are revegetated as a priority for shelter and control of run-off. Small earthworks built along contours slow the flow of water on upper slopes.

Controversially, weeds are not sprayed; they are treated as a stage in the natural succession of species on degraded land. Weeds are also used for their nutrients; they are slashed and used on the upper parts of the property as mulch.

These ideas are intended to mimic the natural systems that evolved in Australia which were inherently adapted to drought. Information about Natural Sequence Farming is available at www.nsfarming.com . More broadly, the concept of imitating and recreating natural systems can be researched internationally on the internet using search terms such as 'biomimicry' and 'agriculture'.

Alternative pastures

The research organisation Evergraze  looks at how to increase farm productivity and environmental health in southern Australia. Evergraze has information about scientific trials of fertiliser application and other management regimes and has set up demonstration sites in many southern regions. They have fact sheets on native and alternative pasture species such as chicory, lucern, kikuyu, ryegrass and tall fescue. One of their partner organisations, the Future Farm Industries CRC , has case studies on strip farming and salinity management.

Cropping

Wheat farm near Bowhill, South Australia.

Wheat farm near Bowhill, South Australia.
Photo John Baker

Research indicates that retaining stubble after harvest has advantages for water retention, soil biology and structure. It may also help reduce the amount of carbon going into our atmosphere. Use of herbicide is often required and in some seasons, there may be disadvantages. Information on whether it is the best management option for your property is available from grains organisations, CSIRO and state primary industry departments, for example:

Alternative crops

Farm forestry or 'agroforestry'

Trees reverse salt damage in the Adelaide Hills.

Trees reverse salt damage in the Adelaide Hills.
Photo John Baker

Plantations can have a wide range of benefits. They can provide shelter for stock, prevent wind and water erosion, conserve water resources, protect soil, reduce salinity and provide habitat for native plants and animals. Commercial products from plantations include timber and carbon. Some species, such as types of mallee, may be suitable for production of biofuels.

There are a number of ways for landholders to start forestry plantations on their land. In some states, landholders may be able rent their property to their state forestry agency who will manage the plantation. Landholders who wish to manage plantations themselves can go to information sources such as the Farm Forestry Toolbox .

Most states now regulate farm forestry through codes of practice and requirements to have sustainable property plans in place. Contact your state primary industry or natural resource department for information:

There are some private companies with specific interests in farm forestry such as Smartimbers  who process and market timber from the South Australian sugar gum Eucalyptus cladocalyx.

Biofuel crops

Biofuels may be part of our future transport fuel mix but are unlikely to be a total replacement for petroleum. Research into using crops such as canola and tallow has been done but so far there is no clear profitability.

There are potential benefits in terms of sustainable land management, with research exploring how growing crops for biofuels can be used to manage salinity as well as how woody weeds can be used for biofuel production. Growing crops for biofuels is unlikely to result in less water use and there would be further loss of biodiversity if we clear new land for biofuel crops. For more information:

Native seeds

If you have native vegetation on your property, you may be able to harvest seeds for native revegetation projects. There is information on collection, storage, marketing and a directory of services available at Florabank . A permit for seed collection may be required for some species, especially if they are rare or threatened. Collection on crown or other public land is regulated by state agencies and permits are usually required. Leasehold land may also be regulated - check with your state government environment protection agency.

Other enterprises

Tourism is another business option for some farmers. This can take the form of farm stays, tours or specific recreational activities and can help close the gap between urban and rural dwellers. Markets include writers and artists, travellers, birdwatchers and sporting clubs. An initial starting point for information is Tourism Australia  who provide a list of industry contacts and links to research. Industry associations such as Ecotourism Australia  have online publications and a list of members.

Economic and environmental planning

Environmental Management Systems  is a process to manage the impacts of an enterprise on the environment. It provides a structured approach to planning and implementing environment protection measures. It considers legal obligations, the existing and potential impacts, identifies improvements and outlines an action plan. There is a standard being developed for certification and some states have an incentive program for landholders. Information is available at:

Also in this section

Tree farmer

R Lethbridge, Meandarra, Qld.
Photo Andrew Tatnell

Key

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