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Rural Industries
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|| Introduction || Project listing|| Project Summaries ||
While efforts to focus on sustainability issues have intensified and inevitably will lead to the development of new opportunities for agriculture in Australia, changes from traditional practices and agricultural systems will not be made quickly or easily.
In general terms, clear guidelines are needed by the farming communities to maintain long term profitability and productivity. Until such guidelines have been developed and incorporated into decision making support systems, management decisions will continue to favour agricultural practices based on short term profits and overlook to a large extent the longer term sustainability issues.
Both the public and private sectors provide considerable resources to assist in the structural adjustment processes in the primary industries through activities including, education and training, research and development and targeted schemes such as the Rural Adjustment Scheme.
Research Highlights for 1996-97
· Playing a lead role in the establishment of the Interim Organic Industry Council. Organic produce will be a separate program within RIRDC from 1997-98 onwards.
· Investigation into how the application of rare earth elements can enhance the productivity of crops and pastures.
· Publication of a comprehensive report on the behaviour of zinc in soils and plants, which has become an academic text.
· Development of establishment and management technology that increases the productivity and feed value of revegetated saltland.
· Identification of successful adjustment strategies for rural communities.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ON ORGANIC AGRICULTURE
IN AUSTRALIA
Objectives
· To provide a report that forms the basis for a proposed National Symposium on Research and Development in Organic Agriculture in Australia.
Background
Production, processing, distribution, marketing, research and development of organic products is done by a range of fragmented government and private industry institutions and individuals. The Organic Producers Advisory Council, meeting under the auspices of the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service, produces and oversees national organic standards.
There is no national industry peak body for industry coordination and policy making as a whole. While the industry is a very small part of Australian agriculture, it is growing quickly and has the potential for very large growth in the future. It could make a substantial contribution to "clean green" Australian agriculture.
ANU approached by RIRDC to develop a proposal for the funding of a National Symposium on Research and Development in Organic Agriculture in Australia that will review R&D in organic agricultural products and farming practice, identify key issues and areas of concern, and develop strategic approaches to address issues and concerns.
Research
The authors of the chapters were chosen for their current knowledge of relevant areas in the report. The tasks were completed by each author using their own compiled research database and searches on line through the ANU ELIZA system.
Letter were also sent by the editors to all the known researchers in organic farming methods in Australia to ensure all relevant information was obtained. During the drafting of the report, extensive discussions were held between authors of each chapter and the editors to ensure the final document would fulfil the objectives.
Outcomes
The interim report was accepted by RIRDC on 12 June 1996. The report was then re-issued as a discussion paper to all symposium delegates by 21 June 1996, providing all symposium participants with a background briefing on the wide range of issues facing the organic agriculture industry in Australia. The report also provided the basis for the initial structure of the workshop sessions for the symposium.
Implications
Following the release of the report, the symposium organisers, particularly Mr Dumaresq and Dr Greene, have received many reports from symposium delegates on the accurate, comprehensive and detailed coverage of the industry provided by the discussion paper. As such the report provided an excellent basis for discussion during the symposium workshops and briefing sessions.
The authoritative nature of the discussion paper provided substantial reassurance to many potential participants that the symposium would deal seriously with the issues facing the industry. This reassurance included the acceptance by key industry figures that the organisers of the symposium and RIRDC were serious about achieving real outcomes for the industry.
The interim report also signalled serious commitment by RIRDC to the industry from early stages of planning the symposium report through to the start of the symposium sessions. As a consequence of these points the symposium achieved major outcomes.
RIRDC Project No: ANU-22A
RESEARCHER: Mr David Dumaresq
ORGANISATION: Geography Department, Australian National University, CANBERRA
ACT 0200
PHONE: 02 6249 0349 FAX: 02 6249 3770
THE ROLE OF LAND TRANSACTION IN AGRICULTURAL ADJUSTMENT
Objective
· To assess the extent to which the land purchasing behaviour of farmers through cycles of buoyancy and recession in agriculture increases the risk of financial failure and so exacerbates the stresses associated with agricultural adjustment.
