The two field days concentrated on farm dam health and were hosted by the Central West Catchment Management Authority (CMA) who coordinated key speakers from Natural Capital and AquaLife Industries.

The organisations discussed the importance of healthy farm dams and waterways and how adopting new techniques can increase farm productivity and environmental outcomes.

Natural Capital Co-director, Alison Elvin delivered an informative presentation covering the latest research and using a life-time of practical experience in agriculture and natural resource management.

“Most farm dams are regarded as just a hole in the ground that contains water, but there are many low-cost techniques that both improve the health of your livestock’s drinking supply and also encourage the conservation of aquatic plants and animals,” Ms Elvin said.

Aqualife Industries representative Ian Campbell, provided specialist knowledge on water ecology and native fish stocking. His presentation emphasised the value of providing habitat to restore water ecology in farm dams.

“Simple actions such as adding a fallen tree, branches or rocks to the edge of farm dams adds complexity that provides habitat for native fish to breed and survive,” Mr Campbell said.

“Also stocking dams with native fish raised in dams, rather than from fish farms can increase survival rates. 

“Dams should be stocked with fish and yabbies native to the area and avoid introducing feral species such as carp, gambusia and redfin.”

The landholders commented on the success of the day, how the information was down to earth, relevant to their farms and covered new ways to improve water quality and stock health.

Central West CMA natural resource officer Jan Diamond said farm dams “can easily be converted to flourishing wetlands that increase productivity and improve animal health”.

“This is a definite win for landholders with additional benefits for the environment,” she said.