"Don't Complain About Farmers With Your Mouth Full" - Prom Coast News

"Don't Complain About Farmers With Your Mouth Full"

On Sunday 17 August the Fish Creek Hall supper room was filled with interested locals to hear Graeme Nicoll share his personal insights into farming practices in our region. Graeme and his wife Gillian run a dairy farm just out of Fish Creek and have a deep passion for the unique biodiversity of South Gippsland.

Graeme spoke movingly about how the expectations of farmers have shifted dramatically over the generations - his great grandfather's role was to tame the bush, and to clear a certain amount annually. His grandfather's role was to bring the land into production and build a community. His father was asked to produce more food for the green revolution, helping to transform food security around the globe.

Today, Graeme feels that farmers are asked to do it all: "to produce food, reach net zero, avoid food miles, restore waterways, build biodiversity, meet ever-changing welfare standards, and somehow also provide three-day work weeks and provide work from home opportunities, while producing low-cost boutique food. And were expected to do it all with a smile.

The disconnect can be hard to take," he commented wryly.

Graeme grew up with stories of quolls stealing hens eggs but has never seen a quoll in the wild in Gippsland. "That's why I set myself the challenge of recording biodiversity on our farm."

He emphasised that farmers are as diverse as the rest of our community, but that 80% of our food is produced by just 20% of our farms. These are largely family-owned operations - technology-driven, professional, focused businesses, busy producing food, providing local jobs, driving our economy and carrying a lot of debt.

Graeme says that: "If we farmed today the way we did 25 years ago, we'd be broke. Not because we had it wrong then, but because the pace of change is relentless. To survive, farming businesses require a complex mix of skills and a narrow focus. That leaves very little spare time for new projects, no matter how worthwhile."

"Our own farm motto is simple: Producing food and caring for the environment. I believe those two things - feeding people and protecting the natural world - are among the greatest challenges humanity faces. That's why I love my job."

The Nicoll's are committed to protecting and enhancing the natural systems that support

healthy farms and thriving ecosystems. On their farm, they've recorded over 150 native species - proof that productive farming and biodiversity can go hand in hand. From soil health and native shelterbelts to working alongside local groups, they believe that protecting our biodiversity is a shared responsibility and that everyone who eats has a role to play.

Prom Coast Community News