Satellite Mapping Technology Revolutionizing Farming Practices in Western Riverina
Satellite vegetation cover mapping technology has shown immense potential for helping western Riverina farmers predict groundcover and plan stock management before a drought or dry period hits. This innovative technology has been a game-changer for farmers in the region.
The technology was utilized in the Managing Rangelands for Drought Resilience project to determine an early warning signal, allowing western New South Wales farmers to make timely decisions on feeding, selling stock, and adjusting stocking rates. The GEOGLAM Rangeland and Pasture Productivity (RaPP) mapping tool, developed by the CSIRO, the Australian Government, and the National Landcare Programme, has been instrumental in this project.
The pilot project took place on ‘Curragh’, a sprawling 130,000-hectare property near Oxley in the Western Riverina owned by pastoralists Bill and Pip Ryan. They worked closely with Wind Erosion Consulting’s Dr. John Leys to understand how the RaPP mapping tool could support their on-farm management decisions.
Bill Ryan mentioned, “Having such detailed information at our fingertips in spring provided us with confirmation and gave us the confidence and enough time to make effective decisions on managing our land, stock, and business.”
Southern NSW Innovation Hub director Cindy Cassidy.
Director of Southern NSW Innovation Hub, Cindy Cassidy, emphasized the significance of the initiative in predicting groundcover changes in rangeland up to six months ahead of drought. This foresight provides pastoralists with the opportunity to mitigate the impact of dry events by putting plans in place well in advance.
NSW Farmers Western Division Chair, Gerard Glover, highlighted the importance of early information in reducing potentially stressful situations for pastoralists. “Having the tools available to predict the likelihood of drought and make timely business decisions can reduce expenditure and income loss, which will also help reduce stress levels for farmers,” Mr. Glover said.
The Managing Rangelands for Drought Resilience project is a collaborative effort between various Innovation Hubs across Australia. Farmers can access the RaPP satellite mapping tool at: https://map.geo-rapp.org/
For more information on the Managing Rangelands for Drought Resilience project, visit the Southern Innovation Hub website: https://bit.ly/3D0Zb6d
the title: “The Benefits of Mindful Meditation”
In today’s fast-paced world, many of us are constantly on the go, juggling various responsibilities and trying to keep up with the demands of our busy lives. It’s no wonder that stress and anxiety are increasingly common problems that many people struggle with. However, there is a simple and effective way to help manage these overwhelming feelings and improve overall well-being: mindful meditation.
Mindful meditation is a practice that involves focusing on the present moment and paying attention to your thoughts and feelings without judgment. By cultivating this awareness, you can learn to better manage stress, reduce anxiety, and improve your mental and emotional health. Here are some of the key benefits of incorporating mindful meditation into your daily routine:
1. Stress Reduction: Mindful meditation has been shown to reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, in the body. By practicing mindfulness, you can learn to better cope with the everyday stressors of life and cultivate a greater sense of calm and relaxation.
2. Improved Focus and Concentration: By training your mind to stay present and focused, mindful meditation can help improve your concentration and attention span. This can be particularly beneficial for those who struggle with distractions or have difficulty staying focused on tasks.
3. Better Emotional Regulation: Mindful meditation can help you become more aware of your emotions and how they affect your thoughts and behavior. By developing this awareness, you can learn to better regulate your emotions and respond to challenging situations in a more calm and balanced way.
4. Enhanced Self-Awareness: Mindful meditation can help you develop a greater sense of self-awareness and understanding of your own thoughts and feelings. This self-reflection can lead to greater self-acceptance and a deeper connection to your inner self.
5. Improved Overall Well-Being: By incorporating mindful meditation into your daily routine, you can experience a greater sense of well-being and overall happiness. Studies have shown that regular mindfulness practice can lead to improvements in mood, sleep, and overall quality of life.
In conclusion, mindful meditation is a powerful tool that can help improve your mental and emotional health in numerous ways. By dedicating just a few minutes each day to practicing mindfulness, you can experience the many benefits that this simple yet transformative practice has to offer. So why not give it a try and start reaping the rewards of mindful meditation today?
