FARMERS are always looking to get ahead of the game and looking for practical strategies to future proof their farm.
Emissions reporting is one area that can present opportunities to local landholders.
A workshop at Boort this month is aimed at helping the region’s farmers take advantage of the opportunities in this space and benefit their businesses at the same time.
The Know Your Number, Control Your Future workshop will feature practical insights and locally relevant strategies, delivered by people who have practical experience in agriculture.
“While primary producers are not expected to eliminate their emissions, they do need to understand the basics of on-farm emissions,” North Central Catchment Management Authority carbon farming outreach project manager Katrina Rast said.
“This includes not just on-farm emissions such as fuel use and livestock methane, but also indirect emissions from electricity and, crucially, those that occur up and down the supply chain such as fertilisers and transport,” she said.
Instead of being something to be feared, Ms Rast said there were opportunities for local farmers to make small changes in their whole-farm plans, improve productivity, and gain access to emerging and changing markets.
“Reducing on-farm emissions doesn’t mean radical changes to the way you farm. In our region, it’s the opposite,” she said.
“For local dryland farmers, simple things such as planting perennial pastures and drought-resilient species across your farm is a great first step.
“Improving soil health through no-till farming can reduce on-farm emissions and there are advantages and disadvantages in agroforestry in the region for dryland farmers. For irrigators, creating efficiencies such as using a drip or centre pivot can quickly reduce on-farm emissions, as can increasing soil carbon and reducing nitrous oxide.”
Ms Rast said the free workshop would feature these and more locally relevant strategies, delivered by people who have practical experience in agriculture.
“As a farmer, with these changes, you are in control. You won’t be left behind and you’ll be ready to make the most of the opportunities,” she said.
“We want to support farmers to help them make the most of the opportunities.
“Join us to learn how understanding your farm’s number can help you improve efficiency, boost soil health, and gain access to emerging markets, while providing practical insights to help future-proof your business and maintain profitability.”