For anyone who was unable to attend the recent Productive Farming Futures Forum in Coorow, don’t sweat, we have you covered.
If the Storify recap of the event wasn’t enough information for you, we have now made available the presenter’s slides – for you to read in the comfort of your own home, and at your leisure.
Forum presenters have kindly allowed us to share their presentations, and the NACC team hope their availability will help to spread the word about climate adaptation and how it is possible to make positive changes now in the face of a hotter and drier future.
For more information about climate change in the NAR, visit the NARvis website.
Links to the presentations
Keynote speaker, Australia’s national Advocate for Soil Heath, Major General the Honourable Michael Jeffery, told the audience that the solution to maintaining productivity in the face of climate change is firmly imbedded in soil health. “To save the planet, save the soil,” he said.
Senior meteorologist at the Bureau of Meteorology, Glenn Cook summarised the long-term climate trends in Southwest Australia, noting that overall the region is drying and warming.
Lucy Anderton presented the issue of climate change from a business perspective, highlighting the risks and rewards of farm management decisions, and how investing in new technology and adoption of best practise methodologies drives growth.
Dr Dean Revell presented the results from grazing industry farm trials, demonstrating that by using different shrub and pasture options that “cope when conditions are tough, allows you to capitalise when times are good”, and shared the benefits of having “adaptable animals” that are “suited to the environment”.
2015 Soil Health Champion and local farmer, Stuart McAlpine inspired everyone with his insights into diversifying production as a means of adaptation, and methods that he was implementing or planning for transforming the Wheatbelt into the “Foodbelt”.
Dr David Bowran raised many interesting points regarding the implications of climate change on farm biosecurity – managing the “bad guys”.
UWA Associate Professor Theo Evans highlighted the possible benefits of insect “good guys” – in a novel approach to climate adaptation, with his research into the benefits of ants and termites on crop productivity in a drying climate.
Mango grower Neil Lantzke discussed impacts of climate change on horticulture, and how farmers are adapting this industry to changing conditions.
NACC Deputy Chair and Carbon Neutral Director Kent Broad delivered a compelling message about the benefits of biodiverse carbon plantings, opportunities available in the regional landscape, and the importance of maintaining community and culture.
The Productive Farming Futures Forum was supported by the Australian Government’s NRM Planning for Climate Change Fund and National Landcare Programme, Royalties for Regions, Inspiring Australia and the Mid West Science Engagement Group.
Thanks.