Magazine article
Farmers are boosting their profits and production – with nature’s help
The Conversation
06/04/2026
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Abstract
Farming is a vital industry, contributing an estimated A$100 billion to the Australian economy this year alone.
Nearly 60% of Australia is used for agriculture. The lion’s share of that land is used to graze livestock, such as cattle, sheep and, increasingly, goats.
However, our farming and environmental sectors have long been perceived to be at odds. This is because agriculture remains a major emitter of greenhouse gases. Another reason is it requires vast amounts of land to be cleared, often with devastating consequences for native wildlife and vegetation.
For many years now, governments and community organisations, such as local Landcare groups, have encouraged farmers to restore nature on their farms. This is one way to increase their “natural capital”, which refers to the sum of all natural resources that provide products and services of value to society. This includes the soil, air, water and all living organisms.
Some farmers have been keen to boost their natural capital. Others, however, see it as a waste of time or money.
But our world-first study shows maintaining and restoring nature on farms can actually increase farmers’ productivity and profits.
So how is this possible? And how can we encourage more farmers to invest in nature?
Details
- Title
- Farmers are boosting their profits and production – with nature’s help
- Creators
- Jim Radford - La Trobe UniversityGrace Sutton - La Trobe UniversityLiz Heagney - Southern Cross University
- Publication Details
- The Conversation
- Publisher
- The Conversation Media Group Ltd
- Identifiers
- 991013372061702368
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Science and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Magazine article