<![CDATA[WESTERN MURRAY LAND IMPROVEMENT GROUP INC. - Article Resources]]>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:43:33 +1100Weebly<![CDATA[Wakool Edwards Stronger Community Initiative]]>Mon, 21 May 2018 11:41:27 GMThttp://www.westernmurraylig.org/article-resources/wakool-edwards-stronger-community-initiative
Click here
Wakool Edwards Strong Communities Initiative (WESCI) represents the interests of the Wakool Edwards Region within the former Wakool Shire boundary of the Shire of Murray.

In May to August 2016, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority Initiated Water Community workshops as part of a research project aimed at improving community adaptability to water management changes. The Wakool Shire was selected to take part in this research project as the region was identified as being heavily affected by the water reform process.
At the completion of the final Water Community workshop, community leaders identified the need to form a community organisation to address the impact of structural changes to water policy in the Murray Darling Basin (MDB) and regional characteristics of low population, low rainfall and a high reliance on irrigation for revenue, and WESCI was formed.

]]><![CDATA[Priority Issues for Grain Growers]]>Thu, 15 Mar 2018 00:56:33 GMThttp://www.westernmurraylig.org/article-resources/priority-issues-for-grain-growers
Click here
]]><![CDATA[J-BAS, LPA NVD’s, Biosecurity Plans - confused? You are not the only one.]]>Mon, 30 Oct 2017 13:00:00 GMThttp://www.westernmurraylig.org/article-resources/j-bas-lpa-nvds-biosecurity-plans-confused-you-are-not-the-only-one
Click Here>
]]><![CDATA[JBAS Explained (We Hope)]]>Fri, 30 Jun 2017 14:00:00 GMThttp://www.westernmurraylig.org/article-resources/jbas-explained-we-hope
Click Here>
]]><![CDATA[Wildlife on Farms]]>Thu, 17 Sep 2015 14:00:00 GMThttp://www.westernmurraylig.org/article-resources/wildlife-on-farmsA Western Murray Land Improvement Group initiative supported through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program and Murray Local Land Services.

When: 18th September 2015
Where: ‘Ascot’, Moulamein NSW

​The Wildlife on Farms event looked at how food and fibre production systems can achieve environmental benefits.

Scientists on the day explained how farmers can further enhance environmental outcomes on their farms by incorporating improved farm planning and management practices into their farm system.

Mason Crane, a Senior Ecologist with The ANU outlined methods for protecting older hollow habitat trees and the importance of integrated pest management, such as fox control.

Mason says, ‘it takes around 150 years to produce a suitable hollow in a tree…….. Incorporating more trees into the paddock landscape with these valuable old trees has proven to really assist with their long term chances of survival’

On the host farm, owner Peter Redfearn talked about his farming and wildlife conservation experiences including a very successful decade long, Bush Stone Curlew breeding program. Peter also recently fenced of a 1000 acre area for conservation purposes.

As Damian says, ‘the way Peter integrates wildlife protection into the production system really is a good example of what this day is all about’. Damian Michael is a Senior Ecologist and Herpetologist with the Australian National University. He provided information on the reptile species composition and changes to abundance over the study period.

Neil Bull from the Ricegrowers Association (RGA) gave a broad overview of rice farming in the Murray Valley - water use, productivity, economic and environmental considerations.

Matt Herring gave an overview of research being conducted on irrigation farms including the widely popular Bitterns on Rice program. Matt discussed integrated water management projects for biodiversity and food production in the Murray-Darling Basin, such as incorporating wildlife friendly water storage designs into farms.
‘90% to 95% of wetland landscapes are on private land, so we are really not tapping into that conservation potential’.

Matt said ‘that my best (survey) results by far for the species that I am most interested in like these threatened water birds and frogs are coming from agricultural crops’.

The focus of today is all about win-wins, about agriculture and conservation working together. The idea of delivering environmental water for nature conservation outcomes where you might get a grazing benefit as well.

‘The Australasian Bittern is a perfect example it is globally endangered and you are looking at a bird with only about 2,500 individuals left.

Our survey last year showed that in about 67,000 hectares of rice you are looking at a population of between 500 and 1000 bitterns. ‘So these rice crops support the world’s largest known breeding population of one of the world’s most threatened water birds. It’s really quite incredible and but the Bitterns are just the beginning in many ways’.

Matt finished by saying that ‘it’s quite ironic that a lot of the water saving measures, can be really bad news for wildlife.

The presentations were followed by a farm nature walk and afternoon tea on the banks of the Murrain Yarrein Creek which is currently receiving an allocation of environmental water.

