Land

South Coast NRM's Land Theme covers sustainable agriculture and is inclusive of cropping, grazing and agro forestry as the key areas of farm primary production. With approximately 70% of the South Coast region under various forms of primary production, our support of land managers' NRM is vitally important for the long term sustainability of the regional economy, community health, and the key capital asset of the land.

Increasing skills and knowledge in sustainable farm practices

46 events and activities were delivered to 828 farmers and land managers by working in partnership through the Land Reference Group and Regional Landcare Facilitators with nine community based delivery organisations, the Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia, research institutions and agricultural businesses in the region.

These activities have provided land managers with knowledge and skills across a diverse and relevant range of topics including;

• Farm and site specific planning and work scheduling,
• Crop and pasture (perennials, rotational grazing and livestock) management,
• Shelter belt and remnant bushland revegetation and management.
• Soil and Water management and maximising efficiencies
• Climate Change and Managing Seasonal Variability

Extension Events:

• A successful Farm Forestry forum was delivered to farmers and industry representatives providing a background into the current situation for farm forestry in the region and what opportunities ahead for carbon plantings and forestry on farm.
• Diverse farm management presentations (Region wide)
• Open days at the Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Mt Barker Research Station;
• Farm visits to view past funded works and explore currently applied successful farm management techniques and integrated options.
• Productive Salt land Pastures Forum – delivered in association with DAFWA, Evergraze, CSIRO and the Saltland Pastures Association

Additionally 174 farmers have reviewed maps and farm plans, then initiated and implemented on ground works inclusive of soil improvement works, perennial pasture, fodder shrub and native vegetation establishment, and fencing of remnant (including riparian) vegetation for protection of production based ecosystem services and to stabilise landscape and hydrological landscape functioning and condition.

The South Coast NRM Western, Central, Eastern Landcare Facilitators and Biodiversity Implementation Officers have provided advice and support to delivery organisations and land holders on planning for on ground actions and monitoring activities. This support has been achieved through regular one-on-one contact and attendance at 16 delivery organisation committee meetings.

The Landcare Facilitators also act as a conduit for information between Government Agencies (such as Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia) and Delivery Organisations to resolve site specific soil management issues.