A PhD student studying ecological principles as they relate to agricultural production has extended his survey to mid-December to allow farmers and natural resource management professionals to contribute information relating to their current situation.

Dennis Williamson, who is studying his PhD at Deakin University, asks farmers and professionals in the agricultural sector to contribute to the Australian Wheatbelt Survey on Agricultural Production and Ecological Principles.

"If you own or manage broadacre cropland or mixed cropland and livestock grazing areas, we need your opinions - please participate," he said.

Above: Dennis Williamson, a Deakin University researcher, is investigating Australian Wheatbelt agricultural production and ecological principles. Photo contributed.

After the survey was expanded to cover wheatbelt regions across Australia in August, Williamson says that his research is progressing well.

"We now have responses from 89 people, with those from Victoria and Western Australia leading the charge, as shown on the map here. Approximately 75% are farmers - primarily in cereal crops and sheep grazing - and 15% are NRM professionals. Those in the 41 to 60 year age bracket have had the highest participation level," Williamson said.

"A sincere thank you goes out to those busy farmers and NRM professionals who have participated and assisted across Australia, from Queensland south to NSW and Victoria and west to South Australia and Western Australia."


Spread of respondants. Image contributed.

The survey is providing highly useful insights into farmers and NRM managers' thoughts regarding changing agricultural practices in response to climatic and weather patterns. Farmers have identified changes to notill cultivation practices, the protection of wet swales, the use of native tree and mallee oil crop windrows, and changes in planting and harvest seasons and other practices in response to environmental conditions.

The survey is showing researchers the aspects of the natural environment that are valued and considered to add benefits to agricultural production and rural lifestyles, including the enhancement of soil health, prevention of soil erosion, and maintenance of water quality and general ecosystem health.

Williamson says that the results of this study should be of great benefit to understand how farmers and resource managers are responding to current production and environmental challenges.

"The findings should also provide insight into the differences in attitudes between rural property owners and NRM managers regarding the practicality of certain environmental management objectives, potentially influencing future policies and funding programs," he said.

"In addition, the results may well point to improved rapid responses to the potential loss of Australian native flora and fauna species that may also be more compatible with current farming practices."

If you would like to participate in the study, you can do so online at the link below. The survey takes about half an hour but can be completed in more than one sitting.

Williamson's aim is to analyse the survey results during January with a plan to have the research thesis complete late-April - after which time results will be made available.

Click here to visit the survey.