AUSTRALIA INC. FARM READY TOOLS FOR · PDF fileFARM READY TOOLS FOR SUSTAINABLE DAIRYING IN HIGH CONSERVATION VALUE LANDSCAPES ... loss through improved ecosystem wind

FARM READY TOOLS FOR SUSTAINABLE DAIRYING IN HIGH CONSERVATION VALUE LANDSCAPESPROJECT ID: OC11-01044

Caring for our Country is best delivered by a diverse range of stakeholders and a variety of mechanisms. Achieving a healthy, better protected, well-managed and resilient environment requires us to combine our experience, knowledge, skills and capacity.

DAIRY YOUTHAUSTRALIA INC.

OVERVIEWThe aim of the Farm Ready Tools for Sustainable Dairying in High Conservation Value Landscapes project was to:

• Deliver sustainable farming best management practices and enhance high conservation value native vegetation on Saddleback Mt, Jamberoo, NSW

• Encourage stakeholder partnerships to undertake invasive weed control including weeds of national significance (WONS) and to improve the connectivity and integrity of native vegetation that included Endangered Ecological Communities

• Increase capability and adoption of farm best management practices by trialling new perennial pasture systems to show they can be adapted to local conditions to reduce soil acidification and increase soil carbon

• Engage and facilitate youth participation in natural resource management (NRM)

• Encourage intensive level of engagement through extension activities and web materials to motivate stakeholders to adapt to dynamic natural systems

This project will build on research and development undertaken by sustainable farm management consultancy SBScibus, a leader in this field to deliver measurable outcomes under commercial dairy conditions.

Through successfully identifying and trialling new perennial pasture species systems that are more water and nutrient efficient than traditional grass based pasture systems in coastal dairy farms the project will deliver:

• Previously unavailable deep rooted perennial pasture options and hence the potential to deliver uptake of coastal perennial pasture plantings by at least 30%

• Perennial deep rooted pastures that ensure year round ground cover, mitigate soil loss through improved ecosystem wind and water erosion control, increase the carbon content of soils and reduce nutrient runoff into waterways.

• Pastures that use less fertiliser and grow better on the moisture shoulders which mean farmers can reduce both costs and emissions and reduce risk of practices that deliver soil acidification.

• Drought tolerant pasture species with potential for rapid recovery after drought.

• Increase the biodiversity of pasture species.

• Less soil compaction and disturbance as less machinery traffic is necessary for planting perennials.

• Productive soils which maintain resilience of the landscape to climate change and farmers ability to increase productivity.

Whilst some relevant information already exists, its access and perceived relevance is a major barrier to adoption by local farmers. In order to deliver an intensive level of engagement & practice change we will show farmers deliverable outcomes in their “own” backyard & clearly show links between profitable and sustainable farming.


KEYS TO SUCCESSPARTNERSHIP APPROACHWe recognised that a partnership is more than just consultation and that it is the commitment of groups to play an essential role in delivering a project and remain actively involved until it is completed.

We were keen to foster partnerships where each partner adds value to help achieve desired outcomes.

Our partnership involved farmers, Landcare Illawarra, Southern Rivers CMA, local bush regenerators and the Small Farms Network and Conservation Volunteers Australia. All of these organisation and groups had complementary skills that allowed us to collaborate to effectively plan and deliver the project.

OVERCOMING THE BARRIERSOur project acknowledged that a range of barriers often prevent people from achieving their goals.

The barriers to deliver high level natural resources management outcomes on commercial farms have traditionally been:

• Low farm income and high family debt

• Lack of farming or business management skills Incentives and rewards

• Limited time, finances or labour

• Access to local knowledge and practical examples of ‘best practice’

• Lack of belief that conservation measures are effective

• Lack of reliable science to prove production benefits

• Personal conflict

• Poor delivery of knowledge about sustainable farming practices or new NRM guidelines

• Mistrust of government agencies

• Fragmented information rather than access to a central knowledge bank.

Funding through this grant allowed us use a partnership approach to design a project to overcome these barriers that included:

• Acknowledging our local farmers are on the front-line when it comes to adaptation to, and mitigation of the impacts of climate change

• Collaborating with surrounding property owners and regional NRM bodies to access land owners who were trusted sources of information and local knowledge

• Providing farmers access to highly skilled facilitators who understand both the technical aspects of what they are presenting as well as the people they are working with

• Outsourcing the expertise we didn’t have and seeking out personnel with high levels of motivation, commitment, and organisational skills

• Well designed and well attended workshops and field days that provided the opportunity for farmers and landholders to ask questions in an non threating environment.

