A recent field day organised by the Western Port Catchment Landcare Network (WPCLN) was fully booked within hours of being advertised and attracted enough interest for a further two field days.
The WPCLN recently ran a series of field days to showcase innovative and sustainable agriculture projects.
Farmers were asked to submit ideas for unique and sustainable farming practices that would improve farm productivity while benefitting the natural resources.
An expert panel of local farmers then selected the most promising applications, and the WPCLN supported the demonstrations by providing support and ongoing monitoring and research.
Clinton Tepper, a forester and farmer on the outskirts of Warragul, submitted a proposal to trial a new design of tree planting.
Clinton wanted to make his land more productive by planting trees further apart to allow cattle and crops to make use of the area around the trees.
He calls the technique ‘multi-storey farming’, a term influenced by Clinton’s career as a forester that perfectly describes the three tiers of his design – the crops growing on the ground, the cattle grazing and the surrounding trees providing the upper storey.
The panel approved his application and the demonstration site was established in 2014.
Clinton and Michelle’s field days were a sell-out as soon as the event was announced.
The three field days attracted more than 220 attendees and gave people the opportunity to ask questions and view the trial site.
Clinton’s idea was popular for many reasons, including its ability to make the land easier to manage and provide a more productive return while improving the environment.
Attendees described the day as ‘passionate’ and ‘inspiring’ with many attendees being keen to replicate the multi-storey farming design on their own land.
Clinton has already seen successful results and has recently established a second site using the same technique.
“The demonstration site has changed the direction of where we’re going with the farm,” Clinton said.
“We’re grateful to the Western Port Catchment Landcare Network for all their support and look forward to updating them with the results of this work.”
The WPCLN encourages and supports different approaches to farming that can benefit the environment, the land and farm productivity.
Project manager Peter Ronalds said he was delighted with the support for Clinton’s field day.
“This is one of many field days we’ve hosted – it’s always great to see farmers and landholders motivated to consider different uses for their land.”
For more information contact Sustainable Agriculture Manager Peter Ronalds on 0402 650 382 or peter@wpcln.com.au.
