WATCH: Panmure's Stephen Warth on LandLife Southwest

Farmers across southwest Victoria like Panmure’s Stephen Warth know the struggle of drought all too well.

But programs like LandLife Southwest from the Warrnambool Coastcare Landcare Network are aiming to help farmers adapt to the region’s hotter, drier conditions.

The Victorian Climate Science Report 2024 warns the state will face hotter, drier conditions, more frequent droughts, heatwaves, and bushfires, driven by rising temperatures, declining winter rainfall, and drier soils.

Landlife Southwest supports revegetation to protect soil, shelter stock, slow evaporation, and boost soil carbon.

It promotes multispecies pastures – mixing 10–16 plant species – which improves soil moisture, pasture growth, and overall soil health.

Farmers can access funding, advice on species selection, site prep, and fencing, but even if you missed the program, the strategies are things every farm can implement.

Local farmers like Stephen are already seeing benefits: more diverse pastures keep green feed available year-round and support animal health.

Planning ahead for drought and fire risk, and thinking about feed reserves, is just as important as ever.

Watch the full video below.