Meet the latest in our Climate-Smart Farmer in Focus series, Sam McCardel. After completing the 2018 Victorian Fellowship, Sam was inspired to make significant changes to his farm in Whroo, northern Victoria.
Through the power of pig manure, Sam has been able to transform his property and turn it into a successful farm operation.
"The water-holding capacity of the soil has dramatically improved, and the life in the soil just writhes out of the musky rich dark loam. The soil has come back to life. The diversity of the grasses has also increased and the rootstock depth has improved dramatically. That’s why we can now stand the drought when neighbouring properties can’t so well."
You can read Sam’s story and apply to be a part of the 2020 Victorian Fellowship program through the link in our bio.
#aussiefarmers #farmersforclimateaction #climateaction #climatesmartagriculture
Are you excited for Part 1 of our Regional Horizons Summit tomorrow? Flossy certainly is.
Professor Lesley Hughes, Climate Council and Macquarie University, will provide an overview of the climate change science in Australia, while Russell Mehmet, Willis Towers Watson, will help us to understand the future outlook for insurance, in particular farm insurance in light of climate change.
Follow the link in our bio to upcoming events to RSVP if you haven’t already! #paws4climate
The next episode of our podcast, Over the Fence, is now live! We talk to journalist, farmer and author Gabrielle Chan about rural politics, life on the farm and how climate change is affecting Australia’s food sector. Find it by searching Over the Fence where ever you get your podcast and leave a review!
With heavy hearts we bid farewell to Verity Morgan-Schmidt today as she leaves Farmers for Climate Action to take on new, exciting challenges that will see her continue her amazing work as a champion of Australian agriculture. Verity's passion, energy and vast knowledge has driven FCA's emergence as a leader in the space where climate solutions and farming intersect. In her three and a half years with FCA, first as our inaugural CEO and then as Policy and Partnerships Director, the voices of farmers around the country were heard loud and clear and climate policy across the industry began a transformation. Everyone at FCA will miss her immensely and we consider it a real honour and privilege to have been part of her incredible journey which we have no doubt will see Verity play a vital role in shaping a thriving farming sector for decades to come. Thank you Verity and the very best of luck.
"The National Climate Change and Agricultural Work Program would be a great asset for farmers like us, hungry for information and incentives to help guide and assist our aims at being mainstream suppliers of low carbon salads." - Wemen farmer Andrew Young on one of the components of our Regional Horizons proposal. See the whole proposal by heading to the link in our bio.
We have a new website! You can still find everything at farmersforclimateaction.org.au but with a whole new look! Check it out!!
Our latest farmer(s) in focus are Narromine farmers Karin Stark and Jon Elder. They installed the largest solar diesel hybrid irrigation pump in the country in 2018 and are strong advocates for the benefits of renewables on-farm. Read more about Karin and Jon by clicking the link in our bio!
The latest episode of our podcast 'Over the Fence' is online! We speak with Judy Brewer about her experience as a farmer and her involvement in rural and regional community organisations. Listen to this episode now by searching 'Over the Fence' wherever you get your podcasts or clicking the link in our bio.
Have you listened to the latest episode of Over the Fence? Fiona and Cam speak to Matt Grogan and Matt Charles-John about from Totally Renewable Yackandandah.
The episode can be found on all major podcast apps or by following the links in our bio.
#climateactionnow #totallyrenewableyackandandah #communityenergy
It is not to late to sign up to be attend the Wagga Wagga climate change, drought and community resilience forum. This is the first in a series of forums which will present the latest in climate change science, explore the impacts of climate change that communities are already facing and discuss strategies to help communities through the next few weeks, months and years. The forums will also provide the community with tools to go out and create the community change they want to see.
Guest speakers include Dr Rob Gordon, Professor Mark Howden, Denis Ginnivan and Wendy Cohen
For more information and to RSVP, follow the link in our bio and click on Community Resilience Forums.
#aussiefarmers #farmingforever #climateactionnow
We are very excited to launch our podcast, Over the Fence! It's a chance to look 'Over the Fence' at how regional communities are responding to climate change, sharing lessons & stories of success so we can learn together. Our first episode is with Cathy McGowan, former independent MP for Indi. Subscribe by searching ‘Farmers for Climate Action’ or ‘Over the Fence’ wherever you get your podcasts.
