Hi there, I’m Chris Cooper and I farm with my wife Emily and parents Deb and Wayne in Western Flat, South Australia.
Western Flat is nestled in the southeast of the state’s high producing Limestone Coast region and here we focus on growing high quality grain to feed our 500 superfine Merino ewes, and Hampshire Down Stud.
We crop on 80 hectares of deep sand and sandy loam soils, which over the years, we’ve learned to work with. Barley was our crop of choice in 2024 due to the dry conditions. Rainfall typically ranges from 400-450mm annually however last year we recorded significantly less.
Every farm faces its own set of challenges, and for us whilst erratic rainfall and frosts are always on the radar, perhaps the most pressing issue we face is the cost of freight. As a smaller farm, we don’t have the buying power to negotiate lower rates, which means we're often paying top dollar for transportation.
Additionally, accessing small parcel lots of seed can be difficult. Many seed traders require minimum orders that don’t align with our farming needs.
Despite these challenges, I’m excited about the future. One area I’m particularly excited about is the potential for new technology to change the way we farm. Specifically, the idea of on-farm nitrogen fertiliser manufacturing is something that could revolutionize the industry. Not only would this reduce our reliance on external suppliers, but it could also help mitigate the volatility in fertiliser prices that have been such a concern in recent years.
I am proud to be a farmer in Australia. We’re part of an industry that plays a crucial role in feeding the world and knowing that our hard work supports both our local and international markets is incredibly fulfilling. As stewards of the land, we take our responsibility seriously. It’s not just about growing grain—it’s about ensuring that the land we farm on is healthy and productive for future generations. For me, this is what makes farming so special.