LOCAL farmers on Monday sho-wed there was strong interest for the newly-funded climate-positive farming initiative spearheaded by Loddon Plains Landcare Network and backed by the North Central Catchment Management Authority.
 The meeting at Powlett CFA station provided a comprehensive overview of the four-year project, specifically tailored to the needs and challenges faced by farmers in the region.  More than 20 farmers attended.
Building on a successful previous partnership, the NCCMA’s renewed funding will enable the network to deliver crucial support and resources to farmers committed to adopting sustainable and climate-smart practices on their land. 
Farmers heard how the program will leverage insights from the 2021 action plan to implement a comprehensive strategy for enhancing land management and building resilience against the impacts of a changing climate on their farming operations. 
A key message conveyed at the meeting was that  the “initiative will supporting farmers in adopting sustainable practices that improve soil health, reduce emissions, and increase resilience to climate change”. 
Farmers learned about the potential to access financial assistance for implementing a variety of improved land management techniques relevant to their agricultural activities. 
These include innovative approaches to paddock design for efficient livestock management, the adoption of strategic crop and grazing rotations to improve soil health and productivity, multi species cropping, wetlands, dams and biochar – all with a strong emphasis on climate-positive outcomes for their farming enterprises. 
The initiative also generated interest among farmers regarding the funding allocated for revegetation works. The importance of native vegetation on farmland for carbon sequestration, boosting biodiversity within the agricultural landscape, and promoting overall ecosystem health relevant to farming was underscored. Attendees, many of whom manage significant tracts of land, explored how these revegetation projects could be integrated into their individual climate adaptation strategies or undertaken as valuable stand-alone projects to enhance the environmental sustainability of their farms.  The program’s focus on soil health also resonated with the farmers present. The opportunity to access in-depth soil testing and analysis, including assessments of crucial biological activity, was highlighted as a valuable tool for understanding and ultimately improving the health and productivity of their farm soils. This information is seen as critical for long-term farm viability and resilience. 
Looking ahead, the meeting outlined the schedule of innovative practice workshops planned over the next three and a half years, specifically designed to address the needs of farmers. These workshops promise to be a valuable resource, covering cutting-edge climate-smart farming techniques and the latest research findings relevant to agricultural practices, empowering participants with the knowledge necessary to adapt their farming operations effectively. 
Loddon Plains Landcare Network, Landcare facilitator Will Sanson said: “Its great to see this program get refunded with some small changes and was great to see such a good turnout of likeminded farmers at Powlett.  And it’s  great to see renewed enthusiasm of farmers in our region following further get-togethers of farming based Landcare groups such as the new Boort and District Agricultural Landcare Group in Mysia recently.” 
The Carbon Positive farming initiative will again involve the Loddon Plains Future Farming, Regenerative and Sustainable Agriculture Group bringing together farmers in  the region without being location based.