“Australians want climate action. We’ve had time to reflect on the mistakes of the past. Let’s set a new direction and have a sustainable and safer future for everyone.” - Brett Hall, FCA Board Director #farmersforclimateaction #showourcolours #climateactionnow #aussiefarmers #australianag
I love spending time with my father out on the farm when I’ve finished work for the day. It’s even better when I get to be with lambs as cute as this little one.
I’ve witnessed the first hand effects of climate change on my family farm, which drives me to fight for climate action both on farm and across Australia. - Claire Boyle, FCA Project officer
#farmingforever #climateaction #australianfarming
Happy Earth Day!
This gorgeous photo was taken by FCA board member and Longreach grazier, Angus Emmott (@angusemmottphotography). The theme for this year is climate action. We’re proud that we have over 5,000 farmers in our movement who, like Angus, are committed to achieving climate solutions both on and off farm.
Join us and farmers across the country by following the link in our bio. #earthday #earthday2020 #climateactionnow
When governments shift their focus to recovery, we must see large amounts of stimulus flow to the regions. Here’s to more farmer delegations to Canberra (when it’s allowed again!) to ensure sustainable and thriving regional communities well into the future. #aussiefarmers #farmersforclimateaction #australianagriculture
While we are all grappling with Covid-19 disruption, climate impacts haven’t slowed. Our farmers remain committed to a sustainable future and the move to a zero net emissions, which includes their own role mitigating climate change. This pic was taken by Charlie Prell at his farm in Crookwell. #aussiefarmers #farmersforclimateaction #climateactionnow
We now have a phone number! Give us a call any week day - or leave a message over the weekend - on 1800 491 633. We’d love to hear from you.
The Indian Ocean Dipole was a big player in the drought and record temps last year. What is it and how will it impact our changing climate? Join our webinar tomorrow night with Dr Nerilee Abram from the ANU to learn more. Register via the link in our bio! Photo via @angusemmottphotography
With so much focus on food right now, we want to help you show where it comes from. Post a pic of the favourite place on your property, tag us and we’ll share it! #aussiefarmers
Working from home not all it’s cracked up to be?
Today is ‘Take A Walk In The Park Day’, which we reckon is a good reminder to get outside and connect with the environment. Especially while practicing social isolation. Here’s a few friends showing us how it’s done! #dogsofinstagram #australianfarming #paws4climate
Weekends can be tough while we’re all doing our bit to flatten the curve of Covid-19. We prepared this graphic with our top tips to stay connected. Leave a comment if there’s anything you’d add! #covid_19
Struggling to keep track of what is/isn’t open? We’ve got you covered! Share this picture around so everyone is on the same page and message us if you have any questions! #covid_19
In this difficult time with increased isolation for an already isolated population, we want to acknowledge the incredible companionship provided by the farm dogs across Australia. We know that there are dogs who will be providing much needed support to many in rural communities. FCA would love to hear how you are managing the uncertainty and see any photos of your dogs which may brighten a grey day. #farmersforclimateaction #farmingforever #paws4climate
We took a group of farmers to parliament in September last year to tell pollies about their experiences with climate change and to launch our ‘Change in the Air’ report calling for a national strategy on climate and agriculture. With the spread of COVID-19 affecting Australia, we’re committed to ensuring politicians keep hearing from us. Extreme weather continues regardless of this virus and so will we. #farmingforever #aussiefarmers #australianagriculture #climateactionnow
We've put together a statement on how the spread of COVID-19 will affect our work and how you can help us continue to support farmers and rural Australians. Read it by clicking the link in our bio and choosing ‘our website’. #farmersforclimateaction #aussiefarming #covid_19 #agriculture
"The BAMS annual State of the Climate Report, by 528 climate scientists from 61 countries, said only 2015 and 2016 were hotter than 2019, based on records dating to the mid- to late 1800s.
"Each decade since 1980 has been successively warmer than the preceding one, with the most recent (2010-2019) being around 0.2 degrees warmer globally than the previous (2000–09)."
Last year was one of three warmest on record, researchers find
www.smh.com.au
The report, by 528 climate scientists from 61 countries, said only 2015 and 2016 were hotter than 2019, based on records dating to the mid- to late 1800s.Have you registered for Part Three of the Regional Horizons Summit? This session helps farmers begin planning practical strategies on their farm to help their farm business not just survive but thrive.
We will hear from Associate Professor Lauren Rickards, RMIT University, who will provide an overview of ways that farmers and communities can build resilience, and Cam Nicholson, Agronomist, who will provide a framework for on farm decision making.
