Aussie Farmers - Changing the World



Joel with his woolen socks



 Farmers have realised how important it is that they maintain a healthy landscape and clean waterways. They have decided that farming practices must change to ensure that water ways are kept clean, that a healthy landscape is maintained, and that their carbon footprint is reduced.

Clean water is important for all aspects of agriculture. Without water, all plant crops and animals will die.  Farmers are changing their farming practices to protect this very important natural resource. Planting trees, shrubs and grasses is a common, logical practice which helps to reduce the risk of soil erosion, and help clean the water naturally. This stabilizes the river bank and strengthens the land surrounding the waterways. By placing fences around rivers and waterways, farmers can reduce the risk of animals and/or humans polluting the water and trampling plants and soil.

Something that dairy farmers, in particular, are doing, is ensuring that contaminated water from dairies does not wash off  into dams, rivers and streams. This is done by storing this water in ponds called "settling ponds", where it is cleaned naturally.



The team..



In Perth, dairy farmers are being encouraged to change their fertiliser and grazing strategies through a program called Greener Pastures. The Department of Agriculture and Food is working with dairy and beef farmers on the Greener Pastures project to improve the use of fertiliser, while simultaneously boosting the production of milk and beef.

The major problem is that nitrogen fertiliser is used extensively in cattle grazing systems, to help produce pasture feed for cattle. However it has been found that this can pose a risk to underground water supplies, as nitrogen and phosphorous runoff can cause algal blooms, which are very dangerous.

Greener Pastures is promoting the use of less dangerous fertilizers, helping to clear waterways. "It's helping us to achieve our goal to grow and use as much pasture as possible to provide a balanced ration to ensure cows are fully fed to optimise milk production and profitability." – Phil Depiazzi, Dairy Business of the Year recipient, 2009.

By planting rows of trees and plants, farmers can protect their stock from wind, rain and hot sun. The trees’ strong root systems can help to raise the water table, to make sure the soil is held together and doesn’t turn to sand, or get too soggy. This makes the land healthier.

A common practice which farmers have been doing for many years is rotating stock around different grazing paddocks. This prevents soil erosion, allows vegetation to have time to grow back – food for the animals, and prevents plants and grasses from being overgrazed and damaged. They call this the "Rotation Grazing System". Farmers are also improving and protecting our country’s ‘natural assets’. This includes the protection of wildlife habitat and endangered species populations.



Joel building the wool bale



Last but not least, farmers are also trying to reduce their carbon footprint. Two things that farmers are doing to help reduce this, are: Organic farming and on-site processing of animals. Organic farming is effective because organic production has a smaller footprint than conventional farming. Farmers have begun the on-site processing of animals because this cuts out the transport between the farm, the abattoir, the warehouse, and the sales yard.

It is obvious to see that farmers are putting in their best effort to help keep the planet green, and healthy. They are keeping waterways clear, planting trees, protecting natural wildlife, and reducing their carbon footprint.





 We love our Aussie Farmers!