Climate Smart Agriculture

FBG is working with local farmers to help implement pasture improvement , fencing off native vegetation and revegetation projects as part of South Coast NRM delivery of The Australian Government’s Climate-Smart Agriculture Program which aims to enhance agricultural productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability — goals that strongly align with the sustainable agriculture aspirations of Southern Prospects and the nature focused mission of South Coast NRM. As part of the project co-design process, South Coast NRM has conducted extensive consultations with industry, community, and government stakeholders to identify key areas of support for the region’s agricultural sector. The organisation is ensuring that the project will strengthen South Coast agriculture, add value to existing initiatives, and contribute to South Coast NRM's natural capital initiative.

Improving Sheep Quality

Raising the quality of sheep meat may be a critical part of keeping them in farming systems in the South Coast. FBG has a number of projects aimed at raising the performance and profitability of sheep within our mixed farming enterprises. Within this project we will trial a paddock scale transformation to a more diverse perennial pasture mix and include a new variety of cocksfoot to test suitability in our area.

Perennial Pasture Trial

Treatment

This is a perennial pasture rejuvenation and improvement trial. We are aiming in increase diversity in an existing pasture with a focus on improving soil carbon and organic matter within the top 10cm. We also want to introduce some deep rooted tillage radish to improve soil structure and infiltration. By adding additional and new varieties we aim to decrease the feed gap with varieties that may persist longer and have higher growth during these gaps.

Landowner undertook pre seeding Glyphosate treatment

2025 April 6th Sowing

• Total paddock size is approx 20Ha.

• A 5Ha plot was seeded in the middle of the paddock running north/south

• Only difference in seeding was 5Ha plot 2kg/Ha of Kainui Cocksfoot v 1kg/Ha

• 50kg/Ha Muriate of Potash (MOP) added at seeding

Background

Improved Feed Quality:

• Higher nutritional value:

  Perennial pastures, especially those with legumes, tend to have higher crude protein and energy content compared to annual pastures,

• Consistent feed supply:

  Perennial pastures provide green feed throughout the growing season and even into dry periods, unlike annuals that rely on seasonal rainfall. 

• Improved animal performance:

  The higher quality and consistent feed supply of perennial pastures lead to improved animal growth, milk production, and wool quality. 

Carbon Sequestration:

• Soil carbon storage:

  Perennial pastures, with their deep root systems, help build soil organic carbon, FutureBeef reports. Soil organic carbon is a major component of soil health and also contributes to climate change mitigation by storing atmospheric carbon. 

• Reduced erosion and runoff:

  Perennial pastures provide better ground cover, which helps to reduce soil erosion and runoff, further protecting soil carbon. 

• Nitrogen fixation:

  Legumes in perennial pastures fix atmospheric nitrogen, which improves soil fertility and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers, which can be a source of carbon emissions. 

Climate Smart – NUE Trial 2025-2027

Background

Western Australian baseline emissions output data from broadacre properties shows the higher rainfall zones in the Albany region (400-600mm annual rainfall) are approximately 30% less efficient than the medium rainfall zone and almost 50% less efficient than the low rainfall zone (Aglytica/Farmanco, 2022). This is largely driven by much higher and often inefficient fertiliser use (due to rainfall, soil types, higher production potential). With the potential for either market premiums or market access issues on the horizon, it is imperative that farmers address emissions and nitrogen use efficiency using sound and locally validated scientific data. Long-term rotational and nitrogen use efficiency data is lacking for our region and this project hopes to fill this gap – providing real data from trials on soil types unique to the region to build farmer knowledge and awareness. We are really keen that trial treatments are co-designed so that they realistic and based on practice of local farmers. It’s also not often we get the opportunity for funding long enough to run rotational trials.

Project Aim

To build farmers' knowledge and capacity so they can manipulate rotations and nitrogen management strategies to increase nitrogen use efficiency and reduce emissions from grain crop production on commonly occurring soil types in this highly productive region, while not compromising (or at least better understanding the compromise) on profitability.

Field Trial

The field trial phase of the project will be run over three seasons. Each trial will feature two rotation treatments and three N treatments (one of which needs to be a Nil Nitrogen). These will be fully phased, meaning every crop within the rotation will be grown every year, to ensure environmental conditions won’t overtly influence the overall outcomes of the trial. For example, you don’t want to have a drought in your only legume phase of the rotation, and have it negatively impact the overall nitrogen and sustainability outcomes of the three-year rotation.

Evergreen Farming Legacy Fund

Maintaining the momentum for fodder shrubs

Recent farm visits by FBG staff have revealed a concerning trend among local sheep farmers, many of whom are contemplating or actively planning to exit the sheep industry or substantially reduce their flock sizes. This poses risks including reduced income diversity for farmers and potential salinity issues in catchment areas due to increased cropping.

