WELCOME! Issue 60 - 11 December 2023 | |
Yours sincerely,
Richard Stephens Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator (SAF)
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Summer time grazing, with Ben
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The Greater Sydney Region is experiencing a typical Aussie summer with a mixture of storms and extreme heat. Pastures have been changing from green to brown and back to green again. While recent storms have been a saviour, current forecasts still indicate above-average temperatures and a potential dry period ahead.
When planning grazing rotations, we want to calculate how to increase stockpiled pasture while not impacting pasture recovery. As pastures actively grow with increased soil moisture, livestock should spend less time in each paddock to keep plants in an active growing state. As soil moisture decreases, rotation speed should be reduced to allow adequate recovery before to the subsequent grazing.
Assessing your livestock dung can indicate the health of your animals, the digestibility of your plant material, and how active your soil life community is. Various dung beetles have recently appeared following our many years of wet weather. So, have a scratch around and see if you can see any. Tip over some disturbed dung and observe if there are any tunnels.
Graziers often ask, "should I aerate my paddock?" Well, dung beetles do it for free! Please join the Greater Sydney Dung Beetle Network for those interested in dung beetles. If you would like to receive more technical grazing information/advice, please join the Greater Sydney Grazing Group. For more information, contact Ben Azzopardi on phone 0473 950 997 or email ben.azzopardi@lls.nsw.gov.au
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The latest Big Shift podcast episodes There are now 31 Big Shift for Small Farms podcast episodes, with more than 43,000 listens! From soil health to mental health, these podcast episodes discuss the need for A BIG SHIFT in farming and agricultural systems. Each episode brings together insights from farmers, scientists and industry to share and grow knowledge.The most recent episodes are: Caring for riparian zones - Development and agriculture can potentially threaten riparian zones. Clearing, overuse, and uncontrolled stock access are some activities that can lead to erosion, habitat loss, and reduced water quality. But there are ways to look after this unique landscape.
Conservation agreements benefiting private landholders - Landholders can be involved in various programs and conservation agreements. One of the main aspects is landholders need to have native vegetation in good condition on their land. In terms of size, smaller farms can collaborate to create larger parcels that may be eligible for financial compensation.
Citizen science helps to inform natural resource management - This research is invaluable as it helps to inform natural resource management, increase environmental protection, and inform policy and decision-making. It also benefits individuals as they can engage in research and provide public input. There are numerous citizen science opportunities for landholders to get involved in, whether it be about frogs, tree hollows, scats, or even ferals - there is something for everyone.
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Click and collect farmers' marketA virtual farmers market established during COVID has evolved to meet the growing interest in local, seasonal food. The Tasmanian Produce Collective has helped food producers test producst in the market. Producers are required to use compostable or biodegradable packaging. During COVID, small-scale farmers lost their ability to trade because farmers' markets shut or were restricted, events disappeared, and so a new, online click and collect farmers market was created.
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Fire ants What are fire ants, and what will happen if these tiny killers take hold across Australia? The invasive species has now been found in NSW after crossing the border from Queensland and can be deadly and damaging. For more information and the latest updates on their spread, visit the NSW Department of Primary Industries website.
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National Soil Action PlanThe National Soil Action Plan for 2023 to 2028 has been launched to prioritise soil health, empower soil innovation and strengthen soil knowledge and capability. The vision is for Australian soils to be recognised and valued as a key national asset, better understood and sustainably managed. Learn more about the four priority action areas.
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Are you bushfire ready? Being fully prepared for a bushfire can help you protect yourself, your livestock and your property. It is never too late to create a bushfire survival plan. There is information on the Local Land Services website, or you can create a simple plan on the My Fire Plan website. The NSW Rural Fire Service has clear instructions and information to help you create a property plan.
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Demand for Agritourism grows A recent CSIRO report shows Agritourism will be an important growth industry for Australia’s regional and rural economies over the next decade. With the focus on food, drinks and accommodation, the annual opportunity is expected to reach $5.6 billion by 2030. Agritourism growth will, however, depend on how existing regional barriers, such as labour shortages and infrastructure quality is addressed.
