past issues

Wool environmental credentials recognised

Chair of the Land, Water & Wool Sustainable Wool Advisory Group and Tasmanian woolgrower, Tom Dunbabin, has together with his wife Cynthia won the 15th McKell Medal for excellence in natural resource management.

The McKell medal recognises an outstanding contribution to people who demonstrate commitment to improving land and water management through on-farm action, scientific research or community involvement.

Land & Water Australia Executive Director Andrew Campbell said that for over 20 years, Tom and Cynthia have been an inspirational and practical example of how business profitability and sound environmental practices can go hand-in-hand.

“Because their business is heavily dependent on native grasslands and woodlands for grazing capacity, the Dunbabins have always shown leadership in improving our understanding of the local and regional ecology,” he said.

Australian Wool Innovation Limited Chief Executive Officer Dr Len Stephens added that such a passion to learn more about their landscape, and the wider environmental issues affecting the wool industry, had resulted in the Dunbabins making a significant contribution to wool industry research and development.

“Woolgrowers such as Tom and Cynthia understand that to ensure our wool industry remains healthy, the resource base on which it relies must be managed in a sustainable manner. It is clear from their actions, and now this significant award, that balancing production with good environmental outcomes results in profitability, productivity and sustainability gains,” Dr Stephens said.

Tom, Cynthia and their son Matt are fourth and fifth generation woolgrowers on their family’s historic, 6000-hectare property ‘Bangor’ near Dunalley in Tasmania’s south-east. They also run Merino wethers on a 2000ha property ‘The Quoin’ near Ross in the Midlands.

CONTACT: Mike Wagg, Land, Water & Wool Program Manager, mike.wagg@lwa.gov.au

The Land, Water & Wool program is recognition that as one of the countries largest land-use enterprises, the wool industry has a unique role in the management of land and water resources. Australia’s 40,000 sheep and wool producers currently manage nearly 100 million sheep across 85 million hectares of the landscape.

Across this vast area, the industry faces many environmental challenges- including dryland salinity, water quality and managing native vegetation – all within a variable climate and the desire to balance production with good environmental outcomes.

The recently-released Land, Water & Wool Project Guide is a handy and concise reference to all the projects within the program portfolio that gives a brief project overview and contact details for further information, available as a booklet or via the program website (see below).

Since the last newsletter I have visited Land, Water & Wool projects in Western Australia, Queensland and Victoria. Many of the research projects are starting to yield results. For example, SGSL sites in WA are showing significant opportunities for increased production through grazing management and supplementation of saltbush, while work in Victoria is showing how both groundcover and productivity can be increased in hill country through better grazing management.

As clear management recommendations start to emerge from the research the challenge will be to understand how they can be integrated into individual farm businesses in a way that enhances the triple bottom line.

CONTACT: Mike Wagg, Program Manager, Land, Water & Wool, mike.wagg@lwa.gov.au

QUICKLINKS

• The loaded gully – why better management options are needed

• A quartet of biodiversity and profit options

• Don’t separate the wool from the trees

• We're looking for the best shots
  in the country

• Land, Water & Wool Project Guide
  now available

• Land, Water & Wool cuts through the clutter

• Vale Irynej Skira - Tasmanian Land, Water & Wool researcher

• New Products

• Land, Water & Wool Diary

• Feedback?

The loaded gully – why better management options are needed

New research from Land, Water & Wool is showing that a 50-millimetre rainfall event can send 75 tonnes of suspended sediment, 15 megalitres of discharge (water flow), 20 kilograms of phosphorous and 75 kg of nitrogen through a single farm gully within hours.

Run-off, water quality and turbidity data has been captured by Rivers and Water Quality sub-program researchers using sophisticated technical equipment installed on a typical gully in the region, located on the NSW Southern Tablelands property 'Bogolara'. The data is being used by local woolgrowers and researchers to learn about the impact of gullies on water quality downstream, and to develop better management options applicable to the hundreds of similar gullies throughout the Tablelands regions.

Results to date tell an interesting story (see graph below).

The red line on the graph shows discharge through the gully during the flow event. It was quite a short event, starting at 4.30pm, peaking at around 8.00pm and then tailing off around midnight. What is interesting is the green line that shows the concentration of sediment, or the turbidity measurements, peaked before the peak of the flood. This is because when an event starts it immediately washes all of the unstable surface off the gully downstream, and this happens very quickly.

