Rotations, Risk and Reward: Farming system choice on the Eyre Peninsula of South Australia

A farming systems and rotations trial was conducted at Minnipa on the Eyre Peninsulaof South Australia between 1995 and 2001. The results have been presented to localfarmers as simple gross margin comparisons (with a relatively low value for the pasturephase if present) in extension publications. The results are reassessed in terms ofincreased livestock return, and allowing for permanent/family labour and machineryoverheads. The relative risk vs return is also considered to explain the acceptance of theresearch by local farmers.