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Rural news Farmer group says more need to be done to reduce emissions
FARMERS for Climate Action welcomed the federal government’s recognition of the important role agriculture will play in the transition to a low emissions future, but says more needs to be done across the economy to reduce emissions this decade. The organisation’s chief executive, Fiona Davis, said farmers also welcomed reviews of the economic effect of the plan on regional and rural communities every five years, with one important caveat. “It’s important these reviews also take into account the economic impacts of climate change itself,” Dr Davis said. The chief executive said farmers wanted to be part of the solution and see the opportunity this presented for their communities. “However, achieving net zero emissions needs to be a responsibility shared by all economic sectors, in particular transport and energy,” Dr Davis said. “Let’s remember we can’t kick the can down the road and draw down emissions on the eve of 2050. “We need to urgently make deep emissions cuts before 2030. “This is the most important decade to protect farming families.” Farmers for Climate Action was pleased to see the government acknowledge the potential for farmers to diversify their income streams into carbon crops as a result of strong climate policy. Dr Davis said farmers needed a stable climate to continue to produce the food and fibre on which Australia and the world relied. “Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time, but it also presents an incredible opportunity for Australia, thanks to our ample sun and wind, and our long history of innovation. “It’s time for our work together across our communities to ensure we don’t just survive, but thrive into the future. “Farmers for Climate Action looks forward to seeing more details and the modelling of Australia’s plan to reach net zero emissions by 2050.” Farmers for Climate Action is a movement of more than 6000 farmers and agricultural leaders working to ensure that farmers, who are on the frontlines of climate change, are part of its solution.
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L a Niña could boost ag profitability again
THE chance of a La Niña is set to boost the agricultural industry’s already high optimism, according to the NAB October Rural Commodities Wrap, released last week. The NAB Rural Commodities Index is now 18.9 per cent above the same time in 2020, underpinned by excellent seasonal conditions and ongoing commodity price strength. NAB agribusiness economist Phin Ziebell said already strong grain and cattle prices could be further bolstered if a La Niña occurs. “The Bureau of Meteorology’s latest ENSO outlook has now moved to a 70 per cent chance of a La Niña event developing this year,” Mr Ziebell said. “La Niña is associated with above average springsummer rainfall in eastern and northern Australia. “This could drive even steeper cattle prices and a big grain harvest, albeit potentially at the expense of quality. “Winter crop conditions remain generally excellent. Surging input prices are taking some of the gloss off commodity prices, due largely to ongoing strength in oil prices following a pandemic-induced slump as well as elevated gas demand across Europe and Asia. “The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic destroyed oil demand and saw production pull back accordingly. “Now demand has returned but supply, particularly in US shale, continues to lag,” Mr Ziebell said. “Gas markets are even more constrained amid supply chain issues in Europe. This points to even higher Australian input prices, particularly fuel and fertiliser, in coming months.” Mr Ziebell said cattle prices remained out of step with trends in global markets and would remain a challenge for processors. “The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator continues to push ever higher, exceeding 1,075 cents per kilogram this week,” Mr Ziebell said. “With a big summer forecast for eastern and northern Australia, grass fever could push restocker demand even higher. “While this is clearly an excellent result for producers, we remain convinced that this price trajectory is unsustainable in 2022 if weather conditions return to normal.” Looking at the Australian dollar, Mr Ziebell said while it had recently risen back above US75c, NAB had forecast the currency would finish 2021 at around US72c.
The time to protect dam water is now
DISCOVERING there is just one metre of water left for stock in a paddock in mid-January is not an ideal situation. Agriculture Victoria land management extension officer Greg Bekker said if farmers considered what the water in the dam was used for and potential losses, they could put things in place to minimise those losses. “An estimate of how much your stock will drink should be made so you know what you are likely to need until after the autumn break,” Mr Bekker said. “How much each animal will drink will vary depending on the type of animal, weight, stage of growth or pregnancy and as temperatures increase over summer. “Knowing this, along with the total numbers of each class of stock, will give you the amount of water you need for stock use. If the dam is connected to a pump system for domestic use or watering gardens, then these figures should also be included in your calculations.” The next biggest user (or loser) of water is evaporation. Dams can lose the top one metre of water to evaporation each year; therefore having a small deep dam is a much better option than a large shallow one. The amount of water getting into the dam will change, depending on runoff and the pastures above the dam. Improved pastures, including deep rooted perennials and summer active species, will use more water and may reduce runoff. “This, along with less rainfall means that at times you will get less runoff into your dams,” Mr Bekker said. “It may not be an issue this year if dams have filled after a wet winter, but needs to be considered in the longer term for years when this does not occur.” Dam maintenance is critical to optimising water
An example of farm dam failure. Photo: Contributed
catchment, reducing water loss and erosion. Agriculture Victoria has developed resources to help maintain dams and water quality, measure dam volume and estimate water requirements. Once landowners know these, they are in a good position to plan for shortfalls and look for longerterm options to ensure water security on-farm. Agriculture Victoria extension staff can assist farmers with information, planning and design for stock and domestic water systems. Those interested in upgrading their farm water supply systems can attend a new online workshop to assist producers to evaluate their current farm water supply and plan future changes. For more information or to register interest, phone Greg Bekker on 0417 340 236 or email greg.
bekker@agriculture.vic.gov.au
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