Researchers have found that the amount of sediment being released through the gully (that is, the total load rather than the concentration shown in the diagram) does not match the shape of the flow curve, but tends to remain at quite a high constant level. The dominant erosion process at work in the gully during the flow event is scour, and this can continue to loosen and carry away fresh soil from the unprotected gully sides as long as the flow continues. This helps to explain why these gullies continue to expand in the landscape, unless they are stabilised, until their lowered surface reaches a new equilibrium.

The next stage of the research project will be to trial three alternate land management strategies, ranging from minimal involvement to major intervention, to identify practical ways of addressing the problem and stabilising and rehabilitating the gully.

CONTACT: Dr Siwan Lovett, Rivers and Water Quality sub-program manager, siwan.lovett@lwa.gov.au

A quartet of biodiversity and profit options

Research from nine case study wool properties in the hill country of central Victoria has identified four different management strategies for improving the condition of native vegetation and wool profits.

These strategies, identified by the Native Vegetation and Biodiversity sub-program, are referred to as ‘Correcting nutrient deficiencies’, ‘Deferred grazing on hill country’, ‘Intensive rotational grazing’ and ‘Establishing shelter belts’, with the names reflecting the broad management actions. The suitability of management strategies depended on the amount of hill country and current stocking rates on the property.

The ‘Deferred grazing’ and ‘Intensive rotational grazing’ strategies were found to have the most favourable impact on the condition of native vegetation, and were most likely to result in extra profits regardless of current stocking rates. Both these strategies require initial investment in fencing and watering points estimated at $30 per hectare. Using ‘Deferred grazing’ on hill country areas generated the most attractive returns, of up to an extra $27/ha/year.

Applying the ‘Correcting nutrient deficiencies’ strategy across the properties' most productive paddocks has the potential to more than offset the costs of managing 15 per cent of a property for native vegetation and biodiversity. However if stocking rates were above 10 DSE/ha, using this strategy would generally not improve the stocking rate enough to offset native vegetation management costs. Woolgrowers running low stocking rates (<8 DSE/ha) had the most potential to increase wool profits by correcting soil nutrient deficiencies. This strategy assumes fertiliser is not applied to areas being managed for native vegetation and biodiversity.

If 30 per cent of the farm area is to be set aside for managing native vegetation and biodiversity alone, neither the ‘Correcting nutrient deficiencies’ or ‘Intensive rotational grazing’ strategies will generate enough extra profit to offset lost grazing area income.

Establishing shelter belts by encouraging natural regeneration can deliver benefits to sheep performance and pasture growth by an extra $10 /ha/year after 15 years or when trees are fully established. However if 15-30 per cent of farm area is established to tree shelter, the initial cost of fencing and lost grazing area for the first five years is not offset for a minimum of 15 years. For instance, if 12 per cent of the grazing area was established to shelter, the benefits just begin to outweigh the costs after 15 years. These results suggest that incentive payments may be required in regions with high revegetation targets.

CONTACT: Professor Jann Williams, Native Vegetation and Biodiversity sub-program coordinator, jann.willams@lwa.gov.au

Don’t separate the wool from the trees

Environmental protection and profitable grazing systems are entirely compatible and need to be core business goals for all Australian woolgrowers. That’s the viewpoint of Land, Water & Wool Sustainable Wool Advisory Group chair Tom Dunbabin, who spoke to more than 200 delegates at the Australian Wool Innovation Limited Woolgrower Forum in Hobart as part of the IWTO Congress in late April.“As one of the country’s largest land-use enterprises and adapted to a wide spectrum of environmental conditions, our wool industry has a unique role in the management of our land and water resources,” he said.Mr Dunbabin argued that well-managed natural resources are the key to profitable and sustainable grazing systems, resulting in a win:win outcome for woolgrowers and the environment. To view Mr Dunbabin’s full media statement, visit www.landwaterwool.gov.au

Land, Water & Wool Project Guide
now available

Land, Water & Wool has launched the Land, Water & Wool Project Guide - a new reference publication providing a detailed overview of the entire program research portfolio.Using a ‘road-map’ approach, readers can quickly find their area of interest and determine the linkages to other research initiatives and information resources. The 66-page, spiral bound publication documents project details such as the research code and project leader, offers an overview of the research and any outcomes to date and provides details on where to find additional related collateral.The Project Guide is integrated with the Land, Water & Wool website, which is now also on-line (www.landwaterwool.gov.au), where each project has a project page to provide stakeholders with more detailed information from research projects.

