Protecting Wetlands together...Precision Ag On-Farm Trial
In 2023, the Beyond Bolac Catchment Action Group (BBCAG) teamed up with its neighboring Landcare Networks, Panyyabyr Landcare Group, Upper Hopkins Land Management Group, and Upper Mount Emu Creek Landcare Network to undertake a landscape scale initiative. Their joint effort focused on an on-farm trial to promote Precision Agriculture strategies among cropping farmers. The goal was to enhance productivity without compromising wetlands. This initiative was funded by the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority through the 'Our Catchment Our Communities' program.
The trial took place in Western Victoria, a region known for high rainfall cropping & wetlands at risk due to drainage & cropping activities. The loss of these biodiverse temporary wetlands prompted the need for conservation efforts. Four experienced cropping farmers from Skipton, Lake Bolac, Nerrin Nerrin, and Minninera volunteered to participate in the trial. Each farmer allocated 200 hectares of cropping land, that included temporary wetlands. Precision Ag Pty Ltd, a leading provider of variable rate farming solutions, was enlisted for the initial phase. This stage involved understanding each farm's history, conducting grid soil sampling, and creating custom variable rate application maps while excluding wetland areas.
As the trial progressed, the participating farmers, along with their agronomist and Precision Ag team, gained insights into wetlands' significance in the landscape and how variable rate technology could enhance crop yields while safeguarding wetlands. A field day was held in June this year to share insights into implementing precision agriculture to conserve wetlands. Additional funding is necessary to continue monitoring yield outcomes in the upcoming season and assess the long-term impact of Precision Agriculture strategies on crop productivity while preserving wetlands.
A series of case studies have been written about the trial and the farmers involved as each had a diffierent Precision Ag Journey, they can be downloaded below
Precision Ag & Wetlands Trial Summary