This free and online event will be held on 21 August at 12pm AEST. Register now:
Regional Horizons Summit Part 3 | Farmers for Climate Action
farmersforclimateaction.org.au
Farmers for climate action represent more than 5000 farmers across Australia. Our supporter base includes over 22,000 Australians committed to climate action for agriculture. Together we are working to ensure farmers are a key part of the solution to climate change."Amid the epic disruption caused by the bushfires and Covid-19 lies a unique opportunity for Australia, according to Prof Mark Howden, director of the Climate Change Institute at the Australian National University.
"Here, the monumental task of rebuilding bushfire-ravaged regions has coincided with the sore need for stimulus to combat the coronavirus downturn. Done right, a response designed to straddle both disasters could create jobs, develop regional economies, install better energy systems and lower emissions all at once, says Howden."
‘A story of hope’: how the Covid downturn could help Australia rebuild from its black summer
www.theguardian.com
Rebuilding bushfire-ravaged areas during a pandemic has been a huge challenge. One group of survivors is embracing the opportunity to roll out sustainable fire-proof homesComment on Facebook Rebuilding ...
👍 Wayne
All true. However the LNP has no intention of doing what is right for Australia's future. They have been bought by the coal and gas corporations and they intend to misuse vast amounts of tax payer's money to subsidize these tax avoiding corporations to wreck our land, water and climate.
"The iconic mining city of Broken Hill in the far west of New South Wales is set to host one of the world’s largest renewable mini-grids, powered almost entirely by solar, wind and grid scale storage.
"'The proposal comes from the transmission company Transgrid, which says it is seizing on the opportunity to replace the city’s ageing back-up diesel generators with '21st century technology'.""
Mining city Broken Hill to host one of world’s biggest renewable micro-grids
reneweconomy.com.au
Mining city of Broken Hill likely to be powered by one of the biggest renewable energy micro-grids in the world, and its good news too for the state’s biggest solar farms.Comment on Facebook Mining city of ...
Forward thinking is what australia needs ....good idea
Steve Chinner
Zeta Bennett
"Australia’s peak medical groups representing GPs, emergency doctors, obstetricians and psychiatrists have written to Prime Minister Scott Morrison urging him to make climate change action a part of the COVID-19 economic response.
"The letter, co-ordinated by the Doctors for the Environment Australia, notes the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change are two global health emergencies the nation must respond to."
Medical groups call for a climate-focused COVID-19 recovery
thenewdaily.com.au
Many of the medical professionals on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic are urging the Australian government to also act on climate change.Comment on Facebook Many of the medical ...
The election for Australian government is being held in November this year, except Australians don't get to vote. If Democrats win and implement AOC's green policy, Australia will be forced by tarrifs to finally transition to a carbon-neutral economy. All the same, Scummo, spokesmodel for the coal industry, will do all he can to prop up gas and maybe even nuclear.
I do worry that people who have recovered from COVID-19 may suffer complications resulting from the toxins in bushfire smoke in future fires
Economy growth MONEY. That request way over his head🤷
Good luck with getting Schomo to listen. His ears are only cosmetic
Write to the Bank CEOs
In 2019, Australia had its driest spring on record, underpinning a horrific bushfire season for multiple states and territories. This year, spring is shaping up to be much wetter for most of the country, with the odds of La Niña increasing. Image: BoM
BHP withdraws support for Australia's use of Kyoto carryover credits to meet Paris target. Australia wants to use these credits to meet its targets but has been widely condemned for “cheating”. Experts say there is no legal basis to use the credits.
BHP withdraws support for Australia's use of carryover credits to meet emissions target
Activist investor group welcomes miner’s change of mind, saying Minerals Council should follow suit
www.theguardian.com
So much interest in #compost for broadacre farming we had to move to the rec centre! Ken Bailey teaching us some of the secrets to #soilhealth @NACC_NRM @NACCagriculture
AGL seeks approval for 500MW big battery at site of Liddell #coal generator
AGL seeks approval for 500MW big battery at site of Liddell coal generator
AGL announced planning application for a big battery of up to 500MW at Liddell coal generator, and another big battery at the ageing Torrens gas gener...
ow.ly
Since the onset of COVID-19, many regional newspapers have ceased hard copy editions and moved online. Barnaby Joyce wants a healthy regional newspaper network, and will join Monday's #QandA panel. What's your question for him? | @abcnews https://ab.co/3fSHOTY
