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Lake View
Lake Cowal, NSW

Expression of Interest
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A. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Lake View: A Strong View on Sustainability

Lake View is a wholesale farm based on the eastern side of Lake Cowal in the Lachlan
catchment. South-west of Forbes, it boasts a number of native species. The farm prides itself
on producing consistently high quality products in an ethically and environmentally
sustainable way. Enterprises include lamb and wheat production, which are fitted to the semi-
arid climate and subpar soil of the region. Dual-purpose wheat, in conjunction with Sudan
grass, enables year-round availability of the finest pastures.

The farm has successfully tackled numerous issues, such as low rainfall, unreliable access to
irrigation and mining. Erosion and dryland salinity are ever-present threats. Typical soils of
Lake View are low in organic carbon and of poor quality, properties that are unsuitable for a
wide variety of crops.

Against all odds, the vigilant production strategies adopted at Lake View has enabled
broadacre farming and livestock grazing. Precision agriculture, rotational cropping and
carbon sequestration are only some of the many environmentally sustainable practices
performed on the farm.

In addition, livestock production at Lake View is in compliance with the Australian Animal
Welfare Standards and Guidelines. The farm is located between Albury and Bathurst,
allowing efficient delivery to either of these ports. This reduces the risk of any issues that
may arise during transport.
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B. LOCATION
Lake View is a property of 1500 ha located 57 km south-west of Forbes on the eastern side of
Lake Cowal (Figure 1). It is part of the Lachlan catchment, a region within Central Western
NSW.

On the boundaries of the south-eastern temperate and semi-arid zones, the temperature ranges
from 11.7C to 37.2C (Figure 2) (Bureau of Meteorology [BM] 2016a). The annual mean
temperature is 23.5C. Lake View is typically dry year round, receiving 392.2 mm of rain
annually (Figure 3) (BM 2016b).

40
35
30
Temperature (C)

25
20
15
10
5
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Month
Mean minimum temperature: 21.8C Maximum Temperature (C)
Mean maximum temperature: 25.5C Minimum Temperature (C)

Figure 2: Minimum and maximum temperature of Lake View

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60 35

50 30

Temperature (C)
25
Rainfall (mm) 40
20
30
15
20
10
10 5

0 0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Month
Mean annual temperature: 23.5C Rainfall (mm)
Mean annual rainfall: 392.2 mm Temperature (C)

Figure 3: Mean monthly rainfall and temperature of Lake View

Lake View is located outside the borders of the Jemalong Irrigation System (Jemalong
Irrigation 2014). The main source of water is Lake Cowal, which allows for irrigation when
filled (Department of the Environment [DE] 2011). Surface water is received via Bland Creek
(south) and the Lachlan River (north). As an ephemeral lake, it is subject to flood/drought
cycles (LCF 2014). Groundwater is classified as Moderate-Marginal and suitable for stock
(Green et al. 2011)

Lake View consists primarily of grey/brown self-mulching vertosol (clay) soils (Figure 4)
(Office of Environment & Heritage [OEH] 2010a). These soils are highly compacted and low
in organic carbon, resulting in poor soil structure (LCF 2014). With proper management
strategies the soil is suitable for grazing and dryland cropping (Green et al. 2011).

10%

40% Grey/Brown Vertisols

20%
Red Chromosols
Red Sodosols
Grey/Brown Sodosols

30%

Figure 4: Soil of Lake View (Adapted from Australian Soil Resource Information System 2010)
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There are 411 flora, 277 bird, 72 terrestrial animal, 14 fish and 49 macroinvertebrate species
located in the region (LCF 2014). Of these, 88 species are listed as endangered or vulnerable
(Figure 5) (OEH 2010b).
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C. CATCHMENT
The Lachlan catchment occupies an area of 86,554 km2 (DE 2011). Centred on the Lachlan
River, it is bordered by the Great Dividing Range (east), the Macquarie (north), the
Murrumbidgee (south) and the Darling catchment (north-west). Land use is dominated by
agriculture, with 75% used for livestock grazing and 15% for dryland cropping (Green et. al
2011). The catchment contributes to 14% of NSWs agriculture (Lachlan Catchment
Management Authority [CMA] 2010).

