FACTORS ENCOURAGING THE ADOPTION OF MORE SUSTAINABLE CROP ROTATIONS IN SOUTH-EAST AUSTRALIA - PROFIT, SUSTAINABILITY, RISK AND STABILITY

Broadleaf crop rotations have been promoted in southeast Australia for many years with seemingly mixed success. This paper presents the results of a study conducted in the southern cropping area of New South Wales (NSW) to explore with farmers the use of broadleaf crops, and associated fanning practices, in cropping sequences with cereals. Although primarily concerned with barriers to the adoption of broadleaf based crop rotations, discussions were free to range over all aspects of farm management. The study, initiated by the NSW Department of Agriculture, was predicated on the belief that there had been low levels of acceptance and adoption of these practices. However, farmers participating in focus group discussions displayed a very high level of adoption and suggested that the overall level was high This high level of adoption was subsequently validated using quantitative techniques. Participants did though express doubts about the environmental and economic sustainability of these practices. They also revealed important criteria in their assessment of agricultural practices which may not be recognised by agricultural research and extension services. Farmers were aware of the effects of farming practices on profitability and sustainability, but were equally concerned with risk minimisation and income stability.