Eyre Peninsula farmers taking part in national landholder study

More than 1500 farmers across South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula have been selected to take part in a survey about land and farm management practices. So far, over 340 landholders have filled in and returned their surveys, but it’s not too late to participate and we would welcome a few more farmers to take part in this important study for the region.

Led by Southern Cross University and developed with local partners, the Soil CRC Rural Landholder Survey aims to understand what land and farm management practices farmers undertake, and why they choose the farming methods they do.

“The most important element of healthy soils and a resilient farming system are the decisions made by farmers about their farm,” said Project Leader Dr Hanabeth Luke from Southern Cross University.

“This latest survey builds on the farmer survey we ran in 2020, and will be able to determine trends occurring on the Eyre Peninsula over time.”

“Eyre Peninsula farmers have told me it’s been a challenging year for many, but the way farmers manage their farms in this region can provide useful insights for industry groups here and farmers elsewhere.

“We want to identify the top priorities for farmers on the Eyre Peninsula, and what sorts of information, technology and technical support they need to help build future resilience. A survey is a really useful way to bring many voices together, so landholders are urged to take the time to have their say about what matters to them.”

Landholders are being asked about their assessment of issues, long-term plans, enterprise mix and where they access information about farming and land management, to identify factors shaping land management in the region.

“Results from the 2020 survey have already helped to guide farmer engagement and strategic planning on the Eyre Peninsula,” said Dr Luke.

The survey has been co-designed with local Soil CRC partner Ag Innovation and Research Eyre Peninsula (AIR EP) as well as the Eyre Peninsula Landscape Board. Ensuring the questions are regionally relevant and useful enables targeted support can be offered to landholders.

AIR EP Executive Officer Naomi Scholz said the organisation was excited to work with Dr Luke and Soil CRC researchers to deliver a project that enables them to have solid information about what farmers on the Eyre Peninsula are needing from them right now.

“AIR EP was involved in the Soil CRC’s earlier landholder survey and used the results as a springboard to bring projects and funding into the region, and to inform our strategic plan,” she said.

“For example, since the first survey identified that younger farmers were feeling less supported, we have undertaken quite a lot of work trying to improve the ways in which we engage and support them, many of whom are at a very busy stage of life, with young families.

“We’re grateful to those farmers who have already completed the survey, and we encourage all local landholders to get involved so they can help direct our activities, including research, development and extension, that will benefit the whole community.”

The survey is part of a national Soil CRC study focused on six farming regions. Around 3500 landholders from the Eyre Peninsula, Tasmania, North Central Victoria, the West Australian Wheatbelt and Central West NSW have already taken part.

“We’re gathering a national data set to gain an understanding of what’s happening for Australian farmers and for our agricultural soils,” said Dr Luke.

“This supports increased end-user engagement and adoption, with the aim of improving soil management, farming productivity and, ultimately, the adaptive capacity of farming systems across Australia.”

The activities of the Soil CRC are funded by the Australian Government’s Cooperative Research Centre Program.

Reports from previous surveys can be viewed on the Soil CRC website.

Survey details

Complete the survey before 31 January 2025.

Complete the online survey to help guide farmer engagement and funding in the Eyre Peninsula.

Use the serial number included in paper notices when you complete it.

The survey will take 30-50 minutes to complete. No individual landholder will be identified in the reporting.

Survey link: Eyre Peninsula landholder survey

For more information about participating in the survey, contact Dr Hanabeth Luke at  hanabeth.luke@scu.edu.au, or call 1800 317 503.