A survey of the assessment of seasonal conditions in pastoral Australia—Part 3: South Australia report
Benchmarking in the Aussie GRASS Project
Report cover for Part 3: South Australia report
Rodger Tynan
Biodiversity Branch, Department for Environment, Heritage & Aboriginal Affairs, South Australia.
A product of The Aussie GRASS Project
A collaborative research and extension project carried out by:
- Queensland Department of Natural Resources
- Queensland Department of Primary Industries
- Agriculture Western Australia
- Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Northern Territory
- Primary Industries and Resources South Australia
- Department of Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs, South Australia
- Department of Land and Water Conservation, NSW
- NSW Agriculture
This survey was supported by Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - Australia, and Australia's rural R & D Corporations under the Climate Variability in Agriculture Program.
Queensland Department of Primary Industries
Report Series QO99016
ISSN 0727-6281
Agdex 320/020
November 1999
Summary
The random sample was obtained from BME's pastoral leaseholder database and stratified within the seven Soil Conservation Districts. Several agri-businesses were also included in the survey. A total of 49 completed survey forms was returned. The feedback collected covered four areas: general information about respondent; monitoring seasonal conditions; 'big-picture' information; and scaled attitudinal responses. Detailed responses to all questions are given, including all individual responses received from open questions.
The following conclusions can be made from the survey:
- The survey results provide reasonable guidance for developing an effective Communication Plan and extension program.
- The knowledge and attitudes of agribusiness managers are not well represented in the data obtained. However, they were represented at the workshop in December 1998 and supported the project.
- Daily rainfall records were kept by 96% of respondents, and 85% of these have 'complete' or 'fairly complete' records, the challenge is to help them to make better use of the valuable records being produced. A total of 74% of respondents do not currently use long-term climatic records to assist in decision-making.
- Judgements of future climatic conditions were 'very important' or 'moderately important' for 79% in their planning or decision-making, so they are likely to be receptive to training aimed at a better understanding of seasonal climate forecasting, and the use of such information. Seasonal climate forecasts are currently used in decision-making by 20%.
- There is a reasonably good acceptance of probability-based information, as 45% said that probability-based information is 'moderately useful' to 'very useful' in the management of their business. In addition, most respondents agree with releasing seasonal climate forecasts in the form of probabilities.
- While 40% said big-picture information was 'moderately important' to very important' in their planning, 20% were unaware of the information. In addition 37% of those who have used big-picture information have found it 'moderately useful' to 'very useful'. Also 30% of those who have not used big-picture information thought it could be 'moderately useful' or 'very useful', while 15% of respondents have no idea how useful it might be. Thus respondents should generally be receptive to Aussie GRASS extension activities.
- Users of big-picture products have some problems with accessing information, interpreting and using it; also there are some reservations about product accuracy and forecasting ability. These issues need to be addressed in implementing the Aussie GRASS extension program.
- The most convenient ways to access seasonal climate outlook information are 'faxed directly', rural newspapers, TV, and radio. As 87% have a facsimile machine, this appears to be the best current method for pastoralists to obtain accurate information. However, 61% have a computer, 20% currently have access to the Internet and most respondents accept that an increasing amount of information will be computerised. Thus their use of software programs and the Internet are likely to increase.
- There appears to be strong support for the concept of Feed Shortage Alerts, and moderate support for the provision of warnings of possible deterioration of pastures or soil.
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Last updated: 15 June 2009