Chris Cumming – Landcare Facilitator / Coordinator Award

Project Profile

Issues

Chris Cumming was appointed CEO of Holbrook Landcare in 2008 during a difficult time for the group. Since taking on the role of CEO, Chris has transformed the group from being close to folding back to its former identity as a nationally recognised, extraordinarily influential group driving natural resource management (NRM) and sustainable agriculture outcomes across the region.

Project Detail

Holbrook local Chris Cumming has been nominated for a National Landcare Award for rebuilding and transforming the region’s Landcare network.

Chris was appointed CEO of Holbrook Landcare in 2008 during a difficult time for the group. Since taking on the role of CEO, Chris has transformed the group from being close to folding back to its former identity as a nationally recognised, extraordinarily influential group driving natural resource management (NRM) and sustainable agriculture outcomes across the region.

The goal of Holbrook Landcare is to increase the awareness and capacity of the local community to be part of a productive and resilient environmental and agricultural region. To achieve this, Chris has been the driving force behind changes to the group structure, relationship development with other NRM groups and industry research and development institutions and has created clear communication channels for open communication with the broader community.

In addition to environmental projects Chris has also delivered numerous projects focused on sustainable agriculture. As well as bringing research and field days into the local area, these projects form an invaluable opportunity to re-engage the community and create opportunities for a range of educational and community activities. A number of training courses, tours and discussion groups have also stemmed from these projects.

Chris has redesigned the structure of Holbrook Landcare from sub catchment to subject groups with each group managed and supported by Chris and including a selection of the district’s leading farmers in areas including NRM, soils, climate change, beef, sheep and cropping.

Current sustainable agriculture projects include alternative fertiliser trials, managing native pastures and incorporating into the farming system, biochar research, ewe management for increased fertility, climate change projects and stubble management trials related to the areas particularly high stubble loads.

Direct drilling technology and managing stubble retention has a significant role in best practice farming, from both production and environmental perspectives. Recognising the importance of building the capacity of the region’s farmers, last year Chris coordinated a field day held by the cropping group and associated with the stubble management research project. The day included demonstrations on direct drill seeders and sowing into a specially prepared range of stubble volumes and heights. Presentations were also made by internationally recognised experts in direct drilling scientists, agronomists and leading farmers. The field day was attended by over 130 people from NSW and Northern Victoria and was the largest and most successful Landcare event held in the region for many years.

Chris’ extraordinary ability, drive and initiative has had a significant influence on Landcare in the region. Under Chris’s guidance, the Landcare network continues to grow.

Chris Cumming is one of 88 finalists in the National Landcare Awards to be announced in Canberra on 24 June 2010. Commencing in 1991, the Awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and groups that make a valuable contribution to the land and coast where they live and work.

Photography

Chris Cumming & Chris Mirams