Extensive agriculture, land clearing and overgrazing have had detrimental effects on the land
(LCF 2014). Dryland salinity, soil acidity and degrading soil structure affect Lake View (DPI
2006). Lake Cowal is nationally important because it supports a number of threatened species
(Central West [CW] CMA 2014). Consequently, loss of habitat and biodiversity are major
issues. Drought and flooding also impact the environment (CSIRO 2007). Additionally, Lake
Cowal has been mined for gold since 2005 by Evolution Mining (Evolution Mining 2015).
Contamination of the lake is feared (LCF 2014). A study assessing the mines effect found
that plant uptake of heavy metals was increased (Ryan & Cattle 2008).

To alleviate these issues a Catchment Action Plan was developed by the CW CMA in 2011.
It aims to increase farm resilience to biological and climatic variability, improve water
quality and conserve biodiversity (Figure 6).
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D. POTENTIAL PRODUCTS
Low water availability and land degradation limit the choice of viable products. The region
supports mainly dryland agriculture and livestock grazing (Figure 7).

Lamb Production
Lamb meat production is highly suitable for Lake View due to favourable climate and soils
(CW CMA 2014). This product is valued at $65.4 million in the Central West, 6.3% of
NSWs total production (DPI 2012b). However, environmental issues including enteric
emission of methane must be considered. Enteric fermentation accounts for 66% of
agricultural emissions (Figure 8). Concerns of transport can be alleviated by complying with
the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines (Animal Health Australia [AHA]
2014).
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Native Livestock Production

Exotic meat, such as kangaroo, has become a commonality in the Australian food market.
Kangaroos have a lower carbon footprint compared to other livestock, attributed to their
decreased emission of methane (Wilson & Edwards 2008). Kangaroos are considered pests,
however, capable of destroying native vegetation and impacting on soil (Grigg 1987). Soil at
Lake View is already poorly structured. This enterprise is marginally suitable.

Irrigated Crops
Irrigation is only possible when Lake Cowal is filled. Annual crops that require sufficient
water could be grown with careful planning and understanding (Bongiovanni & Lowenberg-
Deboer 2004). However, due to unreliability and climatic variability, this product is only
marginally suitable.

Dryland Crops
Wheat is highly suitable for Lake View. It is successfully grown in high temperatures and can
survive droughts (Gifford 1979). Its dual-purpose nature means it is can be used to produce
grain, hay and feed (DPI 2005a). Strategies such as the use of organic fertilisers, rotational
grazing and no tillage reduce environmental impacts (Duncan & Dorrough, 2009).

To increase sustainability and profitability, dual-purpose wheat is grown in conjunction with

lamb production in a mixed-farming system.
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E. SELECTED PRODUCTS
Lake View will provide lamb and wheat products to Colworth & Co. Ltd. Dual-purpose
wheat may be sold or used as a high quality feed for lambs, ensuring the production of high
quality meat. The 1500 ha farm supports 2000 sheep with a DSE/ha of 1.33. This is an
acceptable level that accounts for Lake Views size and land properties (DPI 2010). The farm
has adopted an agro-ecological approach to increase sustainability, reduce environmental
impacts and improve profitability.

