The past few seasons have been demoralising for farmers on most parts of Eyre Peninsula. It is hard to stay focused and positive when not only are you getting kicked in the guts by drought and climate change, but when attitudes from off farm are negative and based around “maybe they shouldn’t be farming anyway.”

Research carried out by Nigel McGuckian of RM Consulting Group for the Grain and Graze project and written up in an article titled “Farming in Australia – A few myths busted”, challenges some stereotypes that don’t seem to go away. Mr McGuckian’s research emphasises what we already know: that the role of farming families in land management needs to be strongly respected.

Myth 1 – Farmers don’t change
 Busted – farmers are continuously changing by adopting new technology which sows crops more accurately, reduces fuel consumption and cultivation, grow more productive crops and reduce pollution.
 
Myth 2 – Farmers damage the land
Busted – land condition and the productive capacity of soils has improved due to adoption of new technology and changes in management practices. Farmers want to improve soil condition...after all their livelihood depends on it!
 
Myth 3 – Farming is simple
Busted – It’s not simple! There are no rule books which can tell you how to farm. Farmers must weigh up risk, understand market forces, climate probability and environmental concerns, as well as a host of other considerations. Decision making is complex because many of the factors in the decision are extremely difficult to quantify.

Myth 4 – The family farm is dead
Busted – Despite jokes about handing on the family farm being tantamount to child abuse, most farmers would like to see the farm stay in the family. To make this to happen the long-term health of the land and business sustainability needs to be a constant factor in decision making.  Most farmers are prepared to take a hit in terms of profitability if the risks to the environment or sustainability are too great.

Myth 5 – The land would be better off without farming
Busted - Farmers spend large amounts of time and money keeping land productive and preventing damage from pests such as rabbits and invasive weeds. This is a service not only to the farm business but also the community. If farmers were removed from the land, the community would have to pay for this service.
 
So, at times when morale is low, remember that successful farming requires highly skilled and experienced management and a clear long-term plan. The role that farmers and their families play is vital in sustaining communities. Valuing the role of farmers and farming will ensure that we keep putting food on the table and also manage a country that is facing increasing threats from a changing environment.

Extracts reproduced with the permission of Mr Nigel McGuckian

AUTHOR: Liz Guerin, Land Management Cosnultant, Rural Solutions SA

CONTACT: For further information on reducing the impact of cereal disease please contact the Minnipa Agriculture Centre on 08 8680 5104.