Ideas on the agenda for Mallee Sustainable Farming
Tuesday, 5 September 2017
After 20 years of dedicated research and extension work into farming and livestock, Mallee Sustainable Farming is preparing to expand its investigative agenda, starting a conversation with Mallee farmers about how best to tackle a broader range of future threats and opportunities.
Newly appointed Mallee Sustainable Farming Executive Officer David Bone says while agronomy and livestock research will always be at the core of MSF’s focus, the recent MSF conference on the Mallee’s Future in the Global Food System showed farmers were definitely interested in looking at the bigger picture issues around operating a farm business in an environment of rapidly advancing technology.
‘Sustainability is simply another way of saying planning for the future and Mallee Sustainable Farming has spent the last two decades proving just that, building a proud reputation for innovative research, quality extension and collaborative partnerships.’
‘Now we think the time is right to leverage of MSF’s research and extension experience, by beginning a conversation with our members about what ideas they have for a broader research agenda, tackling some of the challenges in running a farm business beyond just the farming.’
David Bone says Mallee Sustainable Farming has always been farmer led and this conversation is no different, with MSF farmer members able to put up any ideas for discussion and consideration.
‘It’s hard to come up with an idea when put on the spot, so a couple of the questions I’ve been using to help start the conversation with MSF members include what is it about farming you are passionate about and what issues keep you awake at night?’
He says some of the areas already identified include transport and logistics issues, attracting and retaining the highly technical labour force the future will require and how technology will change the business of farm management.
Any Mallee farmers who would like to contribute their thoughts to Mallee Sustainable Farming’s ideas agenda can become MSF members for free by visiting www.msfp.org.au.
Contact: David Bone, Executive Officer, Mallee Sustainable Farming 0407 111 630 / 03 5024 5835
