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.
Workshops in Kerang, Cohuna, and Swan Hill in June are 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 workshops will be held at the Swan Hill CFA on June 12, Cohuna CFA on June 17, and Kerang Golf Club on June 19, all from 9.30am to 2pm.
They 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.”
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,” she said. “In our region, it’s the opposite.
“For local irrigation farmers, simple things such as improving irrigation efficiency by using a drip or centre pivot can quickly reduce on-farm emissions.
“Increasing soil carbon and soil health is another way to both increase productivity and decrease emissions.”
Ms Rast said the free workshops will 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,” she said. “You won’t be left behind and you’ll be ready to make the most of the opportunities.
“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.”
Go to www.nccma.vic.gov.au/knowyournumber to find out more.
