Commercial experience in developing ley farming systems for the Katherine-Darwin region, Northern Territory

Abstract

This paper examines the past, present and likely future commercial development and adoption of ley farming systems in the Katherine-Darwin region(about 12-14°S, 131-132°E, elevation 30-1 10 m) of the Northern Territory. Producers' current practices, adaptations and the extent to which they have adopted a systems approach are reported. Advantages of ley farming and the constraints to its more rapid adoption are described. Also discussed are aspects of crop, cattle and hay production; weed, insect and plant disease control, and management; on-farm demonstrations and the economics of crop production, from the producer's perspective, in the context of ley farming.