Background
Over the long term, the adjustment of Australia's farm sector to various sources of stress has involved (among other strategies) the continual increase in the size of farm holdings and the migration of families out of farming. There is substantial anecdotal evidence that the market in farm land rather than facilitating such adjustment, often exacerbates the stress associated with the adjustment process. There is a tendency for farmers to purchase land when commodity prices are buoyant, thus pushing up land prices to levels that will not be sustainable through any ensuing slump in commodity prices. Any debt associated with the land purchase will also be carried into the ensuing slump.
On the other hand, during periods of recession the level of land transactions may be lower as many potential purchasers will be experiencing both a fall in their income and in the value of their asset base and, hence, in their borrowing capacity.
Research
The study was based on mail surveys in 1993 and 1995 of farmers in ten Northern New South Wales shires who made the land transactions in the periods January 1988 to June 1989 (commodity prices relatively buoyant) and January 1991 to June 1992 (declining commodity prices).
Outcomes
The study shows that the timing of land purchases by primary producers seeking to expand their operations has some influence on their financial viability in the years following the purchase. However, other factors that are equally or more important predictors of financial viability subsequent to the purchase include whether the purchase is funded by borrowing and, if the purchase is not funded by borrowing, whether the funds for the purchase are obtained by the sale of agricultural land or from other sources such as bank deposits or sale of off-farm assets.
These financial factors, combined with personal motivations for purchasing land, define four main types of land purchase behaviour by primary producers.
· Producers who expand their operations by making land purchases that are funded from bank deposits or sale of off-farm assets made up 19 percent of the land purchases over 50 hectares for primary production in the study region. These producers are in the best financial position with very few having any debt.
· Producers who made debt-financed purchases of land with a primary goal of expanding the size of their operations made up 21 percent of the land purchases over 50 hectares for primary production in the study region.
· Producers who appeared not to have a primary goal of expansion, but who appeared to have been induced to expand their operations by other factors made up of 16 percent hectares for primary production in the study region. · The remaining type of land purchase behaviour involves purchases that are mainly funded by the sale of agricultural land. Purchases of this type make up 11 percent of the land purchases over 50 hectares for primary production in the study region.
Conclusions
A substantial proportion of entrants to agriculture who have no family farming background appear to have taken up farming for the lifestyle or as an experiment, rather than as a career move for which some preparation and/or training has been undertaken. The study suggests that this may not necessarily be a disadvantage in financial performance.
While just under one third of primary producers who are expanding their operations do so without prejudicing financial viability, there are at least as many who have put their viability at risk with debt-financed land purchases. In balance, the evidence from this study is not sufficient grounds for intervention in the capital markets that provide finance for agricultural land purchases.
Unexpectedly, there was a complete lack of impact of a severe drought on either the equity position or the debt repayment arrangements of those surveyed.
Implications
The main financial impact of the drought was on the public purse rather than on the wealth of primary producers or the banks. Whether this is a matter of concern, of course, depends on normative judgements as to where the burden of climatic uncertainty should fall. On the one hand, the findings of the study might be taken as evidence that the support services for primary producers are working well. On the other, it might be said the finding is an indication of the ineffectiveness of the National Drought Strategy that sought to shift the burden of climatic risk away from government towards those who were taking the risks in the course of their business activities.
RIRDC Project No: UNE-29A
RESEARCHERS: Mr I J Reeve, Mr G W Kaine & Mr R A Stayner ORGANISATION:
The Rural Development Centre, University of New England, ARMIDALE NSW 2351
PHONE: 067 732 220 FAX: 067 733 245
RE-ARRANGING FARM BOUNDARIES TO FACILITATE BENEFICIAL ADJUSTMENT IN PRIMARY INDUSTRIES
Objectives
· To establish the extent to which the Australian rural boundary system has remained fixed since the wave of closer settlement up to the time of the last century.
· To establish how this impeded the efficient operation of the rural industries. · To propose a mechanism for re-arranging inappropriate property boundaries.
Background
The Australian cadastral was developed in a climate of closer settlement and a strong demand for land. The boundaries were set out in squares and rectangles oriented north/south east/west ignoring the topography and land types. This geometric pattern has come to be regarded as fixed by the rural population was well as advisers and planners.
Research
A geographic information system was established on a pilot area so that the land types, land uses and land boundaries could be overlaid and analysed. Historical records were researched to discover the origins and inappropriateness of the development of the rural holdings. European systems and legislation were investigated as an option for re-allocating the land.
