Lachlan CMA 2007 Photographic Competition

NOW OPEN - Lachlan CMA 2007 Photographic Competition - "Drought and Flooding Rains"

Are you a budding photographer who has captured an image during the recent tough conditions?
Have you marvelled at how quickly the landscape can change?

Submit your photographs now to the Lachlan CMA 2007 Photographic Competition
Each photograph MUST be submitted with an Entry Form.

Happy Snapping!

Lachlan CMA promotes Conservation Farming Systems

Through its Land Management Program the Lachlan CMA recognises the importance of soil health and how the impacts of degradation issues such as wind and water erosion, vegetation decline, soil acidity and soil sodicity and that these issues can be addressed through improvements in management systems and farming practices.

One of the initiatives of the Lachlan Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has been to provide education and training opportunities to landholders.

With a focus on fine tuning the skills of landholders in conservation farming systems, the Lachlan CMA has recruited the services of the Kondinin Group to produce a series of specialised workshops. The workshops are group directed and hands on and will be delivered by a host of expert speakers with backgrounds in applying conservation tillage techniques at a practical level.

The workshop series will run over 5 days, scheduled according to seasonal conditions and farming programs, and each group will have the option to undertake further field days in areas of particular interest.

Names are now being taken for courses planned for Hillston, Eugowra, Condobolin and Temora, though workshops will be run in other areas as demand arises.

The first courses will commence in early September, with a view that 8 courses in total will be run across the Lachlan Catchment.

Course costs will be sponsored by the Lachlan Catchment Management Authority.

To register interest in these courses or future Conservation Farming training Landholders are encouraged to contact Sandra at the Condobolin office of the Lachlan CMA on 0268 952033 or for more information email neil.mcmillan@cma.nsw.gov.au.

Find out more

Endorsed Training Providers for Farm Planning and Grazing Management Training

The Lachlan Catchment Management Authority recently advertised for training providers in Farm Planning and Grazing Management. This is in line with the Incentives being offered to Lachlan landholders to undertake training in these areas.

A number of applications were received and after a thorough selection process the following trainers have been endorsed to deliver training to landholders who receive the training and farm planning subsidy. This endorsement is for a period of one year only - from November 2006.

Trainers endorsed to deliver Farm Planning are -

Western Institute of TAFE Contact Person – Richard Ingham Phone – 0263 915726 or mobile 0428 161232 Email – richard.ingham@tafensw.edu.au

Quality Rural Solutions Contact Person – Jane Vincent Phone – 62303584 or mobile 0438 910679 Email – jane@qualityruralsolutions.com.au

NSWFarmers Association – Training Contact Person – Kathy Sims Phone – 0268848822 or mobile 0427 888768 Email – simsk@nswfarmers.org.au

Western Land Planning Contact Person – David Edmondson Phone – 0268 856644 or mobile 0429 918649 Email – westernlandplan@ozemail.com.au

Trainers endorsed to deliver Grazing Management Training are –

M & C Gardner and Associates – Holistic Management Contact Person – Mark Gardner Phone – 0268 844405 or mobile 0419 611302 Email – mark.g@ozemail.com.au

Resource Consulting Services – Grazing for Profit Course Contact Person – Margaret Bridgeford Phone – 07 49395255 or mobile 0408 795456 Email – mbridgeford@rcs.au.com

Principle Focus – The Business of Farming Contact Person – Richard Groom Phone – 0266 580775 or mobile 0438 124208 Email – info@principlefocus.com.au

Mike Stephens and Associates – Profitable Grazing – with sustainable, productive pastures Contact Person – Dr Col Scrivener Phone – 0267 732778 or mobile 0407752555 Email – cscrivener@msanda.com.au

NSW DPI – Prograze and Prograze Plus Contact Person – Peter Orchard Phone – 0269 381895 or mobile 0411128447 Email – peter.orchard@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Chris Houghton Agricultural - Grow More, Graze More, Gain More Contact Person – Chris Houghton Phone – 0262844533 or mobile – 0409 816433 Email – houghtag@tpg.com.au

It should be noted that these providers are in NO PARTICULAR ORDER and it is up to the Landholder group or individual landholder once they receive the training incentive to choose the provider they wish to engage. Lachlan CMA staff are unable to recommend a particular provider from the list, but can assure groups that all providers on the list are able to deliver to a high standard.

The LCMA would encourage groups who have the training incentive to contact the providers on the list and make an informed decision.

For questions regarding the training incentives or endorsed providers please contact Kieran Hawker – Catchment Co-ordinator Mid Lachlan and Training Programs on 0263 419307

Drought Assistance Package

The chairman of the Lachlan CMA Mr Robert Gledhill today announced details of the new Lachlan CMA Drought Assistance Package.

"The Lachlan CMA has responded to the worst drought in history by releasing funding to Lachlan landholders & community groups to assist them in managing financially and socially in these dry times", said Mr Gledhill.

Under the Lachlan CMAs Drought Assistance Package landholders will be able to attend free 1 day "Stockplan" workshops run by the Dept of Primary Industries. These workshops will assist landholders in deciding the best drought management strategy for their stock. Options may include selling, agisting or establishing a drought-lot to protect their perennial pasture groundcover.

"If landholders are in a position to establish a drought-lot in order to remove stock from their pasture paddocks, then the Lachlan CMA will provide funding of $2 per DSE up to a maximum of $10,000 to assist with the establishment of drought-lots". Mr Gledhill added that by moving all stock into a temporary drought-lot, landholders will be able to preserve existing groundcover and prevent wind & water erosion during and after the drought breaks.

For a Fact Sheet regarding the Drought Assistance Package and upcoming workshop dates please follow the links below, or call 1800 885 747.

Media Release

Fact Sheet