Research and Development

Participation in research and development projects significantly improves productivity gains in agriculture. CFM has a long history of involvement with research and development projects. Andrew Parkes is a committee member for the National Program for Sustainable Irrigation (NPSI) and a board director for Cotton Australia. This along with strong links to research through industry bodies including the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC), the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), the Cotton Catchment Communities Cooperative Research Centre (CCC CRC) and the Cooperative Research Centre for Spatial Information (CRCSI) ensure that CFM participate in and have access to a diverse range of university and government department trials and results.

The following research and development projects demonstrate CFM’s expertise in implement farming systems according to best management practice, environmental sustainability and productivity requirements.

Water Use Efficiencies

CFM has a proven track record in improving water use efficiencies by implementing innovative irrigation systems. Andrew Parkes has been nationally recognised by the Australian National Committee for Irrigation and Drainage (ANCID) for achieving increases in water use efficiencies of over 60% and net returns of 140% per unit of water.

Water use efficiency and variety trials are frequently carried out on CFM managed properties to determine the highest yielding crop varieties when limited water is available. CFM also applies, where possible, other water conservation systems including the use of on-farm water storage, water recycling and irrigation scheduling methods to conserve water.

Carbon Sequestration

CFM participates in carbon sequestration trial studies on CFM managed properties. Carbon sequestration is carried out to determine the effect of controlled traffic farming systems on the increase of soil carbon content. Soil samples are taken over a significant period of time to track the change in organic carbon content. Increasing organic carbon content can improve both soil health and productivity by adding essential nutrients and increasing soil water-holding capacity.

Andrew Parkes is a committee member for the National Program for Sustainable Irrigation (NPSI) and a board director for Cotton Australia. This along with strong links to research through industry bodies including the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC), the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), the Cotton Catchment Communities Cooperative Research Centre (CCC CRC) and the Cooperative Research Centre for Spatial Information (CRCSI) ensure that Customised Farm Management ( CFM ) participates in and has access to a diverse range of university and government department trials and results.
Biosecurity

Biosecurity is integral to best practice management and refers to all measures taken to eradicate unwanted pests and diseases.

CFM have adopted a number of practices to combat weed and pest incidence including crop monitoring via the Paddock Action Management (PAM) software program, farm hygiene and quarantine. Measures such as minimalistic farm layout and design, regular machinery cleaning, maintaining clean fence lines and controlling visitor access by designating visitor areas and restriction zones are integral in limiting the spread of pests and diseases. In addition, all seed purchased is germ, vigour and foreign seed tested to minimise pest, disease and weed risk.


Conservation & control traffic farming

Conservation farming techniques including minimum tillage and control traffic farming are critical, sustainable farming systems that underpin all CFM farming practices.

Conservation farming systems are designed to be flexible, responsive and work within the constraints of the environment rather than against it.

CFM implements control traffic farming systems to conserve soil and water by using surface cover (mulch) to minimise runoff and to improve the conditions for plant establishment and growth. Machinery implements are off-set by small increments each year, using 200mm accuracy GPS machinery systems to minimise interference from existing stubble.

Adopting minimum tillage techniques limits soil compaction to 13% of the total paddock area, increases moisture infiltration into the soil profile, maintains stubble coverage and minimises erosion. Scientific data has shown an increase of 25% in infiltration levels in existing stubble from 6mm per hour to above 8mm per hour. Reduction in erosion and improved soil structure and fertility levels allow for increased planting opportunities. Control traffic farming also allows operators to inter-row sow, lowers machinery, labour and maintenance costs and produces more reliable yields.

According to the Northern Territory (NT) Department of Primary Industries for conservation farming to be successful a farm management team must be capable of:

Best Management Practice (myBMP)

CFM currently utilise myBMP (my Best Management Practice), a cotton industry web-based tool, to ensure that farm operations on all cotton-producing properties adhere to best management principles and observe state legislative requirements. Each On Site Farm Operator (OSFO) conducts a self-audit by benchmarking management standards and on-farm practices against other growers in their region, ensuring operations are carried out to the highest standard.

OSFOs can then submit an application for myBMP industry accreditation. Gaining industry accreditation certifies properties as having adopted best management practices and recognised industry standards.

In addition to the myBMP cotton industry initiative, the Australian grains industry is currently in the process of delivering a benchmarking tool for grain producers. CFM is closely monitoring the Australia grain industry’s progress in developing the tool and is eager to see the results.

Farm Dam Restoration on Strathvean

The Australian agricultural industry has a direct responsibility to ensure that all agricultural operations observe the principles of environmental sustainability. CFM takes this responsibility very seriously and has implemented a number of environmentally sustainable projects on CFM operated properties.

In conjunction with the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s Dams to Habitat Program CFM has commenced farm dam restoration projects on CFM managed properties in Victoria. The addition of aquatic plants, a refuge habitat and protective fencing will allow for plant growth and attract increased numbers of the Growling Grass Frog (GGF). The GGF is recognised at state, national and international levels as a threatened species in Victoria. Projects such as these help to create a healthy aquatic ecosystem through sustained biodiversity gains.

GGF presence in farm dams is an indicator of good water quality and a healthy ecosystem. By creating habitats for GGF other biodiversity gains can be made including increased numbers of aquatic invertebrates and waterbirds.


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