OBJECTIVES ACHIEVED• Habitat restoration for threatened ecological communities

• Established conservation agreements with private landholders

• Protected stream bank vegetation

• Boosted the skills, knowledge and capacity for resilience of farm businesses.


ACTIVITY 1 INCREASING LANDSCAPE SCALE CONSERVATION


WHAT WE DID MULTI MEDIA OUTPUTSWe engaged and worked with 20 farmers and young people involved in, or passionate about natural resource management (NRM) to undertake activities that contribute to the ongoing conservation and protection of biodiversity.

This was achieved by improving the connectivity, management and condition of a common biodiversity asset and by coordinating the management of shared assets on connected and unconnected properties across the district.

The following landscape scale conservation activities were undertaken:• Development of management plans • Collecting native seeds and planting of native seedlings• Purchasing materials and fencing for remnant native vegetation and revegetation • Provision of off stream watering points • Pest and weed control (in particular Weeds of National Significance)• Preparation and distribution of guidelines for planting, species type and management activities.

• CASE STUDY - The More the Merrier http://www.art4agriculture.com.au/images/yec/CaseStudy_TheMoreTheMerrier.pdf

• FIELD DAYS - Carbon Confusion http://art4agriculture.com.au/downloads/CarbonConfusion.pdf - Managing Vegatation http://art4agriculture.com.au/downloads/ManagingVegetation.pdf - Fruits of the Forest http://chdairiesdiary.wordpress.com/2012/06/08/fruits-of-the-forest/ - Local Knowledge for Local Problems http://chdairiesdiary.wordpress.com/2012/06/25/local-knowledge-for-local-problems - Friend or Foe http://chdairiesdiary.wordpress.com/2012/06/27/friend-or-foe

• LANDHOLDER FOLIO

• WEED FACT SHEETS - Madeira Vine http://www.cloverhilldairies.com.au/images/MadeiraFactSheet.pdf - Lantana http://www.cloverhilldairies.com.au/images/LantanaFactSheet.pdf - Trad and Moth Vine

• THREE VIDEOS - Picasso Corner - sharing the native landscape story with the next generation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfF1bKYPGWE - Natural Resource Management Terms Explained http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agJlI3mDFy0 - Balancing the Needs of the Rainforest with the needs of the Cows for sustainable food production at Clover Hill Dairies http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybxBCNBQLbs

• TV - WIN 4 News http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoKx_ZVDKKU

• MEDIA - Landcare Awards http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypvWOWXpqUU

MANY FARMS IN THE REGION HAVE LARGE AREAS OF PRISTINE RAINFOREST THAT BENEFIT FROM PROTECTION OR ENHANCEMENT


YOUTH ENGAGEMENT IN NRMMEGAN ROWLATT• BLOG POSTS - The art of gentle persuasion – Educating Landholders http://art4agriculturechat.wordpress.com/2012/12/03/the-art-of-gentle-persuasion - One of those days that make your heart sing http://chdairiesdiary.wordpress.com/2012/09/14/one-of-those-days-that-makes- your-heart-sing/

• CASE STUDY - Farmscape Conservation http://archibullprize.com.au/images/yec/downloads/CaseStudy_ FarmscapeConservation.pdf

• VIDEO - The Farmscape Conservation Story http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gx_Y3l_rwug

RENAE RIVIERE • BLOG POST - Fostering Life Long Partnerships with Farmers at 121 Fountaindale Rd http://chdairiesdiary.wordpress.com/2012/11/18/next-gen-eco-champions- fostering-life-long-partnerships-with-farmers/

• CASE STUDY - 121 Fountaindale Rd http://archibullprize.com.au/images/yec/downloads/CaseStudy_121Fountaindale.pdf

• VIDEO - Many hands making a difference http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9Olp4Ml_-g

ERIN LAKE • BLOG POSTS - Splendour in the Rainforest http://chdairiesdiary.wordpress.com/2012/06/21/splendour-in-the-rainforest/ - Next Gen giving our farm lots of TLC http://chdairiesdiary.wordpress.com/2011/12/10/next-gen-giving-our-farm-lots-of-tlc/ - Start the Day with the Perfect Cocktail http://chdairiesdiary.wordpress.com/2012/01/29/start-the-day-with-the-perfect-cocktail/ - Custodians of the Land (the videos go with this) http://chdairiesdiary.wordpress.com/2012/01/20/custodians-of-the-land/