Outcomes
Social and economic analysis indicated that the subject area was over subdivided and that some form of drastic re-arrangement of boundaries was necessary for the valley to survive as a place of continued sustainable agriculture with a respectable quality of life. Indications were that the European model could be readily adapted for use in Australia.
Implications
The rural community and farm advisers from all levels of government have a strong perception that boundaries are somehow fixed. The difficulties of an inappropriate, over subdivided landscape need to be brought to the attention of the interested parties and dealt with as part of the serious impediments facing rural industries. The possibility and a mechanism for re-arrangement need to be brought to peoples attention. Modern technology such as GIS and GPS provide the facility for collecting, analysing and presenting the data, as well as making the required measurements.
RIRDC Project No: QUT-2A
RESEARCHER: Brian Hannigan
ORGANISATION: Queensland University of Technology, School of Planning,
Landscape Architecture & Surveying, GPO Box 2434 BRISBANE QLD 4001
PHONE: 07 3864 2239 FAX: 07 3864 1809
ENHANCING PRODUCTIVITY OF CROPS AND PASTURES BY APPLYING RARE EARTH ELEMENTS
Objectives
· To establish the role of REEs for sustainable growth and nutrient uptake and how these are influenced by other nutritional, genotype and environmental factors.
· To investigate the soil factors controlling REE bioavailability.
· To study the effect of REEs on the nutritional qualities of crops and pastures.
Background
The use of rare earth elements (REEs) as trace nutrients in agriculture is widely practised in the People's Republic of China. In 1990, the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (AATSE) sponsored a mission of eminent Australian scientists on a fact finding mission to China.
The mission concluded that there was enough evidence to demonstrate that the technology had potential application under Australian conditions. This project, which began in 1993, involved a systematic study of the role of REEs in agriculture and addressed a number of the key questions proposed by the mission.
Research and Outcomes
Glasshouse trials, using perlite as a growing medium, showed that application of low concentrations of lanthanum were beneficial to the growth of barley, canola and perennial ryegrass. However, the frequency and magnitude of reposes were reduced when soil was used instead of inert media. Results from glasshouse experiments have also shown that REE application may play a role in uptake of nutrients, such as potassium. For the pot trials using soil, application of lanthanum was found to be beneficial when plants were moisture stressed.
A total of 56 agricultural soils from Victoria and southern New South Wales were analysed for REE content. Most of the selected soils were relatively low in REEs and in the range reported by the Chinese to be responsive. Crops and pastures grown on such soils may therefore respond to REE application.
Pasture production improved by 24% at a field site in Simpson, Victoria, following two applications of 1kg/ha of lanthanum. Although there were no significant beneficial effects for canola or barley when lanthanum was applied to the soil or as a foliar spray in the field, the selected rates were not toxic to plant growth. If moisture shortfall is critical to responsiveness, any beneficial effects may have been masked by the higher than average rainfall recorded in 1995.
Implications
Results of this study suggest that field responses to REE application are unlikely to be universal for all Australian soils and environmental conditions. However, for soils with low levels of bioavailable REEs, and in seasons with extended dry periods, the likelihood of a response to REE application seems much greater, provided that the timing, rate, frequency and technique of REE application is optimised. A 5% increase in grain production for the low REE soils of the Victorian Mallee would amount alone to benefits exceeding $3m per annum, with an adoption rate of only 20%.
RIRDC Project No: RMI-3A
| RESEARCHERS: ORGANISATION: PHONE: |
Dr B J Meehan RMIT University 124 La Trobe Street MELBOURNE VIC 3000 03 9660 2119 |
K I Peverill State Chemistry Laboratory Cnr Sneydes & South Roads WERRIBEE VIC 3030 03 9742 8704 |
RARE EARTHS IN AGRICULTURE SEMINAR
Objectives
· To hold a seminar to review the case for a more concerted program to evaluate the application of rare earths, and to review the results of research in Australia.
· To debate on what should be done next and the costs involved.
Background
In 1982 the Academy sponsored visits to China to try to determine the validity of Chinese test procedures, which originally reported stimulation of growth of a variety of crops, including rice and wheat.