Over 30 people attended the day, keen to hear the results of long term on farm wildlife research in the Murray catchment from scientists and farmer experiences.
The Western Murray Land Improvement Group would like to thank the Moulamein Mens Shed for a great BBQ lunch, the many volunteers who helped on the day and local poet Tammy Muir who chaired the event and provided some entertaining poetry between presentations.
Highly recommend take a look at this clip (click on link).
https://www.dropbox.com/s/brzd4adq5eoh37i/SRI.mp4?dl=0
Lloyd Polkinghorne's Irrigation Moulamein Property and the conservation values of irrigation. 
​
Here are some links about enhancing farm dams (if links don't work copy and paste into your browser):
http://www.irrigationfutures.org.au/imagesDB/news/WebReady-casestudies.pdf
http://www.irrigationfutures.org.au/imagesdb/news/webreadyprinciples.pdf
http://www.murraywildlife.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Wah-Wah-Water-for-Wildlife-MANAGEMENT-GUIDE.pdf
Presentations: Matt Herring and Neil Bull
]]><![CDATA[Capitalising on Opportunities in the Sheep Industry]]>Sun, 06 Sep 2015 14:00:00 GMThttp://www.westernmurraylig.org/article-resources/capitalising-on-opportunities-in-the-sheep-industryA Central Murray Bestwool Bestlamb and Western Murray Land Improvement Group initiative
When: Monday September 7th 
Where: Wakool Services Club

Key industry presenters Jason Trompf and Mark Inglis spoke at an evening organised for sheep producers.  ​
Mark Inglis is the Farm Assurance and Supply Chain Manager with JBS Australia started the night by providing a hands-on and practical approach to carcase quality and feedback using his mobile carcase demonstration vehicle.
Quality feedback is necessary for producers to improve carcases, make specifications, change and improve genetic traits for better efficiencies and returns; and to respond to disease and see damage which affect trim rates and sheep health.  Mark will outlined current feedback strategies and likely improvements into the future.

Following on from Mark a dinner featuring local lamb was served and afterwards was a presentation by much sought after presenter Jason Trompf.

Jason Trompf, Farmer, consultant, and Chair of Best Wool Best Lamb, has played an instrumental role in developing, delivering and evaluating key industry extension programs such as Lifetime Ewe Management, Bred Well Fed Well, Best Wool Best Lamb and recently the More Lambs More Often Program.  Jason is passionate about enabling your farm and the industry to prosper by improving production and profit that ensure the wellbeing of the animals, humans and landscapers within our care.
Jason reports that the on-farm value of sheep meet and wool produced in Australia exceeds $5billion p/a with strong prospects for growth. However meeting current and future demand, particularly for sheep meat, while sustaining a viable ewe flocks in an ongoing challenge for the industry.

Jason’s presentation will outlined the recent changes in flock dynamics, including the implications, challenges and opportunities at a national and individual flock level.

JBS carcases and other donated carcases were auctioned on the night on behalf of Wakool and Moulamein Football and Netball clubs.
]]><![CDATA[Sheep EID Workshop Offers Continuous Improvement Opportunities, but you Need to Use the Data]]>Mon, 15 Jun 2015 14:00:00 GMThttp://www.westernmurraylig.org/article-resources/sheep-eid-workshop-offers-continuous-improvement-opportunities-but-you-need-to-use-the-data
Click Here>
]]><![CDATA[Sheep NLIS Information Day]]>Wed, 10 Jun 2015 14:00:00 GMThttp://www.westernmurraylig.org/article-resources/sheep-nlis-information-dayA Central Muray Bestwool Best Lamb and Western Murray Land Improvement Group initiative
When: Thursday 11th June
Where: “Weilmoringle”, Pental Island VIC

With the introduction of the National Livestock Identification System, there has been a number of changes to regulations and opportunities for improved data collection within the industry. To aid producers in becoming comfortable with the new system a Equipment Demonstration and Information Day was held.
Nathan Scott from Achieve AG Solutions provided a practical demonstration and information about;
  • How to use ear tag equipment (EID),
  •  Different manufacturers and service support,
  • Making use of the data for selection, culling and management decisions,
  • The National Livestock Identification System (NLIS).
​
Below: Nathan Scott talks about the advantages of using Electronic ID
For more information: Rick Ellis on 0428 372 357 or rick.ellis@wmlig.org
]]><![CDATA[Precision Ag Field Day]]>Mon, 23 Mar 2015 13:00:00 GMThttp://www.westernmurraylig.org/article-resources/precision-ag-field-day​​A Moulamein Cropping Group and Western Murray Land Improvement Group initiative 
When: Tuesday 24th March 2015
Where:  “Tiquito”, Dhuragoon NSW


“Practical Use of Your Data”. What are the road blocks?
  • How to utilise yield maps, cut and fill maps, NDVI imagery and soil tests to develop a variable rate nutrition prescription for your cropping program . Nathan Pate (Farmer) and Shayn Healy (CropRite).
  •  “Improving Water Use Efficiency”. Field moisture monitor practical demonstration and trial outcomes to date. Adrian Smith (Murray LLS) and Sam North (NSW DPI)
  • “Achieving High Yields in Irrigated Cropping”. 2014 Moulamein Cropping Group trial results. Alleena Burger (BR & C).
  • “Improving Soil Structure on Sodic Soils” - An overview of the upcoming Moulamein Cropping Group Trial. Alleena Burger (BR & C)
]]><![CDATA[Media Release: Pasture information night to help landholders get ewes through to spring]]>Tue, 17 Mar 2015 13:00:00 GMThttp://www.westernmurraylig.org/article-resources/media-release-pasture-information-night-to-help-landholders-get-ewes-through-to-spring
Click Here>
]]>