Drought can hit hard on Landcare activities, as landholders find themselves extremely busy feeding livestock, managing on-farm water issues and weighing up options in the planning of their stock numbers and income streams. In such unpredictable times, on the other hand, Landcare field days and BBQ gatherings can also provide farmers with a welcome break from the stresses of farm activities.
The Junee Landcare Network had experienced a number of very active years, however with the persistent drought and the loss of a Landcare Coordinator, Landcare activities were greatly reduced.
A successful grant application for Landcare to provide financial assistance for landholders to implement on-ground works to enhance native vegetation and/or to revegetate their properties using best-practice shelter belt design and management was a catalyst for the local Landcare group to become reactivated. A series of field days were designed and delivered in partnership with ANU Sustainable Farms and three events over an eight month period provided local farmers with the opportunity to network with neighbours and other landholders on the topic of improving farm productivity and enhancing biodiversity and habitat for native fauna through the provision of paddock shelter belts.