CONTACT: Kim Mitchell, Currie Communications, kim@curriecom.com.au

Land, Water & Wool cuts through the clutter

Three case studies developed under the Land, Water & Wool Native Vegetation and Biodiversity project in northern NSW were launched by The Hon Ian McLachlan AO, Chairman of Australian Wool Innovation Limited at the ‘Biodiversity, Sustainability and Profitability’ field day in May near Glen Innes, NSW. The field day also included a tour of Rob and Annabel Dulhuntys’ properties ‘Nant Lodge’ and ‘Hillside’, both of which have been a focus of the Northern Tablelands Monitor Farms project. A full report on the field day will feature in the next Land, Water & Wool Update.

The Grasslands Society of NSW conference, to be held in Orange, NSW from 19-21 July, will feature the NSW Sustainable Grazing on Saline Lands Producer Network, which will be profiled by Chair of the Network John Powell, ‘Woodvale’, Yass, NSW. In his presentation, John will argue that salinity is very likely to return as a major problem in many parts of Australia once average or above average rainfall events occur, therefore growers at risk should be considering productive management strategies such as those being developed by the SGSL producer and research networks as early as possible.

Land, Water & Wool information will also be available at the Southern Grasslands Conference at Ballarat, Vic., from 16-17 June. Burra, SA will host the 2005 Stipa Native Grasses Association conference from 11-13 October, and Land, Water & Wool will be a major showpiece for this unique event. Delegates will learn about the Land, Water & Wool Native Vegetation and Biodiversity and Rivers and Water Quality projects currently underway in the Mid-North region. Information relating to the Managing Pastoral Country and Managing Climate Variability research projects in SA will also be available. A highlight of the conference will be field trips to properties currently hosting Land, Water & Wool research projects.

Visit the Land, Water & Wool website for further details www.landwaterwool.gov.au

New Products

A number of new information products are now available from Land, Water & Wool. Hard copies can be ordered by contacting CanPrint (freecall 1800 776 616) and quoting the relevant product number and most products can also be downloaded from the Land, Water & Wool website:

• Woolgrowers in the high rainfall and sheep-wheat zone – protecting and improving bushland biodiversity on farm (Production Guide, Product number PX 030 510).
• Productive native pastures in the high and medium rainfall zones (Production Guide, Product number PX 030 509).
• Managing grazing on native pastures in Tasmania (fact sheet, Product number PF 050 864).
• Grazing native pastures in Tasmania - managing kangaroo grass pastures (fact sheet, Product number PF 050 865).
• Grazing native pastures in Tasmania - the best way to manage grassy weeds in native pastures (fact sheet, Product number PF 050 866).
• Grazing native pastures in Tasmania - the forage characteristics and qualities of native grasses (fact sheet, Product number PF 050 867).
• Grazing native pastures in Tasmania - managing wallaby grass pastures (fact sheet, Product number PF 050 868).
• Wool Production and Biodiversity – fine wool, healthy profits and a healthy landscape the ideal equation (fact sheet, Product number PF 050 837)
• Wool Production and Biodiversity - a holistic solution for fine wool and healthy profits at ‘Lana’ (fact sheet, Product number PF 050 838).
• Wool Production and Biodiversity – triple bottom line focus for wool production at ‘The Hill’ (fact sheet, Product number PF 050 839)
• Enhanced profitability, productivity and positive environmental outcomes for wool producers throughout Australia’s pastoral zone (fact sheet, Product number PF 050 840)
• The Sustainable Grazing on Saline Lands Producer Network in NSW (fact sheet, Product number PF050874)

We're looking for the best shots
in the country

The Sustainable Grazing on Saline Lands (SGSL) sub-program has launched a unique national photography competition to raise awareness of success in salinity management.