In October 1990 the Academy hosted a seminar to encourage research in Australia which would investigate the possible roles of rare earths in plants growth. A modest amount of research has subsequently been conducted in Australia - with some results indicating that rare earths are toxic to plants, and others showing significant increases in plant growth. The Academy Council therefore asked its International Relations Committee to host a seminar to review progress.
Research
Research results were presented by the following:
· Professor Xiong Bingkun, head of the programme for Rare Earths in Agriculture in China, provided a paper entitled "Application of Rare Earths in Chinese Agriculture and their Perspective of Development".
· Mr E Diatloff, Professor C J Asher and Dr F W Smith "Effect of Rare Earth Elements (REE) on the Growth and Mineral Nutrition of Plants".
· Dr B Meehan, Ms S Buckingham, Dr K Peverill, Ms A Skroce "Rare Earth Research at RMIT University and State Chemistry Laboratory (SCL) Part A: Background and Part B: Application of Lanthanum to Agricultural Plants".
· Miss D Rosewell "Feeding Rare Earths to Cashmeres".
Outcomes and Implications
Further applied research is warranted for both plant and animal systems to establish whether REEs have a role in agriculture. This process can be accelerated through continuing dialogue and co-operative research with key Chinese scientists. More basic research should be undertaken to determine the physiological and biochemical effects of REEs, and to establish any adverse environment or toxicity effects.
It is incumbent on RIRF's and the mining and fertilisers industry to inject sufficient funding to answer fundamental questions regarding the role of REEs in agriculture. Future research should also highlight the effects of growth media, RE interactions with roots/leaves, and mode/timing of application. The Academy continues to be interested in this topic and looks forward to results of additional research being undertaken by CSIRO and RMIT.
RIRDC Project No: AAT-1A
RESEARCHER: Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering,
Ian McLennan House, 197 Royal Parade, PARKSVILLE VIC 3052
PHONE: 03 9347 0622 FAX: 03 9347 8237
DEVELOPING PRODUCTION SYSTEMS FOR ORGANIC GRAINS IN SOUTH EAST AUSTRALIA
Objectives
· To provide support for growers wishing to convert to organic grain production.
· To form farmer discussion groups to demonstrate various organic farming techniques.
· To provide assistance to both farmers and agribusiness with the marketing and production of grains requiring organic accreditation.
Background
Consumers and governments world wide are demanding food uncontaminated with chemical residues. Australian grain producers and processors need to develop systems which will withstand the scrutiny of quality assurance programs which entail reduced or nil chemical residue standards.
Production of grains to meet residue standards cannot be considered on a single crop or industry basis but as part of an overall farm system. The challenge met by this project was to develop organic production systems which limit land degradation through excessive cultivation, maintain soil structure and fertility, and allow economic viability in the face of increasing market demands.
Research
A literature review and resource centre was the first step in establishing an organic farming network with producers, manufacturers and researchers. A demonstration site was set up at IIAD Rutherglen on an area subject to conventional chemical cropping management for 10 years, under control of a representative steering committee. Agriculture Victoria administered the project including the demonstration site, liaison between industry and producers, preparation of reports and talks for field days, monitoring of soil and plant status and attendance at conferences.
Outcomes
The major outcomes from the project were: · Literature review and establishment of a resource centre of organic publications including relevant journals. · Consultants' report surveying the major techniques used for organic grain production in SE Australia. · Establishment of the organic demonstration site at IIAD Rutherglen and foundation of the Rutherglen Soilcare group. · Inauguration of the Organic Demonstration Site Steering Committee representing organic growers, manufacturers, service industry (fertilisers), industry extension and researchers. · Monitoring results on the scale of inputs and production from the three pasture and cropping phases of the cropping rotation implemented by the steering committee. · Development of an organic extension network.
Implications
Effective application of rotations in combination with intensive grazing and limited cultivation strategies has allowed production of good standard wheat grain and maintained soil quality in terms of organic matter and biological activity.
Economic values of alternative weed management and crop establishment techniques have been greater on farm than conventional chemical methods due to the demands of stock management. Pasture and hay yields from recent conversion to organic systems compare favourably with conventional outputs for a given level of soil fertility and low fertiliser application levels.
High productivity of the system and low levels of chemical residue in grain have shown that conversion to organic farming systems is possible within a short time frame.
