Working with nature to enhance farm resilience

A landmark event this month will bring farmers and researchers together in Bendigo to learn how nature enhances farm resilience.

The Nature on Farms Symposium will be held from 12 to 13 June.

“The symposium will bring farmers together with ecologists, agriculture experts and traditional owners to explore how nature-based solutions can help farms thrive in a changing climate,” said Biolinks Alliance communications officer Sarah Thomson.

“It will feature expert presentations at La Trobe University Bendigo, a conference dinner with Dr Anika Molesworth at the All Seasons Hotel and full-day farm tour of the Bendigo region featuring Bear & Twigg and DJAKITJ.

“Presentations will cover topics including farm dam enhancement, grazing management for productive pastures, growing traditional native foods, landscape rehydration and how biodiversity contributes to productive farming.”

The event will see the launch of a new major Nature on Farms program, operating across Central Victoria.

“The program aims to help farmers build resilience to drought and climate extremes while preserving habitat for wildlife,” said Thomson.

“It is a federally funded initiative led by local not-for-profit Biolinks Alliance.

“Nature on Farms supports farmers across the region to build climate resilience by holistically enhancing the health of their farm landscape.

“It challenges long-held assumptions that agriculture and nature must exist in opposition.

“The Nature on Farms program offers solutions to improve overall farm health and long-term viability in the face of intensifying climate pressures by protecting and enhancing natural features on the farm.”

Sam White of Sidonia Beef is one of the demonstration farmers taking part in the program.

“To us, resilience means our kids will have a farm that they will want to work on and which will be financially viable into the future,” he said.

Ten demonstration farms in three key farming regions from Kyneton to Birchip will show how working with natural systems can help support a productive and sustainable agricultural practice.

On-ground demonstrations, workshops and a comprehensive resource hub will be available to local farmers.

The project received funding from the federal government’s Future Drought Fund.

Tickets are available at biolinksalliance.org.au/nature-on-farms-symposium

For further information contact Sarah Thomson by email at [email protected] or phone 0425 779 320.