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MEDIA
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Scientists are continuing to benefit from a successful
partnership with agribusiness, helping them transfer new
knowledge to farmers on how to profitably integrate lucerne
into farming systems.
The Cooperative Research Centre for Plant-based Management
of Dryland Salinity (Salinity CRC) is conducting research
across four States, exploring how best to manage salinity
with ‘tools’ that also contribute to farm
profitability. Lucerne, being a deep-rooted perennial,
is one of their frontline tools.
“One of the challenges for scientists is always
how best to get their information out to farmers”,
said Hugh Longbottom (Rural Solutions SA, PIRSA and a
member of the CRC). “The CRC’s national project
‘Promoting Salinity Solutions through Agribusiness’
is a partnership with Landmark aimed at dealing with that
very issue.
The CRC recently held a full-day workshop for Landmark
agronomists at Clare in South Australia’s Mid-North.
The emphasis was on the role of lucerne as a plant that
not only helps reduce groundwater recharge, but can also
contributes to profitable farming systems.
“It was a great experience for about 20 of our
staff to come into contact with the latest research on
plant based solutions to salinity”, said Steve Watts
– Landmark Regional Agronomist based at Clare.
“This was the second salinity workshop for some
of our staff who come from different parts of the Mid-North
and Yorke Peninsula and where salinity varies greatly
in the threat that it poses. At this workshop we also
met with farmers in the Hilltown area who are using lucerne
as an integral component of profitable and sustainable
systems. Their experience added a valuable practical side
to the day.
“Our clients expect us to be well informed when
we visit them on their farms. This partnership with the
CRC means we are better able to provide good advice to
our clients, either from the information we have gained
or because we now have ready access to further information
and to the latest research outcomes.”
The scientists are just as enthusiastic about this joint
project.
“Our scientists are doing research that is of great
importance to farmers”, said Hugh Longbottom. “However
we could never hope to reach the majority of these farmers,
so it is essential that we work with partners who not
only have these contacts but who are in a good position
to offer informed advice. Landmark field staff are rubbing
shoulders daily with farmers and are very aware of their
clients’ needs. At the same time, farmers have come
to expect their stock and station agent to be one of their
principal sources of information.
“This partnership with Landmark has been a wonderful
opportunity for the CRC. Farmers and graziers are obviously
the key to managing salinity because they are managing
so much of the land.
‘Promoting Salinity Solutions through Agribusiness’
is operating in NSW, Victoria and Western Australia as
well as in South Australia.
Further information
Kevin
Graham
Salinity Project Manager
Landmark – an AWB Company
Office (07) 3842 7732 Mobile 0418 411 351
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