The Australian wool industry is committed to supporting biodiversity and has invested in research to develop and extend better and more effective ways to support and enhance biodiversity on wool-growing farms.
Supporting biodiversity and wool-growing
Through the management and conservation of native vegetation and biodiversity, Australian woolgrowers have seen wide ranging benefits that include increased native fauna populations, soil biota and greater pasture diversity, weather protection for livestock and land regeneration.
Farm management practices that support biodiversity
- Ground cover, multiple pasture species and appropriate soil nutrition supports soil biota diversity
- Grazing management of natural pasture including rotational grazing
- Tree management such as protecting and enhancing woody vegetation, developing windbreaks and wildlife corridors
- River and water management including protecting riparian zones and farm dams and creating and protecting wetlands
- Managing invasive flora and fauna species to protect native and local species.
By protecting, supporting and encouraging biodiversity in the soil, vegetation, insect life and fauna; Australian woolgrowers are ensuring that the farm ecosystem for the present and the next generation can prosper.
A national survey of Australian woolgrowers found that of the woolgrowers who have native vegetation on their farm, the main benefits identified were the provision of shelter and stock feed; control of erosion, salinity and pests and providing safe habitat for wildlife.
The broad range of benefits and values associated with native vegetation and biodiversity reflects the diverse role that they play in farming systems.
Australian woolgrowers partner with community initiatives such as Greening Australia and Landcare Australia to further their positive impact on the environment.