The Economic Benefits of Native Shelter Belts Issue 3/2015
The protection of existing native vegetation and the planting of shelterbelts may provide a multitude of productivity and biodiversity benefits for farming industries. The value of shelterbelts in raising agricultural productivity has been demonstrated in many countries suggesting potential improvements in crop yields (25%), pasture yields (20-30%), and dairy milk production (10-20%).1
The following information is based on references and previous research, providing examples of existing 'facts and figures' when considering the economic benefits of implementing shelterbelts. Productivity increases relate to all agricultural industry sectors, including the dairy, wool, meat, cropping, and horticultural industries.
Farmers can use this information to more effectively utilise the landscape to potentially increase productivity, while conserving and enhancing critical resources such as soil health, water quality, and protection from environmental stressors (wind, heat & cold impacts).
