For most mixed-farmers across Australia, the 2008 season is a significant sea change from that experienced over the past couple of years. Grain prices are up, soil moisture in many (but not all) regions is good and the temptation to go hell-for-leather on the cropping operation is there for many to chase. Mixed-farming, however, is about resilience and balance and about being proactive in facing the challenges and opportunities over many seasons and not simply the next one. This is something easier said than done, and as they say, these are interesting times we live in. How mixed farming moves forward from here is of great interest to Grain & Graze. Certainly our research findings continue to advocate diversity and balance.

With two months remaining in the current phase of the program, there is more than enough happening to attract the interest of mixed farmers across Australia. Guides, tools and workshops on grazing cereals are already available ahead of the latest planting period. Tips and hunches on managing biodiversity to manage and even in some cases to enhance the productivity of mixed-farms are also in the pipeline. And with most current-round Grain & Graze projects in the final stage of completion, knowledge sharing workshops, seminars and field days are lined up for all participating regions.

You can read all about these things and more in this latest e-Bulletin of Grain & Graze. In the meantime, all good things to you, your family and your partners in sustainable farming and may 2008 be wet under your feet.

Regards from the national team

Dr Richard Price - National Operations Coordinator
Gill Stewart - National Extension Coordinator
Merryn West - Communications Officer
Tom Dennis - Executive Officer