Young Farmer and Eco Champion ~ 2013 ~

 With the average age of Australian farmers border lining 53, and their sons and daughters not taking up the challenge of feeding the world around them, its become obvious that more and more young people need to start a new, fresh era of sustainable farming. Approximately 52% of Australia is actively farmed for livestock, cropping and horticultural products. Many farmers and their children are choosing to sell up their livelihoods and move out of the agricultural industry, so how are we to continue the largest and most diverse enterprise in Australia, in a sustainable way? ~ Australian Farmers ~

 The next generation can provide new aspects to:  Organic Farming - Providing a food source that is naturally grown without chemical waste and residue.  Extensive Farming - Producing off the land while also trying to preserve the natural elements of the environment.  Permaculture - Using the environment to aid in the production of agricultural products.  Rural permaculture typically involves the design of vegetable gardens and fruit tree orchards, windbreaks, commercial olive and involve farm plans which could include space for cattle production, bush land regeneration and land conservation.  Crop Rotation - Rotating the crops between a variety of paddocks to limit the need for fertilizer and to let the soil regenerate.  Managed Grazing - Managing the livestock and moving them into different paddocks to let the soil and plant life regenerate.  Integrated Pest Management - Providing a biological control for pests. This includes introducing another species such as ladybugs or wasps.  Apiculture - Farming bees. This produces honey and also fertilizes the surrounding flowers and trees.  Use of Alternative Energy - using wind and solar power to farm and provide energy for Australian farmers. ~ Sustainable Australian Farmers ~

 Last week we had the pleasure of meeting our Young Farmer and Eco Champion, Kylie Stretton. Kylie had visited us from her 100 acre Queensland property and shed new light onto the beef industry for us eager kids. As a small farm in North Queensland, Kylie and her family run 160 head of Brahman steers, along with managing a livestock agency for the surrounding areas. Us students found out that Queensland produces 50% of all of Australia's cattle, and that there are jobs within the beef industry, offering a wide variety of professions. ~ Young Farmer and Eco Champion ~

 To Kylie and her family, sustainability is of top priority. As Queensland has two seasons, wet and dry, Kylie sells her small amount of cattle before the wet seasons begin to allow her pasture to regrow for the following year. To further increase the productions of her pasture, the family adds a variety of natural grasses and plants to the pasture to increase variety. Creating artificial waterways also increases the amount of water that is available to her and her precious cattle. ~ Kylie’s Sustainability ~

 On behalf of Menai High, we would like to thank Kylie Stretton for visiting us from her Queensland Property. She is an amazing individual and very inspirational for us 'city' kids. ~ Thankyou ~