• CASE STUDY - The More the Merrier http://www.art4agriculture.com.au/images/yec/CaseStudy_TheMoreTheMerrier.pdf - Fountaindale Dam http://archibullprize.com.au/images/yec/downloads/CaseStudy_ FountaindaleDam.pdf?v=tHRDF_SniNw

• VIDEO - The Fountaindale Dam Story http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHRDF_SniNw


VOLUNTEERS ARE THE BACKBONE OF NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT


WHERE WE DID IT WHAT WE PLANTED SPECIES LIST USEDFAMILY BOTANICAL NAME COMMON NAMEAdiantaceae Adiantum aethiopicum Common Maidenhair Fern Adiantum formosum Giant Maidenhair FernAraceae Gymnostachys anceps Settlers FlaxAspleniaceae Asplenium australasicum Birds Nest Fern A. flabellifolium Necklace FernBlechnaceae Blechnum sp. Doodia aspera Rasp FernDennstaedtiaceae Pteridium esculentum BrackenSinopteridaceae Pellaea falcata Sickle FernArecaceae Livistonia australis Cabbage Tree PalmCommelinaceae Aneilema acuminatum Commelina cyanea Commelina Tradescantia fluminensis* TradCyperaceae Carex sp. Luzuriagaceae Eustrephus latifolius Wombat Berry Geitonoplesium cymosum Scrambling LilyPoaceae Echinopogon caespitosus Echidna Grass Ehrharta sp.* Panic Grass Entolasia sp. Microlaena stipoides Weeping Grass Oplismenus aemulus Basket GrassAcanthaceae Pseuderanthemum variabile Pastel FlowerApocynaceae Parsonsia straminea Common SilkpodAsclepiadaceae Araujia sericifera* Moth Vine Marsdenia rostrata Common Milk Vine Tylophora barbata Asteraceae Ageratina riparia* Mist Flower Bidens pilosa* Cobblers Peg Cirsium vulgare* Spear Thistle Conyza sp.* Fleabane Delairea odorata* Cape Ivy Senecio linearifolius Forest Groundsel Siegesbeckia orientalis Indian Weed


SUCCESSFULLY ENGAGING YOUTH IN NRM


WHAT WE PLANTED SPECIES LIST USEDFAMILY BOTANICAL NAME COMMON NAMEBignoniaceae Pandorea pandorana Wonga VineBoraginaceae Austrocynoglossum latifolium Hound’s TongueCaryophyllaceae Stellaria flaccida Forest StarwortConvolvulaceae Calystegia marginata Forest Bindweed Dichondra repens Kidney weedDilleniaceae Hibbertia scandens Guinea VineEbenaceae Diospyros australis Black PlumEuphorbiaceae Baloghia inophylla Brush Bloodwood Breynia oblongifolia Breynia Cloaxylon australe Brittlewood Homalanthus populifolius Bleeding HeartFabaceae Acacia spp. Wattles Glycine spp. Geraniaceae Geranium homeanum Native GeraniumLamiaceae Plectranthus parviflorus Lauraceae Cryptocarya microneura MurrogunMalvaceae Hibiscus heterophyllus Native Hibiscus Sida rhombifolia* Paddy’s LucerneMeliaceae Melia azedarach White Cedar Synoum glandulosum Scentless Rosewood Toona australis Menispermaceae Stephania japonica Snake VineMoraceae Ficus coronata Sandpaper Fig Maclura cochinchinensis Cockspur Thorn Streblus brunonianus Whalebone TreeMyrsinaceae Rapanea variabilis MuttonwoodMyrtaceae Syzgium smithii Lilly PilyOleaceae Notelaea sp. Native OlivePassifloraceae Passiflora edulis* Passionfruit Passiflora subpeltata* White PassionfruitPhytolaccaceae Phytolacca octandra* Inkweed

FAMILY BOTANICAL NAME COMMON NAMEPittosporaceae Citriobatus pauciflorus Orange Thorn Pittosporum revolutum Rough Pitto Pittosporum undulatum PittoPolygonaceae Acetosa sagittata* Turkey rhubarbRanunculaceae Clematis aristata Travellers JoyRhamnaceae Alphitonia excelsa Red AshRosaceae Rubus fruticosus* Blackberry R. rosifolius Native RaspberryRubiaceae Morinda jaminoides Psychotria loniceroides Hairy PsychotriaRutaceae Acronychia oblongifolia Yellow aspen Melicope micrococciSapindaceae Alectryon subcinereus Native QuinceSolanaceae Physalis peruviana* Cape Gooseberry Solanum amerianum Glossy Nightshade S. aviculare Kangaroo Apple S. mauritianum* Tobacco Bush S. nigrum* Dull Nightshade S. opacum Green NightshadeSterculiaceae Brachychiton acerifolius Flame TreeUlmaceae Trema aspera Native PeachUrticaceae Dendocnide excelsa Giant Stinging Tree Urtica incisa Stinging NettleVerbenaceae Clerodendrum tomentosum Clerodendrum Lantana camara* LantanaViolaceae Hymenthera dentata Tree Violet Viola hederacea Native VioletVitaceae Cissus antartica Kangaroo Grape


