Farm in NSW central west given new lease on life after 15,000 trees planted in shelterbelts

Will Johnson's farm was noticeably greener in 2018 (left) than it was when he first bought the property in 2002 (right). (Supplied: ANU Sustainable Farms)

Twenty years ago, Will Johnson's farm in the New South Wales central west was a dust bowl, after the previous owner stripped the property of its trees. 

But after planting 15,000 trees in shelterbelts Mr Johnson has seen productivity on the farm, near Cargo, rapidly increase. 

A shelterbelt is a collection of trees and shrubs planted in a line to protect paddocks from the elements. 

Mr Johnson said the project had revitalised his property. 

"When we moved to this farm there were quite a few paddocks that didn't have any trees at all, fully cleared, and not much left on the landscape," he said. 

"The bird life has increased really well, there are a lot of small, native grass birds that you see most days. 

Shelterbelts are a line of trees that provide livestock and crops with protection from high winds and hot temperatures.  (ABC Central West: Hamish Cole )

Bringing the habitat back 

A group of scientists from the Australian National University (ANU) Sustainable Farms project have been studying the impacts of shelterbelts across properties in the central west. 

The results show they reduce lamb mortality, improve live-weight gains, and increase wool production. 

ANU biodiversity field officer Eleanor Lang said they have seen more farmers planting trees as windbreaks, as they realise the benefits of increasing natural vegetation. 

"In the past it [land-clearing] was a way of making the most of every inch of land that you could and maybe not fully appreciating the value of shelter," she said. 

Eleanor Lang and Dan Florence work with farmers in the central west to make their properties more sustainable.  (ABC Central West: Hamish Cole )

Senior research officer Dan Florence said growing concerns about animal welfare were also contributing to the rise of shelterbelts. 

"Animal welfare is now becoming more topical from a consumer and buyer perspective," he said. 

"With a changing climate and really hot summers people are thinking more about their livestock's health and trying to give them a bit of shade and protection." 

Mr Florence said the windbreaks could also play an important role in agriculture reducing net emissions. 

"There is the potential to sequester a large amount more through targeted tree planting." 

'The results are terrific' 

Mr Johnson said he became a sheep agistment farmer due to the success of his tree plantation project. 

Mr Johnson says the project was a lot of work, but it paid off. (ABC Central West: Hamish Cole )

He said the windbreaks created improved pastures for the livestock which led to improved production quality. 

"Everyone who has had livestock here is very happy with the outcome when they do take them home or sell them," he said.