Editor’s Corner

No single solution can solve our food, climate, and cost problems. There is a complex set of food chains, soils, class of land and rainfall to tackle with no one set of rules working for everyone. Plus, there are those depressed markets.

We are told by those with a global view, change is needed to maintain our place in world markets. We also hear regenerative farming and farm plans will be the answer by policy makers. Changing the practices of thousands of farmers is not straight forward. Especially if it is driven by central government policy and not by real and genuine engagement with farmers and science. I could do a real rant on the topic. What I have faith in is, our food producers at grass roots, are innovative people. They need time to adopt a toolbox of genuine science based, proven solutions, yet to come on stream. My hope for the coming year is we attain policy that allows farming businesses to demonstrate real commitment to sustainability and a sustainable income too.

There is no simple quick fix! To incoming government policy makers, let us not forget the costly changes made in the last 10-15 years on thousands of farms. Cows are out of creeks, expensive bridges and dairy shed effluent systems are operative. Many farmers have gone into debt and even exited the industry to let this happen. Now, facing a season of higher costs, predicted drought, low returns and no clear sign of market improvement ahead it is no wonder farmers are saying to government, “We all need a break.”

I hope our farming readers have had a break over the festive season and filled up personal energy tanks with fun and good times. As we launch into 2024, we at Top South Farming wish each of you a good farming year and a sustainable future with reliable markets and climate. It is what every business craves.