Managing extremes at 'Talaheni'
From the May 2007 edition of Agriculture Today.
Science is proving to be a useful tool for farmers facing another tough winter and the future prospect of altered climates.
With a background in agricultural research and resource planning, added to experience transforming an unproductive, salt-affected property into a successful fine wool and beef enterprise, John Ive sees science contributing to a way forward.
“Farmers are flexible, but to stay on top we need as much information as possible on the conditions we can manage and an understanding for working with those we can’t control,” Mr Ive said.
“Science can help us work out what extremes are going to occur and when they are likely to occur so we can plan and manage our production systems effectively.”
John Ive has improved perennial ground cover to maximise use of rain that falls on his property, “Talaheni”, near Yass.
It has been a long time since drinks for the parched soil, but Mr Ive said regular soil moisture monitoring has proved a positive and often insightful tool.
“In the last thirty years we have lowered our water table, solved salinity issues on the property and have made dramatic progress in our ability to assess soil moisture for pastures and trees.
“Over that time we have also developed a customised software program which tracks soil moisture for pasture management, tree planting and salinity risks.”
Realising the importance of regionally relevant information, Mr Ive has applied his skills to develop a program which can identify the role of climate in productivity changes and measure production increases independent of climatic variation.
Ironically droughts have had some positives.
“During a past drought we fenced sacrifice paddocks for stock on the ridges, to protect the lower flats where our pasture is most productive and following a significant rain event we returned stock to good pasture,” he said.
“With competition and stock removed, trees quickly regenerated on the ridges which now provide an environmental benefit to the productive flats.”
Contact John Ive, talaheni@webone.com.au or www.talaheni.com.au
