Two major projects to boost sustainable farming in the Murray Mallee region have received more than $507,000 in funding under the Federal Government’s Caring for Our Country initiative, through Mallee Sustainable Farming (MSF).

The first project, Increasing Adoption of Sustainable Farming and Risk Management in SA Mallee will receive $404,000 over three years. The second, Implementing Sustainable and Productive Forage Systems in the Murray Mallee is funded for one year, receiving $103,200.

Chris McDonough of Rural Solutions SA, which will provide the on-ground management of the projects, said the main project aimed to:

• Assist farmers in making better farm business risk management decisions in light of increasing costs, variable commodity prices, fluctuating seasons and the possible impacts of climate change.
• Increase no-till and minimum tillage, particularly in areas of low adoption and amongst crop / pasture farming systems.
• Promote efficient farming to land capability within paddocks and across properties, to target inputs where they are needed and improve water use efficiency, including further developing practical farmer methodology for precision agriculture and variable rate technology. 
• The second project aims to promote alternative forage pasture systems that are low risk, close the feed gap, increase production, improve weed control and protect the soil.  This builds on previous work on grazing cereals and other crops, and exploring suitable lucerne and medic pastures. 

“The Mallee farming community has seen many remarkable changes over the past 10 years, since the start of Mallee Sustainable Farming, including a dramatic increase in no-till farming and more intensive cropping,” he said.

“This has led to increased production while protecting our soils from wind erosion and improving soil health.  In recent years Mallee Sustainable Farming has also focussed on improved pasture and livestock management.”   

The two projects are also being supported by the SA Government’s Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation, with a total contribution of $65,000 each year.

“The projects aim to meet the needs of the farming community in the most practical ways possible, including taking new approaches that best suit farmers busy schedules,” Mr McDonough said.

The projects will be run by the Rural Solutions SA teams based at Loxton and Murray Bridge.  Both projects outcomes align with key priorities of the SA Murray Darling Basin NRM regional plan.

Mallee farmers or groups who would like to be involved can contact the PIRSA offices (Loxton: Chris McDonough - 0885959100, or Murray Bridge - Linden Masters 088356400). 

Media contact: Chris McDonough 08 8595 9100