Supported by the Cooperative Research Centre for Plant-based Management of Dryland Salinity (CRC Salinity), the Murray-Darling Basin Commission, Meat & Livestock Australia, Landmark, State agriculture agencies and SGSL State Producer Networks, the 'SGSL Pride in Saltland Management' Photography Competition is a creative way of recognising positive salinity management initiatives being undertaken by farmers and researchers across the country.

With more than $30,000 in prizes on offer, including a major prize from Landmark of $5000 to the overall winner, prizes will be awarded by an expert judging panel to photos with the most originality, creativity, technical excellence and relevance to the competition.

The competition comprises five entry categories:

• Farmers in Action (sponsored by Australia Wool Innovation Limited)

• Science in Saltland (sponsored by CRC for Plant-based Management of Dryland Salinity)

• Productive Saltland Pastures (sponsored by Meat & Livestock Australia)

• Before and After (sponsored by Murray-Darling Basin Commission)

• Saltland Humour (sponsored by SGSL)

Cash prizes will also be awarded to category winners, while SGSL researchers and Producer Network members are eligible to win further prizes, including the opportunity to win one of five ‘saltland rescue’ packages where a team of specialists will help them design a management solution for a salinity problem on their farm.

The significant prizes on offer are a major incentive for people from all walks of life to get involved, according to SGSL National Coordinator, Dr Warren Mason.

“We want to encourage people to creatively share the way they feel about their successes in saltland management using the camera lens,” he said. “SGSL and competition partners will ultimately end up with a collection of extraordinary images of people tackling Australia’s salinity problem that will be a powerful way of communicating their success and determination to a wider audience.”

Entries for the SGSL ‘Pride in Saltland Management Photography Competition’ close on 19 August 2005. Entry forms and full competition Terms and Conditions are available from the Land, Water & Wool website www.landwaterwool.gov.au or from Landmark outlets nationally.

Vale Irynej Skira - Tasmanian Land, Water & Wool researcher

Dr Irynej Skira was a member of the Tasmanian Land, Water & Wool team, undertaking fauna surveys for the past two years on sheep grazing properties in the Midlands region. Sadly, he died prematurely in February.

Irynej’s scientific career spanned nearly 35 years and he published more than 60 scientific papers and books. Recognised worldwide for his research on short-tailed shearwaters, he was also involved in research programs on albatross, seals and whales, along with feral species on subantarctic islands.

Irynej’s work with Land, Water & Wool was inspired by his great love of Tasmania’s wildlife and a belief that this was an area in which he could make a significant contribution to conservation biology. Few systematic surveys had been undertaken on private land prior to this work. One of his most exciting finds during this time was the discovery of a disjunct population of the swan galaxiad, an endangered endemic fish, on a Midlands farm. His involvement with Land, Water & Wool also involved the patient and inspirational supervision of students and Wildcare volunteers.

- Louise Gilfedder, Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment

Land, Water & Wool Diary

Land, Water & Wool researchers and grower networks are involved in a number of information and learning forums in coming months.

For further details regarding any of these upcoming events, contact: Kim Mitchell, kim@curriecom.com.au or Fleur Flanery, fleur.flanery@lwa.gov.au

June 2005
16th – 17th Southern Grasslands Conference, Ballarat, Victoria (Land, Water & Wool research publications available)
16th – 17th Rivers sub program coordinator meeting, Canberra, ACT

July 2005
15th – 16th Australian Sheep and Wool Show, Bendigo, Victoria (Native Vegetation and Biodiversity sub program projects on display)
19th – 21st NSW Grasslands Society Conference, Orange, NSW (SGSL keynote address)
19th Agribusiness Sheep Updates, Perth, WA

August 2005
4th – 7th QLD state Landcare conference, Barcaldine (Rivers sub program keynote address)
16th – 18th SGSL Annual forum, Orange, NSW
31st SGSL field day, Yealering research site, WA

Feedback?

Get in touch with the Land, Water & Wool Communication Team with any feedback, events, activities or interesting research outcomes that you want to share with the Land, Water & Wool program team.

CONTACT: Kim Mitchell, kim@curriecom.com.au or Fleur Flanery fleur.flanery@lwa.gov.au

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