The importance of the Glenelg Hopkins CMA region to national agricultural production continues to grow.
The 2015-16 gross value of agricultural commodity figures ranks the region first of Victoria’s 10 CMA regions and second highest of the 52 NRM regions nationally. According to data recently released from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, during the 2015-16 year farmers of the Glenelg Hopkins region produced agricultural commodities with a gross value of more than $2,165 million. This is an increase of almost 6% from 2014-15 figures and over 37% increase from 2011-12. Over the four-year period from 2011-12 to 2015-16, the gross value of regional farm commodities has experienced an average annual increase of over 8%.
‘This is an extraordinary achievement for farmers within our region, particularly considering in recent years, farmers have had to deal with climate extremes ranging from record rainfalls to periods of record drought.’ Said Kevin Wood CEO of Glenelg Hopkins CMA Glenelg Hopkins remains the largest producer of sheep products in the nation, with a 2015-16 value of over $826 million more than double the second ranked region, and second for whole milk production ($531 million).
The value of broad acre crops has fallen since 2013-14 but remains almost 30% higher than 2011- 12 figures. According to Meat and Livestock Australia, regional cattle numbers have fallen by 14%, but the gross value of this commodity has increased by 90%.
As demand for Australian produce increases, pressure on our farmers to increase production from the same acreage of land increases. It is important that the increase in intensive land use is balanced with practices that protect soil and make efficient use of available rainfall. ‘With the support of the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program, the CMA has played a very active role in assisting farmers to adapt to changes in climate, weather and markets; improve and protect soil condition while achieving profit and production targets’ said Mr Wood.
For information on the Glenelg Hopkins Sustainable Agriculture Project, learn more about sustainable farm practice or to get your Landcare or production group involved, contact Glenelg Hopkins CMA on 5571 2526.