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EVENTS, SHORT COURSES & WEBINARS
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Australian Feedbase Monitor The Australian Feedbase Monitor (AFM) informs land managers on their on-farm land management & grazing decisions for every individual property in Australia. The AFM can be used for creating an AFM property account, decision-making, accessing and using farm benchmark reports and progressing to paddock-level data through PastureKey. This webinar will be held at 10.00 - 11:30am on Tuesday 12 December, 2023. Register now.
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Future Food Innovation ProgramThe Future Food Innovation program is for food and beverage manufacturers on the NSW Central Coast. The ‘Innovating for Growth’ training program is designed to enable businesses to innovate effectively and at speed. It consists of five half day in-person workshops from February to May 2024 at Ourimbah. It is free for food and beverage manufacturers, but places are limited. Registrations close Friday 15 December 2023. To register, contact Alex Blow at alex@centralcoastfoodalliance.com.au.
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8-day holistic management course
Register your interest in an 8-day Holistic Management course delivered by Brian Wehlburg from Inside Outside Management, to be held at North Richmond from 6 February to 10 April 2024. Learn how to make decisions that are socially, environmentally and financially sound using the Holistic Management Framework, find out how to use animals as a tool to improve environmental health, gain a deep understanding of Holistic Financial planning and Holistic Grazing planning and create a holistic context for yourself and your business/family.
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Central Coast Industry Festival & ExpoDon't miss the opportunity to be part of the 2 Day Festival Expo to network, collaborate and promote the exciting products manufactured on the Central Coast. This Central Coast Industry Connect (CCIC) initiative will be a biannual event that showcases the best Central Coast manufacturers and food producers. When: 6-7 March 2024 Venue: Mingara Recreation Club, Tumbi Umbi. Register your interest in exhibiting at the Expo now.
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PRIMEX 2024PRIMEX aims to be recognised as a leading agribusiness destination, bringing city and rural communities together and showcasing sustainable Australian primary production and food. PRIMEX strives to deliver tangible outcomes and positive experiences for sponsors, exhibitors and visitors by focusing on enabling technologies and showcasing world-class brands and product awareness, education, innovation and sustainability. PRIMEX 2024 will be held 16-18 May at Casino, NSW.
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Grazing for Life Integrity Soils has launched its 'Grazing for Life' online school. Nicole Masters is a globally recognised agroecologist and soil scientist with over 22 years of practical farming and food production experience. Cody Spencer is a grazier and regenerative coach from Alberta, Canada. Together, they have 30+ years of experience in Australasia, North America, and the United Kingdom and have seen the grazing strategies work, time and again. This course is designed to unlock the potential of any piece of land.
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Drought Preparedness This free online course teaches how to manage drought and set yourself up for ecological, financial and productive wins. This self-paced course covers: What is drought; Livestock units; Matching stocking rate to carrying capacity; Calculating benchmark carrying capacity; Drought-proofing land, livestock, business and people; Recovering from drought; and Case studies and resources. There is also a Drought Management Plan template for developing your plan. Check it out.
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Level up HortLevel up Hort is a new program designed to support vegetable and onion growers to increase profitability and build long term resilience. Free to vegetable and onion levy payers, Level up Hort will enable growers to meet face-to-face with independent and highly qualified farm business consultants who will provide an in-depth review of your farming business and identify the factors affecting production efficiencies, profit and growth. Small, medium and large growers can participate.
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Introduction to Soil Carbon Soil carbon is critical for soil health, improving productivity, profitability and resilience. In this online, self-paced Agriculture Victoria course, participants will gain a better understanding of the soil health benefits of soil carbon, the difference between soil carbon and soil organic matter, the influence of soil type, climate and land management on soil carbon stocks, the impacts of agricultural practices on soil carbon and where to go for further information and resources. View the introduction to soil carbon - what you need to know.
