Masters of the Climate: Innovative farmers ... - South West NRM

NO EASY ANSWERS
The theme that came up repeatedly was
‘no easy answers’. Many of the climate
forecasting tools that were showing
promise in 1999 did not live up to farmers’
expectations during the drought. While in
1999, many farmers had specific examples
of improved profitability from applying
climate tools to their farming systems,
there were few examples in the aftermath
of a major drought.
The divisions between weather (the short
term events) and climate (longer term
cycles) seemed to be less distinct and many
farmers are taking opportunistic rather
than long term approaches to farming
decisions, watching weather patterns and
forecasts closely and being ready to act in
response to what happens on the ground.
In general there was less confidence in long
term forecasts – perhaps this showed a
better understanding of the nature of
probability forecasts and a tempering of
expectations with reality.
Climate change was rarely discussed in
1999. In 2004 it’s a different story – many
farmers believe that climate change is the
cause of increasing climate variability and
they are evolving different ways of dealing
with this uncertainty.
TRENDS OBSERVED IN 2004
Some trends that I observed included:
Solid understanding of local climate
history as the basis for greater
understanding (which was apparent also
in 1999);
The use of American weather and
climate websites for both long and short
term forecasts (a new development since
1999);
The application of sophisticated tools
(such as software for tracking sub-soil
moisture and wheat yields) for making
full use of all available moisture;
Shifts in the nature of crops and stock
run on the properties, moving away from
riskier varieties and activities;
Opportunistic decision making – being
ready to act on short notice to take
advantage of weather conditions; and
In a few cases, deciding to leave the
enterprise altogether.
THE CASE STUDIES
The fourteen case studies in this booklet
were written following personal interviews
with each farmer in the latter part of 2004.
Each one also refers back to comments
made by that farmer during the original
interview in 1999 to show changes over
time.
It’s important when reading these case
studies to remember that they reflect the
opinions and experiences of the people
being interviewed, and their opinions may
not be consistent with the latest research.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jesse Blackadder (MAppSci) is a freelance
writer and author based in northern NSW. She
has worked for Landcare Australia since 1993
as a staff member and consultant and has also
consulted to Land & Water Australia, Institute
for Sustainable Futures and Environment
Australia.
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1. Jesse Blackadder interviewing Chris and
Sarah Roche in Gulargambone New South
Wales
2.Interviewing Bill and Anne Yates in Garah
New South Wales.
3.Interviewing John Hamparsum near
Tamworth in New South Wales.
2.
Gina Baker
Gina Baker
Gina Baker
ANALYSING HISTORIC RAINFALL
RECORDS
Two farmers (Jeff Hoffman and Bill Yates)
have carried out detailed analysis of rainfall
records in their local districts, going back
at least one hundred years, and several
others refer to these records regularly.
USING FORECASTS
There are a number of professional
forecasting services available in Australia,
as well as the Bureau of Meteorology.
Several of the farmers interviewed were
able to make use of specific forecasts for
their area and integrate the information
into their farming practices.
USING COMPUTER MODELLING
John Ive, near Canberra, and Ian
McLelland, in Birchip, both made extensive
use of computer modelling on their farms.
John uses his own water balance model to
find out if he has enough sub soil moisture
in order to plant deep rooted pastures,
and Ian uses Yield Prophet software to
model the influence of climatic factors on
wheat yields. Many of the participants use
Rainman software to assist in seasonal
climate prediction.
APPLYING A SPECIFIC
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
James Gardiner from Cobar in NSW has
applied Holistic Resource Management to
his rangelands grazing property to
maximise the benefit he receives from
rainfall.
APPLYING NEW TECHNOLOGY
Several of the participants have answered
the challenge of managing for climate
variability by applying new technologies.
Some examples include Neutron probe
technology to measure sub-soil moisture
and computerised irrigation systems.
CARRYING OUT ORIGINAL
RESEARCH
Erl Happ, a grapegrower from Western
Australia, has extensively modelled the
effects of temperature on grape flavour –
and has been rewarded by international
recognition of his premium shiraz.
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