Last month, local farmers, residents and Landcare groups were invited to attend a field day hosted by Maules Creek farmers Andrew and Heike Watson.
Attendees joined industry experts, researchers and drone and tubestock specialists at Boggabri property ‘Merriendi’.
The event, organised by CottonInfo, gave local farmers an opportunity to hear about the latest revegetation methods and technology.
Former Narrabri resident, Dr Rhiannon Smith, delivered the keynote presentation on the day.
The University of New England researcher compared the use of drones for native revegetation in cotton landscapes, against tubestock and direct seeding methods.
CottonInfo’s Stacey Vogel said it was a great way to better educate interested locals about improving their biodiversity through specific native revegetation options.
Attendees heard from a range of industry experts, including Dr Smith who introduced her “exciting new research” into cost-effective revegetation methods and outlined her new tools and methodologies for direct seeding, according to Ms Vogel.
“The field day was a great chance to learn first-hand from growers and a range of experts and see different revegetation tools in action,” she said.
“We also enjoyed a barbecue provided by the Boggabri Sacred Heart primary school parents and friends.”
“And many people also stayed on to help the Watsons plant trees along the Namoi River.”
Ms Vogel said the field day received great feedback, with people showing interest in learning more about revegetation, drones and methods of restoration.
The Maules Creek field day and Dr Smith’s research is part of the Cotton Landcare Tech Innovations project funded by CRDC with support from the Australian government.
The three-year project builds on international best practice to develop and implement cutting edge technologies to better managed on-farm biodiversity in Australia.
Dr Rhiannon Smith delivers her presentation.
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