ENGAGING LANDHOLDERS ONE ON ONE OR VIA FIELD DAYS PROVES VERY SUCCESSFUL IN ENSURING LONG TERM NRM OUTCOMES


WHAT WE LEARNT ON- GROUND WORKS The project allowed us to understand the following:• Key community drivers, motivators and other factors in the community which impact

on farmer decision-making

• Perceived control factors that facilitate or impede behaviour and their power

• Farmers’ views on land use management on their farm and in the region.

Some key findings from this project are: • There is a range of beliefs and attitudes that vary according to land use strategies

and between commercial farmers and lifestyle farmers. Some practices, such as soil maintenance, are largely undertaken as they are perceived to have a positive impact on profitability. But protection or enhancement of remnant vegetation appears to be undertaken primarily for amenity values ( for lifestyle farmers the motivation was both amenity value and a desire to ‘do the right thing”) Whilst commercial farmers are very keen to “do the right thing” which they acknowledge is often driven by social pressures, as well as their personal beliefs most farmers are not convinced that benefits exceed costs and if we are going to assist our farmers to ensure our scarce natural resources are protected and enhanced its pivotal this been seen as a community good activity and the government continues to invest and provide access to skilled NRM personal .

• Surveys tell us 9 out of 10 farmers learn from other farmers and they appear to form stronger opinions of land use strategies if they have had experience or seen results on other farms. They are also influenced by media, and NRM extension officers, particularly for practices where they have had little experience or knowledge. Most farmers appear open-minded to new technologies but need convincing that benefits exceed costs. Landcare groups appear to be important motivators however may be restricted by lack of funding and voluntary group members who have the time so reliance on group extension alone is unlikely to produce the desired outcomes unless the government commits to more funding for these groups.

• The key control factor to adoption of land use strategies is money. Most strategies are perceived to require significant investment for variable commercial return. Availability of written information is of lesser importance.

Farm amalgamation, declining rural population and services and difficulties in succession planning are changing the structure of the rural community. Farms are getting bigger and the business is becoming more complex and risky. Furthermore, the cost-price squeeze is placing great strain on farmers trying to ensure economic viability whilst trying to address land degradation and environmental issues on their properties.

Farmers may need greater assistance beyond access to publications. They need one-on-one advice especially on larger farms. Financial incentives are very necessary to ensure continued and improved land management on farms particularly for those strategies seen to provide greater public than private benefit. Managing these control factors will probably result in greater adoption of desired practices than attempts to change values or attitudes.

General concern for land resource (not environmental) issues is very high. There is evidence that farmers are open to new ideas and new technologies. Therefore, the community needs to look at better ways of assisting them to manage these issues.

Recommendations are that agencies need to: • Develop creative policies, programs and projects which overcome multiple barriers

to adoption. A combination of financial incentives, better access to technical advice, assistance to overcome time constraints would result in increased adoption.

• Provide financial incentives to increase adoption of desired land use strategies. Subsidies and tax rebates are strong incentives to adopt strategies. Some may place pressure on government budgets and should therefore be applied to provide the greatest benefit from public investment. Incentives such as carbon credits may not require any public investment.

• Provide greater opportunities to farmers to access one-on-one assistance. Many farmers do not belong to Landcare or catchment groups and prefer learning from their own trials. One-on-one assistance is particularly important where generic strategies are not appropriate or where problems are complex and require a high degree of expertise.

• Increase support to catchment, Landcare and productivity groups. Although farmers prefer one-on-one advice, groups still play an important role in facilitating exchange of knowledge and enthusiasm for tackling catchment issues.


HAVING THE SKILLS SETS AND KNOWLEDGE TO DISTINGUISH ENDANGERED NATIVE SPECIES FROM THE WEEDS RELIES ON OUTSOURCING EXPERTISE FROM NRM PROFESSIONALS


CONCEPT SUMMARY • Ensure that researchers and extension officers acknowledge farmers’ prior

knowledge. Marginalising technical knowledge held by the farming community can result in inadequate or inappropriate research or extension and non-adoption.