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Agrifutures Horizon Scholarship The AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship is awarded to students studying an agriculture-related undergraduate degree or a Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths/ Finance (STEM) degree with relevant majors that align to agriculture. If successful, students receive a bursary of $5000 per year for the final two years of their degree, professional development workshops, annual industry work placements and opportunities to network and gain knowledge at various industry events. Applications close 12 January 2024.
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Farmers 2 Founders The Farmer 2 Founders Harvest Accelerator program is designed to help high potential Australian agtech businesses to deliver transformational growth to their industry, maximise social and economic contribution through jobs and revenue, and even scale-up into national and international markets, Free of charge, learn with tailored support and exposure to a broad network of industry experts, mentors, investors, and advisors. Applications close 25 February 2024.
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Teaching Scholarships for Ag GraduatesThe Foundation Master of Teaching Scholarship for Ag Graduates aims to support those interested in pursuing a career in teaching agriculture and committed to being part of a skilled and knowledgeable educator workforce in NSW. Ag graduates already working within the industry and looking for a career change are also encouraged to apply. There are five scholarships available providing $10,000 in financial support, mentorship, and practical placement opportunities. Applications close 21 January 2024.
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On-farm connectivityThe On Farm Connectivity Program provides eligible Equipment Suppliers with up to $30,000 rebate for sales of digital farming technology to eligible Primary Producers to help improve their connectivity and productivity. This program forms part of the Better Connectivity for Rural and Regional Australia Plan (Better Connectivity Plan). It assists primary producers to take advantage of digital agribusiness solutions to boost productivity and improve safety. Applications close 31 May 2024.
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Grazing management for soil carbonA review of grazing management for soil carbon in Australia has found soil carbon storage in grazing lands can help agriculture achieve net zero by 2030. In addition, grazing management practices have the potential to benefit the drivers of soil carbon sequestration by increasing above and below ground plant production, maintaining higher residual biomass and promoting productive perennial pasture species.
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Shape the future of Australian agricultureThe Australian government has released its discussion paper for the Agriculture and Land Plan – one of six sectoral decarbonisation plans under the Net Zero 2050 Plan. Farmers for Climate Action wants your insights to ensure farmers’ voices are heard via a 10 minute survey. By completing the survey, you’ll help ensure farmer perspectives lead the way in meeting Net Zero in 2050.
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Use of clean technology accelerates Global energy modellers Rystad Energy says the pace of clean technology development puts goals for limiting global warming "within reach". Rystad says solar power will do much of the heavy lifting, with manufacturing capacity already ahead of schedule. In addition, new technologies for methane emission reduction are coming, representing an upside of up to 0.2 degree of avoided global warming.
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PyroAg wood vinegarPyroAg Wood Vinegar is a sustainably made liquid microbial stimulant containing naturally occurring organic acids. Research indicates it can be used to enhance and support beneficial microbe activity, improve plant and soil health and reduce synthetic chemical dependency. Potential applications of PryoAg Wood Vinegar include improving soil health, increasing the efficacy of agrochemicals, increasing seed germination and enhancing composting.
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Sharing and enabling the environment SEED is the NSW Government’s central resource for Sharing and Enabling Environmental Data. It was developed for the NSW community in a collaborative effort between government agencies to provide an accessible and reliable platform for environmental data. SEED is regularly updated based on feedback, so it has many new features. Search for environmental data within a specific area or launch the SEED map.
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Measuring what matters Many of you have participated in Local Land Services (LLS) workshops or events and regularly read the Small Farms Network newsletter. To help LLS give landholders better information and services to support them into the future, we encourage you to sign up for the Measuring What Matters Project, which includes a 15-minute survey each year for five years. Measuring What Matters will help LLS help you.
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Methane and global warming
In this recently recorded webinar, learn the latest regarding methane and its effect on global warming and why it matters to the livestock industry.
As Australia marks the first anniversary of signing the Global Methane Pledge, explore the industry’s increasing focus on Global Warming Potential (GWP) reporting metrics.
GWP* and GWP100 – what do they mean, and why is industry looking at a dual reporting metric for methane emissions, and how could it impact agriculture?
