Leading experts in agriculture and climate science are heading to Orange, NSW, for a conference titled The Risks and Rewards of Farming in a Changing Climate on September 10.
The conference will give farmers and agricultural industry representatives the opportunity to hear the latest in climate change science, explore the impacts farmers are already facing and share some of the exciting developments that may help farmers through the next few decades.
Speakers include the Australian National University's Steven Crimp, the Australian Farm Institute's Richard Heath and NSW Local Land Services' Richard Bull as well as many others. Sessions on the day will cover topics ranging from local climate changes, implications for markets, as well as social impacts and solutions, new technology and climate-smart farming systems.
"It's easy but misguided to pass off climate science as overly depressing, especially given the constant bombardment of climate change reports pointing to frightening future scenarios," one of the conference organisers, Larras Lee farmer Robert Lee said.
"Like it or not, Australian farmers were already grappling with the reality of a changing climate, with hotter temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events.
"We've all had droughts before, but this drought is different; at my place last summer evaporation rates were through the roof due to never ending heatwaves.
Keeping water up to sheep and cattle was a constant challenge."
But Mr Lee said while climate change posed an undeniable challenge, the world was well-placed to rise to this challenge.
"We have faced catastrophe before and answers have been found by applying our ingenuity and cooperation," he said.
"Farmers and researchers around Australia are focussed on the dual problems of adapting to climate change and arresting climate change, and are getting exciting results."
Farmers for Climate Action Chief Executive Officer Verity Morgan-Schmidt the conference is an important event.
"The conference offers a valuable opportunity to get the latest information on climate change and its implications for agriculture in the Orange region," Ms Morgan-Schmidt said.
"This event is a must for anyone contemplating farming for the next part of the century."
The conference will be held from 8am at the Orange Ex-Service's Club, 231-243 Anson St Orange.
It is supported by Farmers for Climate Action, NSW DPI and Central Tablelands Local Land Services.
