Managing Climate Variability
No Such Thing as Too Much Information

 

John, Robyn, Steven and Carolynn Ive
Dicks Creek, New South Wales

  • 740mm average rainfall
  • 250 hectares
  • Producing superfine merino wool, Sharlea wethers and Angus beef cattle.

Every year the Ives analyse just how much productivity they've got from the land given the climatic conditions, in particular the rainfall.

John created a simple computerised water balance model to track available soil moisture. The model helps him assess pasture growth conditions and keep salinity in check. He also uses it, along with seasonal forecasts, to decide when to sow.

The Ives are increasing perennial pastures on their property, mixing native and exotic species, to increase pasture bulk and vigour and to make the most of rainfall. And all the time their decisions take into account the triple bottom line - environmental, social and economic impacts.

John Ive beside weather monitoring station


Climate Management Tools Used

  • Simple computerised water balance model to track soil moisture profile for pasture management, tree planting and salinity risk.
  • Customised software to identify the contribution of climate to productivity changes and measure productivity increases independent from climatic variations.
  • Perennial pasture management that aims to increase bulk and vigour and make maximum use of rainfall.
  • Decisions made within a triple bottom line framework - looking at environmental social and economic impacts.

Complete 2004 Story (pdf 146 Kb)

Complete 1999 Story