Central West Farming Systems - Condobolin ARAS
Central West Farming Systems
Central West Farming Systems (CWFS) is an organisation operated by farmers who attract sponsorship to employ staff to conduct research trials. The Condobolin Agricultural Research and Advisory Station collaborates with CWFS through the exchange of research information, provision of resources, and the facilitation of meetings. It is a cooperative research relationship that enables farmers in the region to play an active part in determining the direction of agricultural research initiatives.
The principal aim of CWFS is: ‘To develop integrated whole farm management systems and other research outcomes for farming communities of Central Western NSW that maximise profitability and are ecologically sustainable’.
Local farmers set the agenda
Local farmers set the research agenda to address district-specific issues such as fertiliser rates, cereal and pulse varieties, systems comparisons and cropping rotations. The systems comparison trial is based at Condobolin ARAS. This trial compares the management, profitability and sustainability of four different farming systems:
- no till, no livestock;
- reduced till, with livestock;
- traditional (wheat and sheep);
- perennial pasture
CWFS also:
- hosts regional sites located across Central Western NSW, bordered by Nyngan in the north, Merriwagga in the south, Euabalong in the west and east to the Newell Highway — the regional sites are strongly supported by local agribusinesses;
- conducts a crop-monitoring program for members, analysing data that shows crop trends and production;
- informs farmers of research results through seminars and publication of an annual research compendium.