Chapter six

Future considerations

This is not the first time farmers have needed to be resilient and work out solutions to problems. Farmers have always worked with a level of climate variability. In 50 to 100 years time, South Australian agriculture may be quite different; it is hoped that it will have adapted to new climatic conditions with a high level of success, with farmers making the most of new opportunities.

Monitoring

To confirm that you are on the right track, you will need to keep records of:

  • Conditions on your farm.
  • The management actions you apply.
  • The responses from the land and the production results you achieve that result from your actions.
  • The changes you make.
  • The investments you make, and how and where you make them.
  • The outcomes you experience, whether or not they result from your actions.

Review

With your experience, captured in the records you have collected, you will be well positioned to review your strategy in managing climate change on your property. A review should be carried out regularly, say annually, perhaps more or less frequently, depending on the circumstances:

  • Were the results what you intended?
  • Did you invest time, effort or money in the right place at the right time?
  • Did you invest too much, or too little?
  • Was your strategy right for your business at this time?
  • What do you need to do differently, and in what time-frame?
  • Do you need more information or outside, specialist assistance?

Good luck!

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