• Decrease reliance on written publications as a major extension strategy to increase adoption of sustainable land management practices and acknowledge the growing role of multimedia opportunities such as short case study videos complemented by written case studies which show both the success stories and learnings. Availability of general written information is not critical in adoption of land use strategies. Commercial farmers appear only to browse through written information and mostly that published by the general media. Publications are still important but should not be the dominant extension format. They should focus on practical, actionable on-ground activities and not general awareness raising. Lifestyle farmers on the other hand embrace both hands on extension activities including workshops and field days as well as written (particularity case studies) and high quality concise and informative multi-media material.

We also see great potential in the adoption of the Market Based Ecosystem Services - as enunciated in the document A proposed National Stewardship Initiative. A report for by Sam Archer 2008 Nuffield Scholar -November 2009 Nuffield Australia Project No 0814 found here.http://www.nuffieldinternational.org/rep_pdf/1259286535Sam_Archer_Report_2008.pdf

A national Ecosystem Services Scheme (ESS) that would make ecological services - like enhancing native vegetation, protecting waterways and sequestering carbon- another commodity in the farm enterprise mix, as core to farming as livestock or cropping.

The ESS concept uses financial incentives, in the form of market-based instruments (MBIs) to direct money used for environmental investment to where it does the most good, and is used most efficiently.

Carbon credits under the Carbon Farming Initiative are an MBI with potential for emissions trading to be part of a wider system of environmental services.

But MBIs can also be devised to create water, biodiversity, soil and salinity credits. Renewable energy and biofuels are another category of MBI.

Because ESS income would typically come from passive practices, like regeneration of bushland, that require little regular management, a farmer could develop a broad portfolio of ESS projects without compromising time on other enterprises.

The ESS investor would be any party with an interest in an ecological outcome - consumers, ecological trusts, conservation bodies, government.

Government’s role would be to provide “enabling legislation”, leaving administration to a “lightly regulated” non-government organisation, and market development to the private sector.

Land managers, for their part, would not get paid under the ESS for doing nothing - unless they are custodians of an ecosystems service already in outstanding condition.

The goal of the scheme is ecosystem regeneration, not merely maintaining the status quo or rewarding performance, not practice, unlike many of the prevailing schemes employed by government agencies in Australia and throughout the world.

This would mean that you have a much wider range of choices about what you do with your land, the income streams it delivers, and how you mitigate risk through diversification.


SUCCESSFULLY BALANCING THE NEEDS OF THE COWS WITH THE RAINFOREST


MEASURES OF SUCCESSFor example If you had a agricultural gross margin capability on a class of land, but were offered gross margin + X to supply an ecological service, then the land manager has a decision about what he’s going to produce from this land - is it going to be an ecological commodity, or food or fibre?

Mr Archer suggests that a pilot program developed to test ESS concepts. He favours either the landscape adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef, where intensive land use rubs up against the reef environment; and the Canberra region, at the headwaters of the Murray River.

He believes that should begin with a National Stewardship Initiative, and some forward looking discussion on how the custodians of two-thirds of Australia’s land can be better empowered to boost the capacity of all land, for all purposes.

OUTCOMES We found the process of working with a diverse group of landholders complex and insightful.

• The project provided a wonderful opportunity to learn and tailor our approaches.

• Varying levels of knowledge, skills, and time have determined the level of capacity farmers and landholders have to manage natural resources on their land.

• Financial capacity is something which impacts the level of NRM activity and it is important both NRM personnel and funding bodies acknowledge that these are all elements that need to be considered when working on delivering projects which aim to achieve best outcomes for productive landscapes as well as the natural assets on these properties.

SHORT TERM FLORA AND FAUNA • Knowledge and skills for improved management for more than 1500 hectares of

identified habitat for nationally threatened species; and• More than 700 hectares of improved management for vegetation communities

across the region.

INVASIVE SPECIES • More than 500 hectares of control for Weeds of National Significance with an

additional 150 hectares of follow up control undertaken

We also created the following resources to help landholders deliver best practice outcomes:• 6 videos• 6 Case studies• 1 landholder Folio

WETLAND MANAGEMENT• Property management planning activities for Fountaindale Dam and surrounds

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT• More than 300 attendees at community events aimed at building awareness and

knowledge of coastal sustainable farming practices and landscape conservation management values.

• 150 volunteers registered at one off working bees and ongoing volunteer programs.