RIRDC Project No: DAV-61A
RESEARCHER: Mr Bruce Walker
ORGANISATION: Dept of Natural Resources and Environment,
165-171 Hargreaves Street, BENDIGO VIC 3550
PHONE: 060 32 9208 FAX: 060 32 9827
CONSERVATION FARMING WORKSHOP FOR THE SEMI-ARID TROPICS
Objective
· To hold a workshop to ensure that valuable information on Australian semi-arid tropics is properly collated, evaluated and published.
Background
This project was conceived in 1993 because much of the research into conservation tillage and ley farming undertaken in the Australian semi-arid tropics (SAT), during the previous 20 years, had not been properly evaluated or published. Many of the researchers who formerly worked in the region had left to take up positions elsewhere, acquiring new responsibilities and commitments. Thus, there was the danger that valuable information would be lost to, or overlooked by, both industry and future researchers unless a special effort was made to collate, evaluate and publish past work.
With this danger in mind, the Australian Institute of Agricultural science (now Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, (NT Zone), which administers the Doug Peake Memorial Trust, commemorating a major researcher in conservation tillage and ley farming, decided to hold a workshop at Katherine, in July 1995, for the above purpose and to seek additional funds from RIRDC.
The timing of the workshop was considered appropriate, as industry was beginning to adopt conservation tillage and ley farming technology and this trend was expected to increase under the stimulus of the live-cattle export trade and anticipated subdivision of additional pastoral properties in the Daly basin into mixed farming units.
Outcomes
Two publications, a Special Issue of the Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture (containing 15 review papers which formed the framework of the workshop) and the complementary Proceedings (containing 36 specific research and farmer experience papers) have been completed. A third publication, now being prepared as a separate project by the NT Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries and designed for extension to producers in the SAT, will draw heavily on the two publications above.
Although new research personnel cannot be compelled to read the above publications the ready availability of the results of past work in book-form will make it much less likely that past efforts will be ignored or overlooked.
Much of the information generated by past work can be included in crop growth and decision support models being developed (some with support from RIRDC) and designed to help producers manage climatic and other risks.
In the SAT, there is now greater awareness of the cereal yield increase (10-130%) and cost reduction (up to 50%) possible using conservation tillage and ley farming systems.
RIRDC Project No: AIA-5A
RESEARCHERS: Mr Andy Chapman, Mr John Sturtz
ORGANISATION: Australian Institute of Agricultural Science,
PO Box 206 BERRIMAH NT 0828
PHONE: 08 8989 2214 or 08 8989 2214 FAX: 08 8989 2043
ENTERING FARMING AS AN OCCUPATION
Objectives
· To describe the paths by which farmers have entered the industry.
· To identify the key impediments (or barriers) they have encountered, and describe ways in which they have attempted to overcome those barriers.
· To isolate the factors associated with a successful entry to farming, and propose ways in which entry processes can be modified or assisted.
Background
The future health and adaptiveness of the farm sector depends upon the continuing entry to the industry of people with appropriate skills, knowledge, attitudes, motivations, and adequate financial capital. There are concerns, however, that the most appropriate new entrants are not being attracted into the industry.
Research
A literature review helped refine the conceptual framework for modelling entry. Three mailed surveys were conducted. The target populations were: · a randomly selected sample (n=213) of current farmers in two regions; · two colours of graduates of agricultural colleges (n=262); and · recent purchases of agricultural land in the two regions (n=111).
In addition, fourteen individuals or couples from among the above groups were interviewed regarding their entry into farming, to provide the information for case studies.
Outcomes
There are many ways in which people currently enter farming. Where the 'conventional' path is followed, high levels of intra-family harmony, shared long-term aspirations, and effective communication are required. Entrants who had come into farming after another career had paid considerable attention to both business planning and lifestyle objectives. They saw advantages in gaining experience, financial capital, and business perspective in other pursuits.
Entry to the northern Victorian dairy industry was markedly different from entry to the broadacre dryland grazing and cropping industries in the northern NSW region. The intrinsic attributes of the occupation rather than its tangible or instrumental rewards were the most important. The way into farming is highly likely to involve a considerable period outside agriculture entirely. Many of those who initially became involved in their family's farm business subsequently left, either to farm on their own or to leave the industry.
