The cornerstone of our country is farming – How can we adapt to drier seasons?

The Bureau of Meteorology has declared that 2019’s spring was the driest on record. The dry spell has caused huge bush fires and worsening drought conditions around the nation, and consequently, the low rainfall and hot temperatures have had dire consequences on Australia’s agriculture with production set to hit a four-year low in 2019.

Drought has hit traditional livestock production hard, which is a tough issue to face for one of the cornerstones of our country. However, through drought and flooding rains, those toiling on our sun burnt country have always shown an incredible adaptability to ensure that our needs at home and abroad are met.

A good encapsulation of this adaptability, albeit one which has been incredibly researched and planned, is by Australian Food & Farming, a company that has managed to soften the impact of the dry season somewhat by employing unique regenerative farming practices across their WA and NSW properties.

Regenerative farming practices reduce the need for chemical fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides. They improve the biodiversity of landscapes and create biologically enriched soil. As well as improving long-term sustainability, regenerative agriculture creates above-average profits for farmers. While unhealthy soil from traditional farming leads to lower yields and poor nutritional value, Australian Food & Farming’s high-quality soil is less vulnerable to the pressures of drought. Its rich mineral content also increases the nutritional value of agricultural produce.

Australian Food & Farming’s responsible grazing programs ensure their Dorper sheep graze on fertile pastures, even during drought. Not that Dorpers are particularly vulnerable to the current drought. They are some of the hardiest breeds of sheep and are perfectly suited for dry climates.

Dorpers are the perfect meat sheep for Australia’s changing climate

Australian Food & Farming’s Dorper sheep prefer the dry Australian climate. Initially bred in South Africa, these meat sheep are well adapted for Australian pastures.

They are very efficient feeders that need less food to gain weight. This is important in drought-prone areas that face low grass levels. Even during times of drought, these resilient sheep hit their target weights. Dorpers also shed their own fleece so they don’t need frequent shearing during summer. This makes them more resistant to heat.

They grow faster than other sheep so farmers can get them to the sales yards earlier. They reach reproductive maturity quicker than usual, and produce twins more often, which means farmers can increase their Dorper stocks at a quicker rate.

All of this plays into the lessened impact of the drought on Australian Food & Farming’s business this year.

The company is leading the way in much-needed changes to agricultural practice. As the Australian climate changes, Australian Food & Farming shows that regeneration, combined with the smart choice of breeding Dorpers, is vital to future food security and economic viability.

 

*Reach Markets are the advisors assisting with the management of this offer and may receive fees depending on whether an offer is taken up by investors. Reach Markets have also been engaged by Australian Food & Farming to assist with private investor management.

 

Sources:

 

• ABC NEWS: Bureau of Meteorology declares spring 2019 the driest on record
• Agriculture Victoria: Dorper Sheep