Bufton Farming Group is located north of Geelong at Balliang which is in a rain shadow. It gets less rain than surrounding areas, probably because of the effect of the You Yangs.
James explores several dryland cropping techniques, including:
Knowing and working with your microclimate – in their case, the dry region, and regular wind from the direction of the Brisbane Ranges.
Keeping the soil covered at all times with a living cover crop. This insulates the soil (from cold and heat) but importantly also prevents evaporation and wind erosion.
Focusing on management of every drop of rain received, and making sure that rain infiltrates the soil and is stored in the sub-soil for current and future use by plants.
Keeping a long-term view: decisions made today may affect the farm for years to come, for example by maintaining a sustainable plant production program for long-term sustainability.