Entrants commonly perceived both advantages and disadvantages to becoming involved in their family's existing farming business. The conditions on which a young family member becomes involved in a family's farm business are often unattractive and unclear, and can erode both family harmony and business performance.
Implications
Attention should be given to the design and delivery of education and extension packages which will assist entrants and their families to plan for the successful entry of a family member, and of packages for those who enter the industry following careers in other occupations or industries. Financial assistance in the form of subsidised loans for intending entrants is not recommended. Further research needs to be done on the impacts of various institutional factors on the opportunities for entry to the industry.
RIRDC Project No: UNE-33A
RESEARCHER: Mr Richard Stayner
ORGANISATION: The Rural Development Centre, University of New England,
ARMIDALE NSW 2351
PHONE: 067 732 281 FAX: 067 733 245
Objective
· To examine and publish information on the behaviour of zinc in soils and plants and relate it to the diagnosis and correction of zinc deficiency in commercial plant and animal production.
Background
Recent changes in formulations have eliminated contaminant zinc from Australian fertilisers and have led to zinc deficiency in crops and pastures on soils previously thought to have had an adequate zinc supply. It is timely to review the behaviour of zinc in soils and plants and to examine the latest information on diagnosis and correction of zinc deficiency in crops and pastures. It is also timely to review advances in our understanding of the zinc requirement of grazing animals in relation to zinc reactions and processes in soils and plants.
Research
The International Symposium on Zinc in Soils and Plants was held at the University of Western Australia on 27 & 28 September 1993. Approximately 175 scientists and advisers, including a large contingent from overseas, participated in the meeting. There were fourteen review papers presented by leading international scientists from the United States of America, Australia, Turkey, Germany and India. The review papers covered the reactions of zinc in soils, the uptake, transport and function of zinc in plants, the diagnosis and correction of zinc deficiency and zinc toxicity and the role of zinc in human and animal nutrition. Additionally, there was an overview paper and forty poster papers.
Outcomes
The review papers have been edited by Prof AD Robson and published as "Zinc in Soils and Plants" by Kluwer Academic Publishers in their series entitled "Developments in Plant and Soil Science".
Implications
The symposium and the resulting book provide the most up-to-date and comprehensive account of zinc in soils, plants and animals. The symposium and the book will lead to better decision-making regarding the diagnosis and correction of zinc deficiency and zinc toxicity in agricultural and horticultural ecosystems.
RIRDC Project No: UWA-19A
RESEARCHER: Prof AD Robson
ORGANISATION: School of Agriculture, University of Western Australia NEDLANDS
WA 6009
PHONE: 08 9380 2505 FAX: 08 9380 1140
IMPROVING THE NUTRITIVE VALUE AND GROWTH HABIT OF THE FODDER SHRUB TAGASASTE
Objective
· To commercialise a highly nutritious prostrate and upright line of the leguminous fodder shrub tagasaste (Chamaecytisis palmensis).
Background
Between 1985 and 1992, some 20,000ha in south Western Australia had been established to the deep rooted fodder shrub tagasaste. However, there are about 3 million ha of deep sand that have been cleared and are now both poorly productive and at risk from wind erosion and/or are acting as recharge areas for saline seeps.
Two of the primary constraints to further adoption of tagasaste are the cost of annual cutting (approx. $35/ha) and poor animal production from a feed that has an estimated in vitro digestibility of 70-75% and is 15-20% crude ptn.
The overall program of work with tagasaste has also recognised the need to explore the possibility of genetic improvement of the species. This has required focus on two major areas: to develop criteria on which selection strategies might be based; and to understand the reproductive biology and propagation potential of tagasaste so that optimum breeding and dissemination methods can be adopted.
Research
The development of selection strategies has been directed by the methods employed to establish tagasaste in areas with deep, infertile sands and to utilise the shrubs by direct grazing, initially by sheep and more recently by cattle. Parameters such as early growth, dry matter availability in summer and autumn, applied nutrient response and realised animal production have all been crucial to the evaluation of the species to date.
Experimental work on a specific tagasaste phenotype (prostrate or weeping habit) has encompassed components of both major research areas. The hypothesis that the prostrate or weeping form may be advantageous emerged from the field trials, where plants were identified at a time when mechanical cutting was proving to be a major expense to the emerging management system.
