Farmers are seeking out sustainable farming practices and are sharing their ideas amongst one another – leaving their land better than how they found it.
The Western Port Catchment Landcare Network’s Sustainable Farming Discussion Group has met on a regular basis for the last eight years.
The group – which is comprised of local farmers – is focused on supporting farmers who are interested in sustainable and regenerative agriculture, according to Western Port Catchment Landcare Network Sustainable Agriculture Manager Peter Ronalds.
While regenerative is about building and working on land, sustainable farming focuses on growing and adapting.
“All farmers want to leave their farm in a better state than how they got it, and most farmers are passionate about improving their farms,” Peter said.
Farmers are continuing to explore the benefits of increased pasture diversity, extended growing seasons and improved soil microbiology. And, through the group, farmers can share knowledge and experience with other farmers.
At a recent farm walk at Orchard End Farm, owned by Tony and Sue Morgan in Bayles, the day kicked off with a discussion over morning tea, with Tony sharing his insights, followed by a farm walk.
Tony spoke about the lower-cost cattle yards they recently built, cattle breeding, liveweight targets and safety considerations when working with cattle.
“We all need a safe working environment, and it’s important farmers know what their obligations are,” Peter said.
The farmers also discussed regenerative agriculture practices, and viewed a paddock with multi-species pastures. There is also a dedicated area for local wildlife and native flora on the farm.
These farm walks even continued during Covid, when they met virtually and would watch and then discuss a pre-recorded farm walk.
Going back even further, following the bushfires in the region, the group banded together to help one of the member farmers whose property was impacted.
The group is next meeting in Labertouche on Tuesday 16 August to discuss limes to raise soil pH. Farmers are welcome to join the discussion – and the group. For more information, email Peter Ronalds at peter@wpcln.org.au
Regenerative agriculture
According to not-for-profit organisation Soils for Life, regenerative agriculture is “not a ‘one size fits all’ approach to farming or land management”.
“It is principles and practices that enhance and restore strong, healthy ecosystems (like soils),” its website states.
“Together, these have benefits for the farmer in terms of productivity and profitability, but also have long-term ecological benefits and support a healthy agricultural landscape.”
According to Soils for Life, regenerative agriculture techniques include applying organic composts, fertilisers and bio-amendments; encouraging natural biological cycles and nutrient transfer; adopting holistic management; implementing time-controlled planned grazing, and using grazing management and animal impact as farm and ecosystem development tools, among others.
Benefits include increased productivity, leading to increased profits; improved soil health – structural, chemical and biological properties; supporting a diversity of vegetation to moderate temperatures, provide habitat and build resilience; sequestering greater amounts of carbon from the atmosphere, and retaining more water in the soil for uptake by plants and animals – extending the growing season, among others.
Landcare Week
Landcare Week is an annual celebration of landcare during the first week of August that acknowledges the Australians who are actively restoring, enhancing and protecting the natural environment in their community.
The theme for Landcare Week 2022 is Celebrating Landcare Diversity, with Landcare groups across Australia coming together in person and online to commemorate their fantastic landcare achievements and the diverse range of people that make up Australia’s Landcare movement.
“I am always so excited to be involved in Landcare activities. The awesome work of landcarers has never been more important,” Landcare advocate and ABC TV presenter Costa Georgiadis said.
“Landcare is all about working together and including everyone, no matter where you are, in a shared vision of restoring, regenerating and protecting the environment. Anyone can get involved and is welcomed in landcare, and that’s what makes it so special and diverse.
“Participating in Landcare is a privilege I deeply respect, and I enjoy every chance I get to amplify the great work that is going on across Australia.”
Landcare CEO Dr Shane Norrish hoped Landcare Week would encourage more people to join Australia’s thriving landcare movement.
“From the coast to the country, and from urban cities to the outback, landcare’s greatest asset is committed people, and there’s nothing I love to see more than diverse communities forming and coming together through landcare,” said Dr Norrish.
“Diversity is what makes landcare so successful – it allows us to take on innovative projects and find creative solutions to overcome challenges. I couldn’t be more proud to be involved in such a diverse and inclusive movement, and can’t wait to read some of the fantastic success stories that are shared this Landcare Week.
“Landcare is also so much more than taking action for our environment, it’s about bringing people together, building resilience and working toward a common goal. With such a range of work going on across Australia, this is the perfect opportunity to shine a light on every aspect of landcare, the outstanding community and environmental impacts of landcare activities, and inspire more people to get involved.”