Best management practices are followed to produce high quality, environmentally sustainable
products (Figure 9). Grazing of sheep is rotated across paddocks, which allows sufficient
recovery and prevents overgrazing. Manure is used as an organic fertiliser and perennial
pastures provide groundcover. Prior to grazing, each paddock is assessed to determine
whether it is of suitable condition. Methods involved in precision agriculture have been
incorporated to achieve this.
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Sheep require a certain level of feed to produce a premium product (DPI 2005b). If
nutritional needs are not met, such as in the case of drought, dietary supplements are provided
to ensure successful production. Pastures of lucerne, Sudan grass and wheat are made
available to livestock at predetermined times throughout the year. Lamb production complies
with Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines and livestock health is constantly
monitored. The amount of sheep and management of land is adjusted to achieve sustainable
goals. To prevent against disease, lambs are administered appropriate vaccinations.

To further reduce the impact of agriculture on the environment, livestock access to waterways
and Lake Cowal is restricted (Figure 10).
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F. SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION SYSTEM

Agro-ecological Farming
The organic food sector is growing at a rate of 20% per year (Guthman 2000). Due to this,
agro-ecological farming practices are increasingly used. This production system preserves the
environment in a sustainable way. Management practices such as precision agriculture, crop
rotation, no tillage systems and carbon sequestration are used (Altieri 1995). Lake View is a
mixed farm, integrating lamb and wheat production.

Precision Agriculture (PA)

PA is a method in which site-specific information (e.g. soil type, climatic variations) is used
to manage inputs in a sustainable way (Bongiovanni & Lowenberg-Deboer 2004). With prior
information, inputs (e.g. fertilisers) are reduced as only the minimum amount is used
(Bongiovanni & Lowenberg-Deboer 2004). Farm profitability is increased as crops are
produced with fewer inputs (Abel et al. 1995).

Land Management
The soil at Lake View is low in organic carbon and is poorly structured. Carbon sequestration
has been implemented to improve SOC levels and reduce atmospheric CO2. This is achieved
chiefly using a no-till system and crop rotation (Post & West 2001). The property manager of
Lake View has been working with Local Land Services to combat issues of dryland salinity
and erosion. Strategies including rotational grazing, increasing ground cover and planting of
perennial plants (e.g. lucerne) have been incorporated (Figure 11).
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Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

The farm uses IPM to control pests and disease (Figure 12). Organic fertilisers can be applied
to crops to prevent eyespot and foliar disease (Austin et al. 1980). Pest and weeds are reduced
using environmentally-friendly practices such as rotational grazing and improving ground
cover. Other strategies include planting of weed-supressing cover crops and steaming (Bond
& Grundy 2001).

Livestock Production and Animal Welfare

It is essential that the welfare and care of livestock is taken into consideration. Lamb
production of Lake View complies with the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and
Guidelines. To prevent against clostridial diseases, Type C and D Enterotoxaemia and
Tetanus, livestock are vaccinated (Schoenian 2014). Lambs are vaccinated at 6 weeks of age,
with a booster at 10 weeks.

Lake View is subjected to extreme weather conditions and high amounts of UV radiation.
The farm offers constructed shelters, large canopy trees and shelterbelts to provide shade and
protection from the elements (Agriculture Victoria 2016). Colworth & Co. Ltd. can be
assured that livestock live in free-range conditions and have unlimited access to water.
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Transportation of livestock to Albury or Bathurst complies with Australian standards of land

transport and export. Livestock loading schemes, driver regulations, provision of health and
biosecurity requirements are constantly monitored to ensure proper practises are performed
(AHA 2014)

Livestock are pasture-fed on a mixture of wheat, Sudan grass and Lucerne, depending on the
time of year. In harsh conditions, such as drought, pasture is accompanied with nutritional
supplements and with hay, grain or silage produced from wheat. Feed requirements of sheep
differ depending on age and reproductive state (Figure 13).
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Timing of Operations
A yearly management schedule of lamb and crop production is included below (Figure 14)
(Peden & Stringleman 2012).
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G. JUSTIFICATION
Mixed lamb and wheat production at Lake View fulfil the requirements of Colworth & Co.
Ltd.s ethically and environmentally aware consumers. The farm is agro-ecological,
incorporating a myriad of management strategies to achieve its goals of an environmentally
sustainable production system (Figure 15).

