The Shift from Sheep to Grain Impacts Hot Air Ballooning

The transition from sheep farming to grain cultivation by many West Australian farmers is leading to challenges for local hot air balloon pilots. As more fields are planted with crops, the available landing sites for balloon flights are rapidly diminishing.

Northam: The Ballooning Capital

Located about 100 kilometers east of Perth, Northam promotes itself as the ballooning capital of Australia. However, with balloons requiring open spaces for safe takeoffs and landings, the increasing crop production in the Avon Valley is posing significant challenges.

Limited Landing Options

Nick Brau, director and chief pilot of Liberty Balloon Flights, noted that the number of available paddocks for landings has decreased sharply over the past three years. He estimates that 95% of their critical landing areas are now under crop.

“It has become a real worry and the trend has happened very quickly,” Brau stated.

A Shift in Farming Practices

Last season, Brau experienced two safety-related landings on crops, a situation he had never encountered before. He emphasizes the importance of minimizing damage during landings, stating, “it really is a worry.”

With other suitable ballooning locations being too far from Perth, the current cropping trend poses a considerable risk to the industry’s future.

Impact of Live Export Ban

WA Farmers president Steve McGuire mentioned that the impending live sheep export ban is further accelerating the shift towards crop farming. As McGuire explained, about a third of the sheep population has left the system in recent years, roughly equating to three to four million sheep.

“This year marks the largest acreage ever put into crop in WA,” he added, suggesting it is primarily existing farmers expanding their cropping efforts.

Expansion of Cropping Areas

According to data from the Grain Industry Association of WA (GIWA), approximately 9.2 million hectares of land is currently dedicated to crop production, up from 8.28 million hectares in 2019. Michael Lamond, a GIWA crop author and grower, noted a 30% decrease in pasture properties in the Northam shire since 2019, indicating a long-term shift.

Tourism Concerns in Northam

The potential decrease in landing sites is a pressing concern for tourism in Northam, especially since hot air ballooning serves as a significant winter attraction. Northam shire president Chris Antonio highlighted the need for a watch-and-wait approach to monitor the situation.

With current landing areas still available, the industry remains at risk if crop farming continues to encroach on these locations. The shire is actively collaborating with balloon companies to identify alternative landing sites and foster relationships with landowners.

Conclusion

The shift from sheep to grain in Western Australia is presenting unexpected challenges for hot air balloon pilots, with diminishing landing spaces due to increased cropping. As the industry adapts to these changes, the future of hot air balloon tourism in regions like Northam hangs in the balance, necessitating close coordination between farmers and tourism operators.

Published: 2025-09-20 03:06:00 | Source: www.abc.net.au