SUCCESSFULLY ENGAGING THE NEXT GENERATION IN NRM

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPSTo help raise awareness of NRM and enable the community of Kiama, Shoalhaven and Wollongong LGA’s play their role in achieving the Caring for our Country goals we • Hosted 300 attendees at 4 events and field days; • Created 12 multimedia resources; and • Hosted 4 on farm school excursions engaging more than 300 students. • Worked with 150 volunteers who contributed more than 1500 volunteer hours;

LANDHOLDERS PARTNERSHIPS• Initiation of a small landholder property management planning program for lifestyle and small acreage properties;

MEDIUM TERM • Follow up funding for maintenance and support will help ensure long term benefits.

LONG TERM Adoption of research and innovative practices are critical to attaining goals.

Supporting, facilitating and fast tracking research and uptake of best practice management practices is critical. A number of approaches will need to be applied and this is beyond the scope of this project.


COMMUNITY GOOD OUTCOMES FOR THE WHOLE CATCHMENT

lemonresearch farm

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ACTIVITY 2 - IMPROVING GRAZING MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

WHY WE DID THE RESEARCH AT LEMON GROVE Surveys tell us 9 out of 10 farmers learn from other farmers and they want to see research that is relevant to them and their business i.e. they want to see the research working in their own backyard. They want to see research that provides a good return on investment in the shortest turnaround time.

AIM To explore pastures that could potentially reduce Carbon footprint whilst improving productivity, profitability, and management (resilience)

OBJECTIVETo grow productive (quantity) and nutritious (quality) pasture that will be:• Resilient through extremes of climate (floods and droughts)• Water and fertiliser efficient • Fill the feed gaps • Tolerant to captured dairy effluent irrigation

WHAT WE DIDThe trial was conducted at Lemon Grove Research Farm, located on the Minnamurra River floodplain just to the east of Jamberoo, NSW. Control and treatment paddocks were identified in December 2010 and soil tests were taken. One paddock was to be identified as the “trial/treatment” paddock and was to be prepared for the new pasture; the other “control” paddock was to be farmed as per the rest of the property, retaining its kikuyu base and being sown down to oats and Italian ryegrass in early autumn.

The trial paddock was sprayed with 6L/ha of Roundup Powermax (540 g/L glyphosate (present as the potassium salt)) on 17.2.2011. Pasture trash was mown and removed and the trial paddock sown down to 110kg/ha of Cooba oats on the 19.2.2011. A small area was topped up in early April following flooding in March. Grazing of the oats commenced shortly after and continued until the 5th of August when the paddock was sprayed again with 6L/ha of Roundup Powermax on 5.8.2011.

The paddock was then direct drilled with a disc seed with the trial seed mix of:• 8.5kg/ha Stamina GT6 Lucerne• 4kg/ha Bulldog red clover• 1.5kg/ha Kopu II white clover• 1.5kg/ha Will ladino white clover• 2kg/ha Tonic Plantain• 2.5kg/ha Puna Chicory

The trial paddock was treated with 150ml/ha of Verdict (520g/L haloxyfop present as the haloxyfop-r-methyl ester) selective grass herbicide on the 20.2.2012 to control grass weeds. It was not oversown in the autumn of 2012.

The “control” paddock was sprayed with 200mls/ha of Roundup Power Max on the 1/3/2011 to suppress kikuyu growth and facilitate early planting of a mix of 35kg/ha of Feast II ryegrass and 60kg/ha of Cooba Oats. Grazing commenced 16th April 2011. It was resprayed with 225mls/ha of Roundup Powermax on the 16/42012 to suppress kikuyu prior to autumn planting with a similar mix

Fertiliser was applied to both control and trial paddocks as deemed necessary by the farmer. This include urea, some mixed blended fertilisers and an application of liquid dairy effluent. Pastures were grazed only by the dairy herd and no fodder was conserved during the trial on the two plots. Pasture dry matter was estimated pre and post grazing using a C-Dax towable pasture metre and pasture yields determined. Yield data was validated using pasture cuts and estimation of dry matter during the trial. The nutritive value of the trial and control pastures were tested by NIR at Westons Laboratories, NSW.


WHERE WE DID IT



TREATMENT PADDOCK OVERSOWN WITH RYEGRASS TREATMENT PADDOCK OF HERBS AND LEGUMES

THE “CONTROL” PADDOCK WAS FARMED AS PER THE REST OF THE PROPERTY, RETAINING ITS KIKUYU BASE AND BEING SOWN DOWN TO OATS AND ITALIAN RYEGRASS IN EARLY AUTUMN


ANECDOTAL EVIDENCE TO MEASURABLE OUTCOMES

RESULTSTotal yield for the first 12 months of trial, including oats, and control pasture was 16413 and 15310 kgs of DM/ha respectively. Total yields in the six months following removal of the oats were 8134 and 6407 kgs DM/ha respectively. Total 2 year yields from trial and control paddocks was 35365 and 25989 kgs of DM/ha respectively. Cumulative yield data is presented in Graph 1.

