BCG captured the attention of city-based agricultural stakeholders this week when it hosted The Heat is On: Changing Climate – Changed Practices forum at the Melbourne Town Hall.
The event, which focused on the effects of climate variability and its impact on farming in southern Australia, was a chance for BCG to deliver the message that despite challenging climatic conditions, grain growers had made adaptations and were continuing to grow plentiful, and good quality crops.
Attended by prominent figures from Victoria’s agricultural sector, the interactive forum covered climate trends, how they affect farming practices and how farmers can profit despite facing challenging circumstances.
Over the last 20 years, BCG has worked hard to provide farmers with evidence, support and tools to improving farm management practices and profitability.
BCG board member and Birchip farmer John Ferrier discussed his experience of growing crops in challenging conditions with ABC Radio National’s Michael Mackenzie in an interactive Q&A session.
BCG research and extension Officer De-Anne Ferrier explained the link between crop production and on-farm decision making with climate and weather forecasts.
De-Anne has established relationships between BCG and local farmers and Landcare groups who work collaboratively to reduce production risk during the season. During the forum she was also able to share her experiences as someone following a career in agriculture and farming.
Responding to a question about the ‘future of agriculture’, particularly in light of forecasts and models that predict it will be hotter, and possibly dryer, De-Anne said she wasn’t deterred.
“I’m excited about the future,” she said.
“New adaptations that are already being used are helping us grow crops in a decile 2 year – we’ve seen this happen. It’s encouraging.
“Soil moisture, climate forecasts, historical info and gut feel can help you form a wise management decision which can impact positively on the business despite a changing climate.”
Preeminent experts from the Commonwealth Scientific Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) and South Australian Research Development Institute (SARDI) were also on hand to discuss the impact of climate variability on broad acre agriculture in Southern Australia.
The forum brought to light the domino effects of climate change resulting in changed farming practices throughout the last decade.
Dr Peter McIntosh from the CSIRO’s Centre for Australian Weather and Climate Research (CAWCR) explained how farmers could best adapt to unpredictable climate conditions.
“We will never have perfect forecasts, and so we must learn to live with uncertainty,” he said.
“Risks can be reduced and profits made despite unpredictable circumstances.”
David Chamberlin, BCG CEO was enthusiastic by the strong response to the evening’s discussion.
“It was great to see such a good turn-out, considering we have started harvest,” he said.
“All the speakers really delved into issues that are at the forefront of farming now and into the future. Their insights and expertise provided us all with how best to tackle climate change and how we can adapt and ultimately profit from it.’
