Ahead of World Soil Day (5 December), Kellanova, formerly known as Kellogg Australia, has released a second year of annual research highlighting how farmers are feeling about the upcoming summer season and showcasing the steps they are taking to adjust to hotter and increasingly variable weather conditions.
Unpredictable weather patterns, largely due to climate change, has been highlighted as one of the main challenges facing Aussie farmers when it comes to continued farm productivity.
While 93% of Aussies believe the hotter temperatures will have an impact on Aussie farms this summer, Kellanova’s new research highlights that despite tough conditions, farmers have a positive outlook. Farmers have made changes to their farming program this year, to varying degrees, in anticipation of the extreme/unpredictable weather conditions with over half (52%) of farmers having made major changes.
This innovative approach to farming is a well-established, yet growing trend. Year-on-year figures show farmers are becoming increasingly knowledgeable and as a result, even more vigilant in future-proofing their farms. Half have sought training through industry organisations, and 33% have connected with other farmers to share knowledge.
“Our research shows farmers are recognising challenges ahead of time and making changes to adapt,’” said Renee McCarthy, Director of Corporate Affairs at Kellanova.
“Our partnership with the Cool Soil Initiative supports farmers with the tools they need to not only cope with change and uncertainty, but to thrive through it.”
Cool Soil Initiative
The Cool Soil Initiative is a ‘soil to spoon’ partnership involving around 200 wheat, corn and canola farmers, in partnership with Kellanova, Mars Petcare, Corson, PepsiCo, Manildra, Allied Pinnacle and Charles Sturt University, working with them in trialling farm management practices to help to improve soil health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
With healthy soil the key to resilient crops, programs like the Cool Soil Initiative are more integral than ever to help farmers access the resources and information they need to innovate.
“Investment in the Cool Soil Initiative from partners like Kellanova is important for strengthening Australian farming systems, helping to build resilience by improving soil health and yield, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” says Dr Cassandra Schefe, Principle Scientist of the Cool Soil Initiative.
“From 2017-2023 farmers in the Cool Soil Initiative reported some of the lowest emissions per tonne of crop, globally. Australian farmers are already sustainably producing low emission grain, and our program supports the continuous improvement of this practice.”
Kellanova’s involvement in the Cool Soil Initiative will help farmers identify farming practices that have a tangible and meaningful benefit for their long-term viability and livelihoods, protecting the future of farming and Australia’s grain industry.