Graph 1: Two year cumulative yield data: herbs and legumes (Treatment) v’s kikuyu and ryegrass (control)


Feed quality data from two samplings in November and February are presented in Table 1.

Table 1: Comparative feed quality of herb and legume pasture (treatment) vs spring ryegrass (control test 1) and kikuyu (control test 2)

COMPONENTS: TREATMENT TEST 1: CONTROL TEST 1: TREATMENT TEST 2: CONTROL TEST 2:% NDF 30.7 46.3 30.4 51.4

% Crude Protein 32 24.1 33.1 27.5

% Ash 13.33 11.34 11.35 10.41

Lignin % NDF 12.4 3.9 16.8 5.6

% Calcium 1.23 0.58 1.37 0.53

% Phosphorus 0.45 0.42 0.45 0.43

% Magnesium 0.36 0.3 0.36 0.26

% Potassium 3.28 3.13 3.18 3.16

% ADF 23.6 26.3 23.1 26.7

% Lignin 3.8 1.8 5.1 2.9

% NFC 25.2 18.6 27.6 14.4

Relative Feed Value 214 138 217 123

ME (MJ/kg) 11.63 10.8 11.76 10.97

ME CPM (MJ/kg DM) 10.16 8.58



9 OUT OF 10 FARMERS LEARN DIRECTLY FROM OTHER FARMERS OR THROUGH APPROPRIATE DELIVERY OF EXTENSION BASED ON IN FIELD EXPERIENCE OF OTHER FARMERS IN FAMILIAR AND RECOGNISABLE FARMING SITUATIONS.


FARMERS WANT TO BE ABLE TO ASK QUESTIONS IN AN NON THREATENING ENVIRONMENT BUT NEED HIGHLY SKILLED FACILITATORS WHO UNDERSTAND BOTH THE TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF WHAT THEY ARE PRESENTING AS WELL AS THE PEOPLE THEY ARE WORKING WITH

CHALLENGES• Adverse climatic conditions with four major events floods and a very pronounced dry period certainly made for an interesting time during the trial

• Accessing personnel in the region to do soil testing proved very difficult and we have been unable to have the final soil test undertaken at this point in time


DISCUSSION MULTIMEDIA OUTPUTSThis farm based trial has provided useful evidence of the potential for alternative pasture systems based on legumes and herbs on coastal dairies in NSW. The trial pastures have provided at least as much dry matter in the first year as the conventional system with the yield data in year 2 being substantially higher in the trial paddock. The trial pasture appears to have performed very well in the autumn of its 2nd year and did not suffer a planting lag as per the conventional system. It also appeared to continue growing very well off a one off significant rain event in October 2012 during what was a very dry spring and summer in the region. Nitrogen inputs were significantly reduced in the trial compared to the conventional plots with potential here to reduce fertiliser costs as well as nitrous oxide emissions and exposure to volatile nitrogen pricing. Full soil test data is not available at the time of writing.

Feed quality at all times on the trial was excellent with the farmers reporting anecdotal improvements in milk production when grazing trial pastures, particularly between November and March.

Weeds have been troublesome including both broadleaf and summer grass weed invasion in summer of 2012-2013.

These pastures have significant potential for NSW grazing based dairy systems. There has been considerable success with similar systems on the mid north coast and inland areas, however, problems with both stem root nematode and water-logging have been encountered on some properties. Soil characteristics, particularly, potential for poor drainage, underlying weed burdens and regional pasture pathogens need to carefully considered, when selecting alternative pasture systems as part of a pasture “portfolio”. However, there is considerable flexibility within both pasture species and cultivars in the group of pasture species under investigation to further explore these systems on a region by region basis. Farmers and scientific organisations can successfully partner to produce useful field based research.