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Native bee calendar The world's Native Bees are diverse in size, shape and colour. Many are stunningly beautiful, while others go unnoticed. With about 2,000 species in over 60 genera, this calendar showcases just a few of our Australian native bees. We know very little about our native bees, but to help us learn more, all profits from the sale of this calendar will be donated to the Wheen Bee Foundation's "Discover Bees" project. Purchase the Australian Native Bees Calendar for $20.00 each.
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Cumberland Land ConservancyThe ‘Cumberland Plain’ of Western Sydney is one of Australia's most heavily cleared landscapes. The Cumberland Land Conservancy (CLC) is a community-based conservation land manager established to protect and restore the natural environment. Saving the Cumberland Plain requires the purchase and protection of these key linkages. Currently, the organisation owns four properties that protect 49 hectares of habitat.
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Fencing to improve biodiversityRecipients of the Gallagher Landcare grant have been able to more effectively manage and exclude livestock and feral animals from farm conservation areas. This improves farm management and biodiversity outcomes for farms with low impact and cost, and stops deer and kangaroo damage.
The fence is easy to set up and can be effective in managing animal populations. Watch this video to find out more.
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AgSkilled opportunityAgSkilled 3.0 is a $5 million industry-led training strategy by the NSW Government to upskill and better prepare the agricultural workforce through vocational education and training (VET). Training Services NSW will work with the identified agricultural industry representatives to ensure training improves agricultural productivity while embedding innovative and sustainable farming practice change. Learn more. | |
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Restoring our rivers when purchasing gifts Would you like to help restore our rivers when purchasing gifts this festive season? When you purchase gifts from the Australian River Restoration Centre, all proceeds go to supporting work in restoring rivers. Choose from a large range of native fish mugs, T-shirts, cards with envelopes, tote bags, even a limited edition timber fishing lure, and more.
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Making Aussie farms saferIn this 'AgriFutures on Air' podcast, hear from Pauline Brightling from the Rural Safety Health Alliance on how to buck the trend of deaths and injuries on farms, a first-hand account of how a Queensland farmer lost his leg in a farming accident, and how a generational change about farm safety and shifting attitude towards WH&S in agriculture is changing for the better.
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New soil management resources As farmers better understand the importance of sustainable soil management for their productivity and profitability, they need advice, technical assistance and expertise from their local grower groups. The Soil CRC’s ‘Building technical capacity’ project aims to increase the soil technical capacity and capability of grower groups, Landcare groups and natural resource management organisations, both within and outside the Soil CRC.
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COP28 farmer storiesFarmers for Climate Action is showing a ten-minute film on loop at COP28 in the Australian Pavilion. The film demonstrates Aussie farmer leadership on climate and is a call to action for leaders at COP28. The stories of Jody Brown, Kylie Burton, Peter Lake and Caitlin McConnel illustrate Aussie farmers' ingenuity, determination, and commitment even in the face of growing challenges. Take a few minutes to watch and be inspired.
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Ag 360 Development by the University of New England, Ag360® uses your farm data and weather forecasts to predict production and well-being risks and opportunities for the sheep and cattle on your property. Based on scientific models, Ag360® enables you to record farm management and predict rainfall, soil moisture, pasture growth, animal weight and health risks up to 6 months in advance.
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Tax implications of carbon creditsRecent changes to tax laws have been made for primary producers who undertake projects to create Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs). In this recorded webinar, learn about these changes, along with other important tax and accounting considerations that primary producers should consider concerning carbon farming.
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Natural Capital - what is it? Farmers face increasingly complex decisions about managing natural capital, demonstrating sustainability, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and environmental markets. To help you kickstart your understanding, Local Land Services has created a Natural Capital web page and fact sheets to provide an overview of natural capital and the risks and opportunities.
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This project is supported by Greater Sydney Local Land Services through funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Program. | | The information contained in this publication is based on knowledge and understanding at the time of writing. However, because of advances in knowledge, users are reminded of the need to ensure that the information upon which they rely is up to date and to check the currency of the information with the appropriate officer of Local Land Services or the user’s independent adviser. For updates go to www.lls.nsw.gov.au
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