Farm dogs put their paws up for climate action this AgDay

Dogs are as much a part of the fabric of Australia’s wine industry as grapegrowers, winemakers and cellarhands. Today, AgDay, they and their four-legged cousins in the agriculture sector are being asked to put their paws up for climate action with the launch of a new social media campaign, #paws4climate.

The campaign, launched by Farmers for Climate Action, recognises the role played by man’s best friend as farmers tackle the impacts of climate change.

Farmers – and rural supporters – are being encouraged to share pics of their four-legged helpers with the hashtag #paws4climate on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, with a description of how their dog is helping them in the fight for climate action.

The public will soon have the opportunity to vote on a selection of the best on the Farmers for Climate Action website, with the top 12 to be featured in the farmer-led movement’s 2019 calendar.

Farmers for Climate Action CEO Verity Morgan-Schmidt said Australian farmers were experiencing extremely difficult conditions as the impact of global warming was felt.

“Farmers are on the frontline of climate change. This means more droughts and wild and unpredictable weather making it harder to live on the land.

“The good news is that they’re not alone. Beside almost every farmer is a climate-smart, ever-loyal farm dog.”

Harden (NSW) farmer and FCA Board Member Peter Holding said his farm dogs have helped him through some tough times on farm.

“I’ve been farming for more than 40 years and during this time I have seen enormous changes in the weather. This makes it harder for farmers to plan and adapt, putting even more strain on what is already a difficult job,” Mr Holding said.

“We are currently in the grips of one of the worst droughts I have experienced. Watching your crops fail and having to de-stock when the economics of feeding them doesn’t stack up is an incredibly difficult and emotional experience for farmers.

“I know personally the important role my farm dog plays in helping me get through the hardest times. They are loyal and show unwavering companionship, even when you feel as though everything else might be falling apart.

“Dusty, my Border Collie, is quite frankly one of my best mates along with Boots and Jack, the more sensible mature kelpies whose job it is to try and train him! He is with me on farm and is always around for a chat or doing something that he knows he shouldn’t but is usually pretty funny.”

Farmers for Climate Action is a movement of farmers and rural Australian seeking to ensure that farmers, who are on the frontlines of climate change, are a part of the solution.

Photo: Dusty started her climate career supporting owner farmer Peter Holding at Farmers for Climate Action’s Break the Drought on Climate Action rally in Canberra in September.