Background: FBG previously partnered in the CSIRO/DPIRD-led project, "Drought Resilient Landscapes with Profitable Native Shrub and Legume Systems across Southern Australia." Our demonstration site, spanning approximately 9 hectares on Craig and Naomi Hall’s property in Gairdner, features a mix of annual legumes, perennials, and Anameka saltbush. Originally a productive cropping area, the site has shown rising water tables and salinity issues, suggesting that deep-rooted perennial species and novel legumes could enhance its long-term viability and function as a drought-resistant fodder unit.

Current Status: Craig and Naomi Hall have expressed a great satisfaction with the results and are interested in expanding this treatment to other parts of their farm. However, they have noted that cost is a significant barrier. Additionally, other farmers have shown interest in the project, with cost concerns being a recurring theme.

FBG is committed to advancing this project, as it represents a rare positive development in the local sheep industry and aims to address the barriers to adoption.

Research and Development: CSIRO is currently exploring seed treatments to improve the germination of Anameka seeds, which may help reduce costs. Although cuttings are available, their limited supply and high setup costs present challenges for farmers. CSIRO are also investigating the shelter belt benefits of this style of shrub plantings on lambs. Improved lambing survival and health is seen as a key element of improving meat quality to meet local markets as a replacement for the live sheep trade closure. FBG is keen to keep local farmers updated on all options available to them to keep sheep in their systems.

Trial:

1. On-Farm Propagation of Anameka Saltbush: We will trial on-farm propagation methods for Anameka saltbush. Naomi Hall has expressed interest in testing this approach to expand their current Anameka plantings at a pace that suits their time constraints and available budget. Three propagation methods will be trialed to assess success rate and cost per unit (financial and time)

2. Workshops

Site Assessment Training: Provide planning workshops for interested farmers to evaluate sites that would be suitable for Anameka and other shrub fodder plantings. Provide the most up to date advice on inter-row planting including perennial pastures suggestions for individual sites.

Propagation Trial Plan for Anameka Saltbush

Objective:

To compare the effectiveness of different propagation methods for Anameka Saltbush, using three distinct propagation methods and testing the effects of growth hormone on two cutting sizes (large and small) across three different tray types.

Methods:

1. Commercial Nursery Cuttings (1000)

2. On-farm Cuttings from Established Plants (grown in greenhouse)

Cutting Sizes:

• Large Cuttings

• Small Cuttings

Growth Hormone Treatments:

• Hormone Treatment

• No Hormone Treatment

Tray Colours and Cutting Types:

• Green Tray (Large Cuttings with Hormone)

• Light Blue Tray (Small Cuttings with Hormone)

• Dark Blue Tray (Mix of Large and Small Cuttings without Hormone)

Field Sites:

Site 1 Hall Block 500 cuttings from Commercial and Farm Grown

Site 2 Parson Block 500 cuttings from Commercial and Farm Grown

Best 500 from farm grown will be planted for field trial additional plants will be planted on grower’s block

Timeline:

1. Preparation Phase (April)

• Obtain and prepare all required materials (cuttings, trays, growth hormone, etc.).

• Set up greenhouse environment for farm-grown cuttings.

• Identify the two field sites for planting (Site 1 and Site 2).

2. Propagation Phase (May-July)

• Cuttings will be taken from established Anameka Saltbush plants on the farm (both large and small).

• Place the cuttings in their respective trays (Green, Light Blue, Dark Blue).

• Green Tray (Large Cuttings + Hormone): Apply rooting hormone to the large cuttings before placing in trays.

• Light Blue Tray (Small Cuttings + Hormone): Apply rooting hormone to the small cuttings before placing in trays.

• Dark Blue Tray (Mixed Cuttings + No Hormone): No hormone applied. Mix of large and small cuttings.

• Record observations about survival rate, early growth for each tray type at 1 and 3 months.

• Once cuttings are rooted and have sufficient growth, begin selection process for planting at the field sites.

3. Selection and Planting Phase (August)

• Field Preparation: Site 1 (Nursery-grown) and Site 2 (Farm-grown) should be ready for planting.

• Site 1 Hall Block 500 cuttings Nursery and Farm Grown will be planted at the field site.

• Site 1 Parson Block 500 cuttings Nursery and Farm Grown will be planted at the field site.

4. Field Growth Monitoring (November 2025 & March 2026)

• Periodically measure plant height, health, and other growth parameters.

• Record field data on plant performance, survival rates, and any notable observations (e.g., pest or disease issues).

5. Data Analysis and Reporting

• Analyze the data collected from the field trial, comparing the performance of each treatment (nursery vs. farm-grown, large vs. small cuttings, hormone vs. no hormone).

• Determine the most successful propagation method based on the overall plant survival and growth rates.

• Write up a detailed report summarizing findings, including the most successful methods and cuttings for Anameka Saltbush propagation.

