Enviro News Asia, Canberra — Australian farmers continue to demonstrate strong leadership in sustainable land management and drought resilience, according to new data released in the Survey of Emissions and Natural Resource Management Practices in Australia, 2023–24.
The survey, published by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES), shows that 92 percent of all broadacre and dairy farms adopted at least one natural resource management (NRM) practice over the three years to 2023–24, reflecting high engagement with sustainable farming methods nationwide.
ABARES Executive Director Jared Greenville said the survey and its interactive dashboard provide critical insights into how farmers manage emissions, natural resources, and drought risks, including variations across regions.
The data indicate that 57 percent of broadacre and dairy farms undertook soil testing, making it one of the most widely adopted NRM practices. Uptake was highest in high-rainfall and wheat–sheep zones, while lower adoption was observed in pastoral areas. Improving farm sustainability and reducing production costs or increasing productivity were cited as the primary drivers for adopting NRM practices by around four in five farms.
The survey also highlights relatively low awareness of farm-level greenhouse gas emissions. Only seven percent of broadacre and dairy farmers reported knowing their farm’s net emissions, while an additional 12 percent expressed interest in gaining this information. Farms with emissions awareness tended to be larger in scale.
In terms of climate preparedness, 77 percent of broadacre and dairy farms adopted at least one drought-resilience practice during the same period. Adoption was highest in the wheat–sheep zone at 84 percent, compared with 72 percent in high-rainfall zones and 70 percent in pastoral zones.
ABARES noted that the survey supports evidence-based policy development and offers valuable insights into how Australian farmers are responding to environmental challenges while maintaining productive and resilient agricultural businesses. (*)
