Rob and Annabel Dulhunty, ‘Nant Lodge’ Glen Innes, NSW illustrate the financial and environmental value of understanding biodiversity on your farm.
The Dulhunty’s farm 1293 ha of land in three blocks and run a Stud and commercial fine wool Merino flock along with beef cattle fattening; with an annual rainfall between between 865 mm and 965 mm.
Realising a major capital works program was required to bring ‘Nant Lodge’ back into full production, Rob and Annabel took the opportunity to study property planning. They then re-designed the infrastructure and livestock enterprises from scratch.
The property has been entirely re-fenced to accommodate rotational grazing, fence out the riparian zone, introduce a laneway and plant shelterbelts.
They have also implemented a soil rejuvenation program, using a cropping phase to restore soil organic matter and structure before sowing down perennial pastures. The re-fencing of ‘Nant Lodge’ into 15 ha paddocks with a laneway has also facilitated rotational grazing.
Over the years Rob and Annabel have transformed ‘Nant Lodge’ into an award-winning farm. Their ambitious redevelopment program has cost about $400,000 in the 10 years since 1994, but the benefits are already clear to see.
Financially they have turned their business around, expanded the operation, developed a Merino stud, diversified their investments base and achieved a high level of productivity despite two major droughts in 10 years. Environmentally they have restored shade, shelter and healthy aquatic ecosystems to ‘Nant Lodge’.
From a biodversity viewpoint, thirty thousand native trees and shrubs are recreating a milder, more productive tree and shrub microenvironment which is attracting wildlife and native birds back. By undertaking Landcare works, the tax advantages,coupled with funding assistance, means that only 20 per cent of outlays on improvements are a real cost.
Establishment of tree corridors throughout the property has attracted wildlife and native birds
This example is reproduced from the Land, Water and Wool Insights brochure of Case studies on how woolgrowers are successfully managing native vegetation and biodiversity for profit and sustainability.