WaterSmart Dams - Making Dams Work Again

Timeframe: July 2022 - June 2025

Funding Source: Future Drought Fund and DPIRD (Project led by Grower Group Alliance, UWA and DPIRD)

Project Coordinator: Tamzin Bowe

Summary: The project will involve 12 core demonstration sites, building farm-based water planning tools, workshops, field days and industry training. The project will investigate solutions including renovating existing dams, building new dams, and implementing evaporation suppression and runoff technologies.This two year project aims to develop knowledge and water planning tools for farmers who need their dams to work in all years, and be able to make water investment decisions with confidence.

Project Partners & Leads: The GGA through the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, will collaborate with the Department of Primary Industries (DPIRD) and the University of Western Australia (UWA), leveraging their existing work and prior investment in this field as well as four grower group project partners including Compass Agricultural Alliance (Darkan), Southern Dirt (Kojinup), Merredin and Districts Farm Improvement Group (Merredin) and the Fitzgerald Biosphere Group (Jerramungup).

Funding Source: WaterSmart Dams builds on the existing WaterSmart Farms program – a collaborative DPIRD designed program researching sustainable groundwater supply options using on-farm desalinisation technology.

This project is jointly funded through Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund (FDF) and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).

The project can be followed here.

Our Demonstration Sites:

Stay tuned for further updates on monitoring results!

1. Dam/catchment design and evaporation suppression, hosted by the Jones family in Gairdner.

   An existing key dam has been enlarged to better capitalise on its large, roaded catchment. A Daisy dam cover has also been installed to reduce evaporation. Water level loggers and a weather station have been installed at the site to measure evaporation loss and provide data for an economic analysis which will assess $/kl water savings/costs, in order for growers’ to determine the viability of this option for their own property.

   Head to the Daisy Dam Cover FAQ page for more information about their covers, including installation and lifespan.

   The dam measurements are as follows:

   North edge  27 metres

   South edge 30 metres

   East edge   36.5 metres

   West edge  39.5 metres

   The size of the catchment is about 0.75ha.

   The cover consists of eight 10m x 5.25m modules, and four 5.25m x 5.25m modules; giving a total covered area of approx 530.25 m²and and allowing for adjustments as dam levels rise and fall. The total cost of the cover (including freight) was $9,257.69, equating to around $17/m²; significantly cheaper than other options on the market, which reach upward of $50/m².

   
   A standpipe has been installed at the dam, with additional tanks (including a gravity fed tank onsite) also on the cards (grower funded). Metres will be installed on the pipes to measure demand from the dam.

Installing the Daisy dam cover at Jones’ Gairdner property, in September 2023

The completed weather station, logger, and cover install.

An aerial view of the dam, cover, and catchment (photo by Brianna Jones).

Resizing the dam to better suit the existing catchment.

2. Using secondhand CBH tarps to increase catchment efficiency, hosted by the Lester family* in Jacup.

*The Jacup community dam is also a Strategic Community Water Supply Site, maintained by DWER.

Eighteen secondhand (~7 years old) CBH tarps have been used to line a dam catchment in order to increase the run-off thresholds. Tarps were sewn together onsite and the edges were buried under the shoulders of the catchment. The structure is designed to handle 20mm/hour event without exceeding the dam’s capacity, hence the tarped area being smaller than the entire existing catchment area. The following equations were considered when contemplating these run-off thresholds….

Supply into xxx volume earthen dam from xxx size catchment

Annual rainfall -evaporation & loss X catchment area = expected yield volume into dam

Monitoring equipment has been installed at the bottom of the catchment to quantify rainfall and run-off. Early data suggests run-off is being captured from ~0.8mm rainfall events, at intensities as low as 2-3mm/hour. For comparison, good roaded catchments run off around 8mm, while HDPPE plastics run off 0.25mm.

Since installation in May 2023 until June 2024, an additional 140mm of rainfall was captured from rainfall events between 0.8mm to 8.0mm, contributing a further 0.75ML of water to the dam.

Micro-plastics sampling is underway (water + sediment). This monitoring will include before, during, and after samples.
Tarps are being monitored for degradation. So far, a number of small holes have been located and repaired; one of which causes some ballooning effects which were rectified as soon as the hole was repaired. Other than this, the tarps are so far proving to be very stable even in very windy weather.

The tarp-lined catchment from above

Pest Animal Control

Register for the 2025-26 year long feral animal shoots

Jerramungup Shire

Register Here

feralSCAN App

FBG is undertaking a pest animal control program to reduced the impact on livestock and native animals. The more information we have about the size of feral pest populations and where they are, the more effective we can be.

Fitz-Stirling Fauna Recovery Project

Timeframe: August 2023 - June 2024

Funding Source: South Coast Natural Resource Management

Project Coordinators: Tamzin Bowe

Summary: Build on the existing cross-tenure, multi-partner, integrated predator control activities on private land and between the Stirling Range National Park and Fitzgerald River National Park and in the Waychinicup National Park, focusing on controlling feral cats, foxes and rabbits, to support native species including the Malleefowl, Chuditch (Western Quoll) and Western Ground Parrot.

Project Partners & Leads: South Coast NRM, NSPNR