Photo: ANU Sustainable Farms
Twenty years ago, Will Johnson's farm in New South Wales was a dust bowl, after the previous owner cut down all its trees. But his farm has been revitalized by planting 15,000 trees in shelter beltstrees and shrubs planted in a line to protect paddocks. "The bird life has increased really well, there are a lot of small, native grass birds that you see most days," says Johnson. Australian National University's Sustainable Farms project says shelter belts reduce lamb mortality, improve live-weight gains, and increase wool production. "With a changing climate and really hot summers, people are thinking more about their livestock's health and trying to give them a bit of shade and protection," says senior research officer Dan Florence. Johnson said the windbreaks created improved pastures for the sheep he takes in for feeding. "Everyone who has had livestock here is very happy with the outcome when they do take them home or sell them," he said.
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