Sustainable Agriculture

Bellarine Landcare supports sustainable, productive use of the land, integrated with protection of our unique biodiversity and the internationally recognised Ramsar wetlands: Lake Connewarre and Swan Bay.

Incorporating native vegetation and biodiversity into farming systems improves agricultural productivity. Tree shelter improves lamb survival rates; shelter belts slow down wind and reduce evaporation, which increases grass growth; and vegetated farm dams improve water quality, which leads to faster growth in cattle. Looking after the biodiversity on your farm makes economic sense and also ensures we have a healthy environment.

If you raise livestock, including bees, hens and horses, or grow produce commercially, there are key things you need to know. Two important contacts are Agriculture Victoria and the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF).

Agriculture Victoria is a key source of information for farmers and property owners. They have information which will help you manage your property, including information on what you need to know regarding farm biosecurity, animal welfare and legal responsibilities of owning stock, as well as climate information, and online courses, to help you manage your property to  its optimum. Farm and business management courses | eLearning |   Support and resources | Agriculture Victoria

The Victorian Farmers Federation’s Stock Sense Project supports farmers and small landholders with information and workshops to upskill you in all facets of animal care. They have downloadable peri-urban welcome packs with information on livestock management.

For   information and advice about the soils on your property, hydrology and native vegetation, the Corangamite CMA NRM Planning Portal (ccmaknowledgebase.vic.gov.au) allows you to search for your property address and create a property report. Bellarine Landcare Group will conduct training sessions on the use of the NRM Portal in 2025.

Corangamite Region 'Brown Book' - How to optimise your soils to enhance productivity (ccmaknowledgebase.vic.gov.au) contains excellent information on soils and indicator weed species.

If you are a small producer and would like to sell your produce locally, Bellarine Farm Gate provides this opportunity. Located on Murradoc Rd, Drysdale, the market is open on weekends. Contact Bellarine Farm Gate Bellarine Farm Gate - Home - Bellarine Farm Gate

Pest plant and animal control, along with biodiversity protection and enhancement, are key to your farming success. Please check out our pages on these topics. To keep in touch with local workshops by signing up to our Bellarine Landcare Group newsletter.