For 21 years, the South Australian No Till Farmers Association (SANTFA) has been helping South Australian growers implement minimal tillage practices and coordinating research for new on-farm technology.
As a not-for-profit organisation, SANTFA promote the benefits of conservation and no-till farming systems, and support research for new farming technologies that can be introduced within South Australia (SA).
SANTFA Communications and Sponsorship Manager, Leighton Pearce, has seen firsthand the benefits the organisation provides to its members.
“22 years ago, no-till farming was non-conventional, but now it’s the norm,” Leighton said.
“Our magazine, The Cutting Edge, the annual SANTFA conference and crop walks have allowed our members to keep up to date with modern farming practices and technology through information we supply, plus talking to one another which is facilitated through our events.”
Now in its twenty-first year, SANTFA has approximately 450 members across SA.
Grower and SANTFA member of over ten years, Callum March said the organisation has introduced him to new technologies he uses on his farm at Balaklava, in the state’s mid-north.
“I now use technologies that help minimise disruption to our soil such as disc seeders,” Callum said.
“Without SANTFA I would not have implemented these as early as I did.
“The conference and crop walks are a great way for growers to get together and share ideas.
“The Cutting Edge, which I receive every quarter, is a great publication that also shares information on new advances in farming practices that SANTFA helps push.”
Looking to the future, Leighton said SANTFA is moving into coordinating research for other technologies.
“We are currently looking at a technology called Aqua Till, which is used in other industries such as glass cutting,” Leighton said.
“We’re interested in how it cuts straw residue in paddocks.
“Our other focus this year is making advances in improving soil health,” he said.
Glencore Agriculture and Viterra are SANTFA’s longest serving sponsors, having supported the organisation for 15 years.
Leighton said the support of Glencore Agriculture and Viterra has allowed SANTFA to bring more opportunities to their members.
“The sponsorship ensures we provide members with high quality information in our magazine, and has allowed us to bring international speakers to our conferences.”
For more information on the South Australian No Till Farmers Association, visit santfa.com.au.
