Mosaic Map: NRM funded projects
Key
site specific
region wide
Goulburn Broken farmers work in harmony with the land
In Victoria more than half of all agricultural properties near the regional centres of Shepparton, Cobram, Echuca and Kyabram are taking part in an incentive scheme that promotes whole of farm planning.
For about 20 years, whole farm plans have been gaining popularity right across Victoria as a way to manage farms for both productivity and environmental protection.
By highlighting the strengths and limitations of a farm's resources, they provide the landholder with a detailed plan to manage their land productively without degrading its natural resources.
Funding
Over the past three years, the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority has received support from the Australian and State Governments for its whole farm planning incentive scheme.
The Victorian Department of Primary Industries and Goulburn-Murray Water are key project partners.
Activities
Executive Officer for the Shepparton Irrigation Region Implementation Committee Ken Sampson said whole farm plans were a way for farmers to work with the land, recognising that land problems were a sign of unsuitable farming methods.
"These plans can help tackle salinity by improving the design and management of irrigation systems," Ken said. "Well-designed systems prevent over-irrigation, which reduces nutrient losses in run-off and stops salty groundwater from rising."
With the help of a consultant, landholders use an aerial photo of the farm to produce a base map of natural features such as soil type, erosion hazards and trees. A series of clear overlays show man-made features such as fences and gates, water troughs and roads. A final overlay shows the future plan for the property.
Frank and Maureen Leyden own a dairy farm near Merrigum, west of Shepparton. They developed a whole farm plan to minimise run-off and nutrient losses by improving their drainage system.
"We've installed an automatic irrigation system, which saves water, reduces run-off and helps me get some sleep at night," Frank said.
Achievements
Ken said the scheme was well on its way to meeting its target of all farms in the region having whole farm plans by 2020.
"With the financial incentives we have in place, we want to build on what we've achieved so far," he said. "These include preventing about 80 tonnes of phosphorous, 550 tonnes of nitrogen and 150,000 tonnes of salt from entering our northern rivers system each year."
The scheme has also helped protect remnant vegetation and wetlands on farms.
More information
- Ken Sampson, Executive Officer, Shepparton Irrigation Region Implementation Committee: (03) 5833 5360 or ken.sampson@dpi.vic.gov.au
- Goulburn Broken CMA
- Further information on whole farm planning
See also
Key
Links to another web site
Opens a pop-up window