New project helps build climate-ready livestock systems for EP farms

A new project is underway on the Eyre Peninsula to help livestock producers create stronger, more resilient farming systems to weather increasing challenges.

AIR EP launched Climate-Ready Livestock: Building Resilient Farming Systems on Eyre Peninsula in February, with support from the Eyre Peninsula Landscape Board and funding from the SA Government’s Landscape Priorities Fund.

Livestock producers are facing increasing pressure from dry seasons, declining water security, rising input costs and market volatility.
AIR EP Executive Officer Naomi Scholz said the project, which runs until the end of June 2027, will help farmers make informed decisions and strengthen their farming systems for the future.

“Livestock production is a highly valued part of the Eyre Peninsula’s agricultural sector, but it is also facing real challenges that have the potential to impact viability and farm productivity,” Ms Scholz said.

“Climate pressures are affecting water security, and dry seasons are impacting feed supply and pasture management. Rising costs for key inputs like diesel and fertiliser, and variability in market pricing and demand, are also impacting farmers. This project will give producers the knowledge, skills and practical tools to adapt, improve decision-making and strengthen their farming systems.”

Eyre Peninsula Landscape Board Operations Manager Libby Hunt said it’s great to see this valuable project get underway.

“We could see there was a gap in programs for local livestock producers, especially during the last dry period,” Ms Hunt said.

“Working with AIR EP, we’ve developed practical initiatives to support producers to make informed management decisions in response to challenges facing the sectors.”

Project activities began with the appointment of Livestock Co-ordinator Hannah Gordon. Originally from Coonalpyn, Hannah splits her time between farming with her father on the family farm, and with her partner at Kyancutta.

A producer-led Steering Committee, comprising 12 farmers and industry representatives from across the Eyre Peninsula, has helped identify the primary topics and content needed to support livestock producers, and will provide ongoing feedback and direction during the project.

Livestock Co-ordinator Hannah Gordon said the Steering Committee identified several challenges the project will aim to address.

“The Eyre Peninsula is home to a wide range of mixed farming systems, each adapted to its unique regional challenges and opportunities,” she said.

“All Eyre Peninsula mixed farming businesses share one thing in common: they are geographically isolated from livestock selling centres and the buyers of red meat and wool products.

“Additionally, recent seasons have brought highly variable climate and market conditions, highlighting the need for mixed farmers to be equipped with the tools to meet these challenges. Key challenges identified include increasingly variable rainfall, water security and quality, heat stress, animal health, variable pasture growth and pasture species to changing weather conditions.”

Through small group workshops, case studies and practical resources, farmers will learn more about topics including feed base management under climate stress, water security and efficiency, animal health and nutrition in changing conditions, using farm data and technology for better decisions, and livestock marketing and profitability.

“With Hannah’s technical knowledge, paired with the collective experience of the farmer-led Steering Committee, we’ve been able to develop a project that responds to the unique challenges EP livestock producers face,” Ms Scholz said.

Farmers came together in the project’s early stages for Sticky Beak Days supported by Australian Wool Innovation at Yallunda Flat and Yantanabie in February, and again in June for a Pasture ‘Walk n Talk’ event at White Flat. Ram health workshops were also held in July at Kyancutta and Charra, in partnership with Australian Wool Innovation and Zoetis Australia.

More workshops and online resources will be delivered over the coming months and during the first half of 2027.

EP livestock or mixed-farming producers interested in being involved can subscribe to the AIR EP newsletter for updates on upcoming events and resources at AIR EP Events.