An informative forum focussing on productive farming in northern Victoria in the face of variable water allocations and climate variability will be held at the Kerang Valley Resort on Wednesday 17 August.

The ‘Productive Farming Forum’ will bring together local farmers, scientists, industry and government representatives who will share their experiences and information. Discussion at the forum will include productive and sustainable farming options in the region, as well as options for adapting to a more variable climate and water availability.

The free forum hosted by North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) will combine success stories told by local farmers with knowledge and research from industry leading experts; who will all provide valuable information on productive and sustainable land use options where irrigation is changing.

North Central CMA Strategic Irrigation Team Leader Tim Shanahan said that the forum will benefit farmers who are considering their farming options, or who are keen to hear what other farmers are doing to adapt to changing conditions. “The best way to combat a local problem is with a local solution. By hearing from locals who have successfully identified and changed things on their farm it may assist others in considering their future farming options,” Mr Shanahan said. “The forum is also an opportunity to network with other farmers and share experiences, lessons and suggestions. This exchange of knowledge is the basis for the forum.”

Mr Shanahan concluded that, “Everyone is welcome to attend the full day forum. We’ll discuss current and potential agricultural market opportunities, as well as local case studies on mixed farming, intensive agriculture, native grasses and niche farming. The case studies will show successful adoption of different land use options on land that was intensively irrigated.”

The Productive Farming Forum is guaranteed to fill up quickly, so to ensure your spot and for catering purposes it is recommended that you RSVP as soon as possible to North Central CMA on 5448 7124 or info@nccma.vic.gov.au before Monday 15 August.

The forum is delivered under the North Central CMA’s Adopting Sustainable Farming Practices and Innovative Farming Implementation Plan projects, and is supported by the Commonwealth Government’s Caring for our Country initiative and Strengthening Basin Communities program.

The North Central CMA is leading a consortium of local community and industry groups, government agencies and the tertiary education sector to undertake a proactive approach to transitioning land and water use in the region in response to increasing variability in climate and water available for irrigation.

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551
t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au