Outcomes
The most outstanding feature of tagasaste has been the adaptation of mixtures of locally adapted germplasm to the rigours of the management systems that have been developed over the past 10 years on the impoverished sandy soils of Western Australia. This material has withstood a variety of attempts by grazing animals, mechanical harvesting and various experimental contrivances to compromise its productivity and is now providing a clear demonstration that MRPs original modelling projections of a system that would last for at least 15 years were well founded.
At the same time, collections of more clearly identified lines of germplasm are showing that selection amongst existing material may well offer an avenue for production gains, at least in the first 3 years of growth. Additionally factors such as general palatability and growth habit may be part of any selection process. This will only be clarified by clear breeding objectives for particular end use strategies such as production or land reclamation.
Derek Woodfield, now AgResearch New Zealand is examining the most recent information from the site at "Newdale", New Norcia with a view to joint Australasian registration of a number of tagasaste types.
Implications
The robust nature of the mixed selections used to date may present a case for retaining diversity in a perennial species that will be grown in challenging environments. While selection may offer some gains we will need to be convinced that any consequent loss in diversity doesn't compromise tagasaste in the systems that we have been testing.
In view of the latest animal production and agronomic information about the seasonally of the nutritive value of tagasaste, it would be valuable to make a systematic study of the variability of chemical composition among the 27 accessions of tagasaste at times other than summer-autumn while continuously grazed by cattle.
RIRDC Project No: UWA-13A
RESEARCHER: Dr Chris Oldham
ORGANISATION: Martindale Research Project School of Agriculture, University
of Western Australia, NEDLANDS WA 6009
PHONE: 08 9380 3589 FAX: 08 9380 1040
MAXIMISING THE PRODUCTIVE AND NUTRITIVE VALUE OF PASTURES ON SALTLAND
Objective
· To develop establishment and management technology that increases the productivity and feed value of revegetated saltland.
The hypothesis behind this objective is that plant biomass and animal production will increase if saltland is revegetated with mixtures of halophytic shrubs and salt-tolerant grasses.
Background
It was anticipated that the predictability of these lands would improve with the introduction of halophytic shrubs and other salt tolerant shrubs.
Research
Six field experiments were conducted in the project.
Outcomes
Forage production Forage production by saltbushes was generally less than 0.6 t/ha. In contrast, the production by under-storey species was 1.3-3.0 t/ha. There was an inverse relationship between the production by saltbushes and under-storey. With under-storey production of 2.5 t/ha, there was little saltbush. However with under-storey production of 1.5 t/ha there was production of 0.3-0.6 t/ha of saltbush forage.
Forage quality Ash concentrations in the saltbush and under-storey forage were 25-29% and 5-6% respectively. The high ash concentrations in saltbush are a major problem in its utilisation by grazing animals as it substantially reduces the energy yields of the fodder.
Alternative under-storey perennials Perennial under-storey species may not be substantially better alternatives to saltbush. Of twenty under-storey perennials assessed, only two (Puccinellia ciliata, Thinopyrum elongatum) continued to survive at two sites for 17 months. On the more benign site, most perennials failed at EC values greater than 900 mS/m. The most salt-tolerant perennial was puccinellia which had maximum growth at about 2,400 mS/m, and average yields of 1.4 and 2.1 t/ha.
Implications
If this model is accepted then increased attention will need to be focused on saltbush species previously rejected as being unsuited as forages. It may also be necessary to broaden the range of halophytes under consideration to include other 'functional mimics' of saltbush. It is likely that revegetation benefits will be relatively soil specific. We expect greatest benefits on saline sands and deeper duplex soils. Further research will be required into improving the production of sub-storey species through improved pasture selections and agronomic practices.
RIRDC Project No: DAW-43A
RESEARCHERS: Dr ED Barrett-Lennard, Dr BE Warren, Mr S Vlahos ORGANISATION:
Resource Management Agriculture, Western Australia Locked Bag No 4, BENTLEY
DELIVERY CENTRE, WA 6983
PHONE: 08 9368 3278 FAX: 08 9368 3355
SUCCESSFUL ADJUSTMENT STRATEGIES FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES
Objectives
· To document eight case studies of rural communities who have successfully developed and implemented strategies to cope with the changes going on in their area.
