No one sells a screen like a farmer with a screen!
Fish Screens Australia is excited to introduce a new tool aimed at highlighting the advantages of modern fish-protection screens. This innovative addition will be hitting the road, making appearances at agricultural shows, field days, and community events.
Dubbed “Les” in homage to the esteemed Les Perkins, a pivotal figure in establishing the Farmers Conservation Alliance (FCA) in the USA, this trailer embodies a rich legacy of conservation efforts. Perkins, known for his memorable quote, “No one sells a screen like a rancher* with a screen,” emphasises the power of social learning in driving conservation action. His approach is not just effective but also deeply inspiring.
Les Perkins (centre) talks to Narromine Irrigation on the Macquarie River (left), and inspects a Farmers Screen in the U.S. (right). Rumour has it he’s still wearing the same shirt.
Our journey with Les Perkins began in Oregon, where he introduced us to local irrigators benefiting from “farmers screens“, successfully safeguarding endangered salmon from agricultural diversion. Impressed by his methods, we adapted Les’ philosophy of social learning to our own strategies in Australia – with Les contributing to the Australian Fish Screening Advisory Panel. Our approach focuses on building authentic relationships with water users, transparently sharing knowledge, and collaboratively designing screening programs with input from all stakeholders.
In naming our trailer, we asked, “Who has been instrumental in advocating for screen adoption both locally and internationally?” The answer was clear: Les embodied the spirit of our mission.
Now, with Les (the trailer, not the person) in tow, we’re poised to elevate awareness and understanding of screens across Australia. Whether you’re keen to catch a glimpse of Les at an agricultural show or interested in having the FSA team join your community meeting, get in touch to make it happen!
* ‘rancher’ is an American term used to describe a farmer who raises livestock.
