Small landholder project wins big praise

A Department of Agriculture and Food officer has earned international recognition for a program targeting the booming number of small landholders in Western Australia.

Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman congratulated Neil Guise, based at Waroona, who was recently awarded the 2009 Australasia-Pacific Extension Network (APEN) Award for Excellence in Extension by an Experienced Professional.

Mr Guise leads the department’s Small Landholder Information Service (SLIS).

“Small landholders are part of the changing rural landscape, with more than 55,000 in WA occupying about 650,000ha of agricultural land,” Mr Redman said.

“The growing number of small landholders, whose properties range from one hectare to 100ha, could pose significant risks for agriculture if left to their own devices.

“SLIS was formed in 2004 with a challenge to improve the farming; land management knowledge; and skills of small landholders.

“Most small landholders don’t come from a traditional agricultural background and consequently may not have the knowledge and skills to manage, for example, feral animals, weeds and nutrient run-off.

“As there was no ‘off-the-shelf’ extension model to address this group, Neil and his team had to create a program, implement it and continuously improve their strategies.”

Mr Redman said the SLIS team had been effective at building partnerships and local networks to stretch available resources to meet the diverse demands of the clients.

The small landholder extension model had attracted national recognition and been used as the basis for a program in Victoria.

Mr Guise said SLIS had so far delivered about 150 training workshops to more than 5,000 participants.

"Winning the APEN Award is a wonderful personal honour as well as recognition for the achievements of all members of the SLIS team,” Mr Guise said.

“I would like to acknowledge Nancye Gannaway, who has worked with me on the project since 2004, Yolandee Jones and Heidi Blackburn.”