· To use these cases to identify the essential criteria and successful strategies that have been used to successfully implement adjustment programs in rural communities.
· To promote the results of the study to government agencies, rural communities and any other organisations interested in local and community development.
Background
It is widely recognised that rural towns across Australia are declining, both in terms of population and employment opportunities. However, there are cases where some rural communities have been able to halt or at least slow down this decline. How did they go about this and what lessons can be drawn from their experiences?
Research
Eight case studies of community based groups were selected based on past achievements and representing a range of agricultural industries and locations, whether they were externally funded or not and whether local government was involved in the group.
The groups selected were the Cowra Export Packers Cooperative (NSW), Nyah District Action Group (Vic), Mallee Enterprise Development Organisation (Lameroo SA), Tumby Bay and District Action Group (SA), Donald Development Committee (Vic), Pyramid Hill Development Committee (Vic), Farm Advance (North Centre Vic) and the Northern Victorian Committee for Dairy Industry Development (Goulburn Valley, Vic).
The research officer spent over a week in each community interviewing both people who were involved in the groups and others who had dealings with the group but were not formally part of it. From these interviews, the processes of initiation, development and maintenance of the groups were established, including initiatives taken by the group and mistakes that were made. From this, a list of key components was drawn up.
Outcomes
There were ten key components of successful groups identified. Whilst it was not essential that every group had to have all of these ten factors, the more they had, the greater the chances of the group being successful. These key components included the need for local, trained leadership, common goals, right representative structure, continual recruiting and regular injection of new ideas, regular monitoring and addressing the social needs of group members. The important roles of the local media and local government were also identified.
Implications
The destinies of rural communities lie in their own hands. Successful adjustment strategies depend on having trained local leaders who can motivate and lead their communities through the change process, utilising government programs and resources but not solely dependent on them. There is an obvious need for leadership training at the local level which is easily accessible to the majority of people.
RIRDC Project No: DAV-82A
RESEARCHER: Dr Greg Cahill
ORGANISATION: Dept of Natural Resources and Environment, Box 2500, BENDIGO
VIC 3550
PHONE: 054 304 444 FAX: 054 484 982
STRATEGIC FARM PLANNING BY OPEN LEARNING
Objective
· To improve the rural sector's ability to achieve financial viability, sustainable production and self reliance in drought by identifying and analysing the needs for training in strategic farm planning.
Background
In May 1993 the Rural Training Council of Australia released the National Competency Standards for Farm Business Management after extensive consultation with the rural sector. In line with the national training reform agenda, these standards should now form the basis of all accredited vocational agricultural education curricula in Australia.
Research
To undertake the study, two farmer groups were organised, one in New England Tablelands and the other in the Central West Slopes. The groups were established using existing farmer and departmental contacts.
Outcomes
The project's learning outcomes highlight several areas within the National Competency Standards which need expansion for those developing curricula on strategic planning.
Implications
In summary, curriculum developers of strategic planning courses need to:
· consider the ability of producers to resolve conflicts between goals in the strategic planning process;
· include not only knowledge of sustainable production systems, but also the need to impart a good understanding of land capability, climatic and financial constraints and other limitations to sustainability so that realistic and achievable goals can be set;
· address interpersonal communication skills including facilitation and conflict resolution;
· enable learners to acquire skills and attitudes so that individuals involved in the planning process are motivated to undertake strategic planning. This motivation, drive and ambition must then be maintained so that the plan will be revised and updated as required;
· realise that some success needs to be achieved in order to maintain the self esteem and motivation of all involved in the planning process;
· instil in learners the ability to maintain strategic planning through a dynamic and open minded thought process and be structured to provide processes that encourage learners to continually seek out information and take advantage of further education opportunities;
· enable the farm manager to work as part of a team and delegate responsibilities. This requires a range of business and personal skills including maintaining accurate up-to-date records of the business's situation and its resources and remaining aware of the goals and vision of the business; and
· recognise the importance of leadership skills in the strategic planning process.
RIRDC Project No: DAN-112A
RESEARCHER: Mr BP Walsh
ORGANISATION: C B Alexander Agricultural College, Tocal, NSW Agriculture,
PATERSON NSW 2421
PHONE: 049 398810 FAX: 049 385549
Last updated: 25 October1997
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