Munglinup farmer Maxwell Szulc was in the thick of the action again this year this time being jailed for 15 months for failing to comply with a land clearing injunction.

Mr Szulc was found guilty on two counts of contempt of court and received a nine month and 15 month sentence to be served concurrently.

Mr Szulc's was also jailed for three months in 2010, also for contempt of court in relation to a land clearing course.

This year also saw relations between farmers and the DEC tested with Kukerin farmer Matthew King found guilty of unlawfully clearing five hectares of land on his farm for a firebreak and was ordered to pay over $23,000 in fines and court costs.

Mr King claimed it was good farm management but was still found guilty.

He is now seeking legislative changes.

Mr King and WAFarmers have made the first step in meeting with Environment Minister Bill Marmion and expressing their disappointment in the legislation.

But the issues throughout the year, add to 2010 charges of Mullewa farmer Ian Broad (fined $85,000) and Narrogin beef producers Matt and Janet Thompson's issues in getting a license for their feedlot.

Farmers will hope for improved performances by the DEC.

Farmers are pushing for a change in the legislation to allow them to work their land for what they believe to be, as Mr King said was "good farm management."

Many farmers believe unless the legislation is changed the relationship between your average farmer and the DEC may be beyond repair.

2012 shapes as an interesting year for property rights.