Simon Park – A Change is in the Water

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Climate variability

Over the past 100 years Victorian rainfall and temperature has fluctuated significantly, with huge variations in year to year totals. Recent climate trends have been somewhat less variable, with persistent warm and dry conditions being experienced all over the state.

Planning for seasonal weather variability as well as longer term changing trends will reduce business risk by enabling management of any season experienced, particularly ones like the recent dry.

Simon Park, a dairy farmer from Wonthaggi, is no stranger to a variable climate. Simon’s family has been farming in the Wonthaggi area since 1917 and over this time they have seen many extremes in climate, especially in rainfall and temperature.

Wonthaggi has a long term rainfall average of 935 mm per year, the average since 1996 is 922 mm per year, and the average for the past three years is 761 mm. This variability in rainfall has caused some problems when it comes to managing water reliability on the farm.

The farm is 140 hectares and Simon runs 600 head, of which 330 are milkers. Simon’s situation has changed dramatically during the past decade. He used to use around 20 megalitres of mains water a year to run his business, including washing down his dairy, yards and for stock water.

However, with water becoming ever scarcer and the mains price climbing, Simon knew something had to change. Simon was not waiting for another wet season before acting. He is currently improving his system to manage water supply in a variable climate.

How has Simon prepared for farming in a variable climate?

Simon has vastly improved the reliability of his stock water supply by improving the capture of water into an on-farm storage facility.

Simon was able to do this by consulting with his local water and catchment authorities to ensure modifications met with appropriate permits and licences and without disrupting waterways. Simon has estimated that the improved water storage only needs 25 millimetres of rain to fill, although during the last summer it dropped quite low.

The storage system improvements cost $20,000 to develop and Simon calculated that it is saving around $14,000 per year due to reduced town water costs ($900 per megalitre). The supply of water from naturally harvested sources is now supported by the option of mains water when required. As Simon puts it, “I thought that if I could cut down my town water usage, there’d be more for everyone else.”

There have been some water quality issues with salt. However, on the whole Simon believes that the improved storage system has been a really positive investment. Simon suggests that farmers may need up to 100,000 litres of storage per cow.

In addition to the improved storage system, Simon has also installed a flood wash system to wash down the dairy yards and new feedpad, with water from his effluent pond. “Using recycled water for yard washing will significantly reduce the farm’s total water use,” Simon said.

Reducing reliance on town water and reducing overall water use were only the first steps in Simon’s battle to reduce the impact of climate variability on farm. Simon stated that the climate last year was not too bad, with some really hot days that at times exceeded 40 degrees Celsius. Shade cloth to keep cows cool and a balanced diet with plenty of drinking water were strategies that ensured the cows could handle the hot conditions.

Other ways that Simon is managing the variable climate include installing a new shed for storing surplus hay and bunkers for grain. He also leases 200 acres for the rising two year olds, which reduces feed pressure and stocking rates in his paddocks.

Future plans

Future goals for Simon’s farm are to irrigate his pastures using recycled water from the neighbouring sewage plant. If it goes ahead it will be in operation by November 2009, but as Simon says “nobody knows what the future will hold”.

Another long term goal of Simon’s is to simplify the dairy farm system. He also plans to upgrade the existing dairy and install stall gates. Another change that Simon has in mind is to capture the rainfall off his sheds with tanks.

Simon believes in the cyclical nature of the climate. He has plans therefore to continue management of climate variability on his property. Simon states that “he is not sure about climate change” yet. “Sprinklers will be introduced on the feedpad to manage cow heat stress, this will require quite a bit of water,” Simon said. “There are currently sprinklers in the yard, however, they are not well set up and often wet the milkers!”

Summary of Simon’s changes

• Modifying a storage system to capture more run off.
• Looking into irrigating with reclaimed water.
• Feedpad allows feeding flexibility.
• The flood wash system will use recycled effluent to clean the 400 head feedpad.
• Putting in tank and pump to maximise use of rainwater from shedding.
• Hay and grain storage capacity increased.

Take home messages

• The climate is extremely variable but there are many things that can be done to reduce the risk.
• You don’t have to be a climate change ‘believer’ to manage climate risk.
• Be proactive about your water situation rather than reactive.
• Know your farm’s position:
  1. Is the water situation on your farm vulnerable?
  2. What will your water requirements be in the future?
• Consult professionals and regulators when undertaking on farm works.
• If you’re planning to divert water from a channel, waterway, drain or dam for stock, dairy shed or irrigation, make sure you have the appropriate permits and licences. Call the relevant Rural Water Corporation and/or Catchment Management Authority to find out details.
• Farmers have always been great adapters, this will continue into the future.

For more information

Water Licensing - Souther Rural Water 1300 139 510 or www.srw.com.au

Water Licensing - Goulburn-Murray Water 03 5833 5500 or www.g-mwater.com.au

Water and dairying - www.dairyextension.com.au (Click water and climate change)

Dairy Australia’s climate and environment information - www.dairyingfortomorrow.com

DPI is seeking positive and practical stories about climate change action. Contact us on 136 186 if you have a story to share.

View all the Farmers Taking Action case studies online at www.dpi.vic.gov.au/climaterisk

Through the Future Farming Strategy, the Victorian Government is providing information to enable farm businesses to plan for climate change.