• BLOG POSTS - Something in it for everyone http://chdairiesdiary.wordpress.com/2012/04/01/something-in-it-for-everybody/ - Will there be more money in non-farming than farming http://chdairiesdiary.wordpress.com/2012/03/29/will-there-be-more-money-in- non-farming-than-farming/ - Will it put money in my pocket? http://chdairiesdiary.wordpress.com/2012/03/25/will-it-put-money-in-my-pocket/ - The big wet has left us a little worse for wear http://chdairiesdiary.wordpress.com/2012/03/08/the-big-wet-had-left-us-a-little- worse-for-wear-in-more-ways-than-one/ - Heads up on the Research http://chdairiesdiary.wordpress.com/2012/01/13/heads-up-on-the-research/

• CASE STUDIES - Zero Grass http://www.cloverhilldairies.com.au/images/ZeroGrass.pdf - Use of legume and herb based pastures in NSW dairy farms http://art4agriculture.com.au/images/yec/CaseStudy_Legume.pdf - Effluent Re-Use http://www.cloverhilldairies.com.au/images/EffluentReuse.pdf

• VIDEO - Zero Grass trials at Lemon Grove Research Farm deliver results for South Coast Farmers - short version Summary video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zldqRVjH6Lk&feature=youtu.be - Dr Neil Moss presents the outcomes from the zero grass pasture trials at Lemon Grove Research Farm http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sa1D9lcY29c&feature=youtu.be

• MEDIA - Kiama Cows double as lab rats http://www.dairynewsaustralia.com.au/management/kiama-dairy-cows-double-as-lab-rats - Salad bowl feed for Clover Hill cows http://art4agriculture.com.au/downloads/saladBowlFeed_HolsteinJournal.pdf - Future farming: research puts grass out to pasture http://art4agriculture.com.au/downloads/futureFarming.pdf - Grass Trial a Winner http://art4agriculture.com.au/downloads/GrassTrialaWiinnerKiamaIndependent.pdf



THE TRIAL PADDOCK PROVED VERY NITROGEN USE EFFICIENT AND RESPONDED WELL TO EFFLUENT REUSE FROM THE DAIRY

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Nitrogen inputs were significantly reduced in the trial compared to the conventional plots with potential here to reduce fertiliser costs as well as nitrous oxide emissions and exposure to volatile nitrogen pricing.


WHAT WE LEARNT • The power of the two way conversations – farmers and natural resource management personnel working side by side to understand each other’s challenges and constraints.• The value of cross community partnerships to improve NRM and sustainable farming outcomes and improve skills, knowledge, attitudes, and innovations, • That investment in people and on the ground activities that bring them together is critical for long term sustainability, fostering continuous improvement and creating opportunities to learn and grow together.• The communication is more than just sending information. It is a two-way process which creates demand for information delivery, is responsive to audience needs, and provides content in a way which is timely, relevant and understandable to target audiences.

MEASURES OF SUCCESSSHORT TERM Sustainable Primary Production;• More than 300 attendees at 2 field days focusing on sustainable production topics• 1 trial was undertaken assessing the soil health and production cost/benefits for primary production was conducted • A pasture management and species plan developed.• 1 research paper was written and published

MEDIUM TERMAdoption of research and practices are critical to attaining the goals.

• 9 out of 10 farmers learn directly from other farmers or through appropriate delivery of extension based on in field experience of other farmers in familiar and recognisable farming situations.

• Farmers want to be able to ask questions in a non threatening environment but need highly skilled facilitators who understand both the technical aspects of what they are presenting as well as the people they are working with.

• This project has produced extremely valuable and measurable results that have important and deliverable environmental and economic benefits for farmers. There is a need funding for extension projects that capture this research and other alternate forage system research. This could be delivered through regional farm discussion groups. Possible delivery partnership with SBScibus Sydney University Future Dairy Complementary Forage Systems and NSW Farmers. i) Triple/ double forages which increase yield per ha ii) Alternate strategies to annual and perennial pastures iii) Developing fodder production portfolios to manage risk and season

LONG TERM Adoption of research and innovative practices are critical to attaining goals.

Supporting, facilitating and fast tracking research and uptake of best practice management practices is critical. A number of approaches will need to be applied and this is beyond the scope of this project.


SUCCESSFUL OUTCOMES ARE GOOD FOR FARMERS, COWS AND THE PLANET


THIS PROGRAM WAS SUPPORTED BY FUNDING FROM THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT CARING FOR OUR COUNTRY INNITIATIVE

DAIRY YOUTH AUSTRALIA

WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR SUPPORTING PARTNERS


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:LYNNE STRONGEmail: [email protected]: www.farmingaheadofthecurve.com.au

smallfarms.net.au

Small Farms and Rural Living Network

Documents

AUSTRALIA INC. FARM READY TOOLS FOR · PDF fileFARM READY TOOLS FOR SUSTAINABLE DAIRYING IN HIGH CONSERVATION VALUE LANDSCAPES ... loss through improved ecosystem wind