Figure 15: Summary of Lake Views management strategies and corresponding outcomes/effects

Climate change is a growing global concern. The rapid increase of CO2 emissions contributes
to the enhanced greenhouse effect, leading to changes in climate. In Australia, agricultural
emissions account for 16% of national greenhouse gas emissions (Industry & Investment
2009). It has been reported that cultivation results in an average loss of 25% of SOC levels in
the first 2-5 years (Ingram & Fernandes 2001). Lake View is managing emissions using
carbon sequestration strategies that promote the protection of SOC levels (Lal 2004a).
Strategies utilised on the farm, including no-till systems, crop rotation and planting of
perennials significantly increase plant carbon sequestration and help mitigate CO2 levels in
the atmosphere (Lal 2004b)
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An important management strategy used at Lake View is precision agriculture (PA). PA

manages inputs in an environmentally friendly way (McBratney et al. 2005). Studies have
shown that it contributes to the long-term sustainability of agriculture (Bongiovanni &
Lowenberg-Deboer 2004). Inputs, such as fertilisers and pesticides, are applied only when
and where they are required. This targeted use of inputs benefits the environment. Losses
from excess usage are minimised, which leads to reductions in fertiliser run-off, leaching,
water contamination and harm to native species (Bongiovanni & Lowenberg-Deboer 2004).
A lesser reliance on pesticides (and other chemicals) has the additional benefit of reducing
resistance in pests and weeds (McBratney et al. 2005).

The production of lamb meets the needs of Colworth & Co. Ltd consumers. Sheep emit
comparably less methane than cattle and therefore contribute less to climate change (Figure
16) (Sejian et al. 2011). It has been proven that enteric methane emissions are reduced by
feeding sheep high quality feed, such as lucerne and wheat, which are provided on the farm
(Bruce 2013). In this way, lamb production has a lower environmental impact, which is
crucially important for future sustainability (Lines-Kelly 2014). This livestock enterprise
complies with the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines.

13.7
21.9

Cattle
Buffalo
150.7
Sheep
Goat

137

Figure 16: Comparative enteric methane emissions of different livestock (g/animal/day) (Adapted from
Sejian et al. 2011)
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Lake View farm is able to provide high quality pasture throughout the year. This is achieved
with seasonal planting of dual-purpose wheat (winter crop) and Sudan grass (summer crop)
(Figure 17). Readily available premium quality feed improves both efficiency and
productivity as animals are finished more quickly (Lines-Kelly 2014). Subsequently, the
carbon footprint of the livestock is reduced as there are fewer days between birth and
slaughter. This results in fewer total emissions per animal (Sejian et al. 2011). As a mixed
farm, Lake View can survive through economic hardship and uncertainty (Schiere et al.
2002). This greatly improves its long-term sustainability. In addition, manure produced from
livestock is used as a natural fertiliser (Kirkegaard et al. 2008). This eliminates the need to
purchase synthetic fertilisers.

100
90
80
70 Wheat
60 Sudan grass
Yield (%)

50
40
30
20
10
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Month

Figure 17: Hypothetical yields (%) of wheat and Sudan grass throughout the year

The inclusion of lucerne and perennial plants is also advantageous. Lucerne, a legume, has
the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen and convert it into a form that other plants can use
(Peoples et al. 2001). Nitrogen is made available to other crops in the production system by
using crop rotation (Peoples & Baldock 2001). The need for nitrogen fertiliser is decreased
and environmental impact is significantly reduced. Threatening processes such as dryland
salinity has been caused by overgrazing and over-clearing (DPI 2006). Planting of native
perennial plants increases groundcover and minimises the risk of erosion (Ward et al. 2002).
Additionally, these plants decrease soil salinity by reducing groundwater recharge and
improve SOC levels (Boehmel et al. 2008). The enhancement of soil following perennial
pastures increases sustainability of the land and increases productivity.