Demonstration sites showcasing new and innovative farm practices for large-scale primary producers and workshops providing handy tips and advice for new landholders on farm and water planning, biodiversity conservation, soil improvement and pest plant and animal management are some the activities funded through the Goulburn Broken CMA’s From the Ground Up project.
Goulburn Broken CMA Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator Ashley Rogers said 18 From the Ground Up projects delivered in partnership with 20 community and agricultural industry groups would provide practical soil and farm management information that would boost the region’s agricultural productivity and profitability as well as the natural resource base on which it depended.
“Topics have been identified by regional agricultural communities and industries,” Ms Rogers said.
“They cover approaches to manage hill-slope erosion and soil acidification, planning and adapting for climate change and improving soil carbon. The projects also highlight the benefits of extending on-farm native vegetation that as well as protecting and improving the region’s biodiversity provide valuable eco-system services such as shelter for stock, habitat for pollinators, reduced nutrient loads in run-off and of course also improve the amenity of the property. By providing opportunities to address local issues and priorities, these projects also contribute to broader regional and national environmental, economic and social outcomes.”
From the Ground Up is funded for one year (2018-19) through the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program and aims to engage with almost 500 landholders and support practice change across 74,000ha of private land.
Projects due to get under way next month include a Regenerative Grazing Management Course run in conjunction with the STIPA Native Grasses Association and a Research and Development Priority Setting Workshop run with the Australian Processing Tomato Research Council and the Soil CRC.
For more information about From the Ground Up and the projects, click on the Land Health tab on the Goulburn Broken CMA website www.gbcma.vic.gov.au