Climate Resilient Farms E2 – Fescue, Feathers, Frogs and the Future of Farming #landcare #farming

Chris Hibburt and Katy Millard have been trialing mixed species pasture crops, planting trees and creating wetlands on their farm near Port Campbell in Southwest Victoria. Kirsty Hawkes visited them in April 2022.

Increasing birdlife on the farm is not only good for the soul, but good for the soil. Bird manures are very high in nutrients, especially nitrogen because urine is contained in the droppings. Duck dung is especially high in potassium, phosphorous, and nitrogen. It contains more liquid than chicken manure, which means it provides plants with the nutrients without burning them. Duck manure has a 2.8:2.3:1.7 NPK ratio. The more evenly balanced the ratio, the better the fertilizer. Birds are also a natural defence against unwanted insects and parasites.

Cover pic - Katy and Chris with dog Chester in front of the lake they have created which has given them, and the local wildlife such as the Australian shelducks, so much joy.