The 'Big Shift for Small Farms' Podcast
This week we are featuring two more episodes from The Big Shift For Small Farms podcast series.
First up we're talking Compost. For farmers, it's like black gold because its benefits for efficient high quality food production, but just like gold it can be expensive and hard to source. In this episode, we’ll talk to those who produce it, study it and those who use it to help you get the best bang for your buck when using compost.
Our next episode explores Farm resilience in a changing climate. With longer and hotter droughts and more intensified rain events on the horizon, we need to rethink our current farming practices and better understand the function of our natural landscapes. in this episode, we go on a journey from the classroom to the paddock to help make your farm a resilient one.
The remaining two topics covered in the podcast series are certification and holistic thinking. Access the entire series HERE.
This project has been developed by Greater Sydney Local Land Services and the Grow Love Project through funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Program.
|  | | COVID-19 Assistance For the latest Coronavirus news, updates and advice from government agencies across Australia, click HERE. For specific COVID-19 information | | More resilient and profitable peri-urban farmsRegional Development Australia, Sydney, have received funding for a new project in Greater Sydney. It will help the uptake of new business practices, innovation and technology, foster engagement and collaboration between agribusinesses, community groups and supply chain partners, develop a talent pool and build the capabilities of regional leaders and build resilient, sustainable and more profitable agricultural communities. For more information, contact Julie McAlpin via email [email protected] | | | | | | World-first biodiversity scheme could help farmers cash in
The Federal Government has provided $4m in funding to the National Farmers’ Federation to develop and trial a world-first biodiversity scheme. The project could reimburse farmers for the work they do looking after the environment. The Agriculture Biodiversity Stewardship Program will financially reward farmers who protect sensitive ecosystems, restore native habitat, store carbon or make other environmental improvements. Have your input into the design of the scheme, click HERE. | | | Outbreak of Parthenium weed
A significant biosecurity risk and a prohibited weed in NSW, Parthenium weed has been found in Greater Sydney. Parthenium spreads rapidly, is dangerous to grazing animals and reduces crop and land values. Also, contact with the plant or pollen can cause serious allergic reactions in people. Anyone who suspect they have seen parthenium weed should note the location and call the NSW Biosecurity Helpline on 1800 680 244, NSW DPI, Local Land Services or the local council. Click HERE.
| | | | | | Major investment in soil health and biodiversity to address climate change
General Mills, one of the worlds largest food companies, has made a major investment in improving soil health, biodiversity, farmer economic resilience and climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The company will partner with organic and conventional farmers, suppliers and trusted farm advisors to drive the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices on 400,000 HA of farmland by 2030. For more info, click HERE. | | | Wet winter outlook for 2020
There is a more than 70 per cent chance of above average rainfall for much of Australia this winter.
After years of drought, rainfall is welcome news. Warm ocean temperatures are expected to fuel wet conditions, even if the climate drivers don't eventuate. Andrew Watkins, head of long-range forecasting at the Bureau of Meteorology says we are certainly looking at above average rainfall for much of the country. Click HERE. | | | | | | Sounds from the Blue Mountains National Park
Need some stress relief? Connecting with nature can help. If you haven't got the time to visit one of our National Parks, try listening to the amazing sounds of nature from the Blue Mountains National Park. Play these relaxing nature sounds in the background as you work from home, meditate, work out, study, or try them for sleeping. Natural soundscapes courtesy of Andrew Skeoch, click HERE. | | | | WEBINARS, SHORT COURSES & EVENTS | | Soil CRC Webinar seriesThe Soil Co-operative Research Centre (CRC) is holding a series of webinars covering soil data, herbicide residue, financially rewarding soil management and bio-solid injection into soils. These webinars draw upon the expertise within and research conducted by the Soil CRC. The webinars are on Tuesdays at 11am to 11:45am on 16 and 30 June, 14 and 28 July. Click HERE for more info. | | | | | | Peri-Urban Agriculture: The Future of the Fringe
On Wednesday 17 June 2020 from 11:00am to 12:30pm, Sustain is holding a webinar on the future of peri-urban agriculture. Michael Buxton and Andrew Butt (both from RMIT University) will discuss the pressures on Australian peri-urban areas. The urban fringe holds 50% of Australia's biodiversity and most of our urban water source How can we protect farming in the food bowl as demand for subdivisions and dwellings grows and climate change continues? To register, click HERE. | | | Understanding the foodservice market webinar COVID-19 has impacted the foodservice sector. Hort Innovation is holding a webinar at 1pm on Thursday 18 June to provide perspectives on how growers can focus and respond to the current market challenges. It will cover COVID-19 impacts on the foodservice sector, how these market interruptions have impacted on other food sectors, the foodservice sector market outlook and what indicators to look for as the new foodservice 'normal' evolves. To register, click HERE. | | | | | | Designing shelterbelts webinarAustralian National University ecologists Dr Mason Crane and Colleen O'Malley will discuss the effective design of shelterbelts for both productivity and biodiversity. The webinar on Friday 19 June will cover research into shelterbelt design, the benefits of shelterbelts for woodland birds and the role shelterbelts can play in supporting beneficial insect communities on farms.The webinar is free, but numbers are limited. Click HERE. | | | What conservation agriculture looks like in 2030?The Australian Farm Institute (AFI) and Sydney Institute of Agriculture (SIA) are holding a half day online webinar on Monday 22 June, 10am to 3pm. A range of speakers will cover: What might conservation agriculture look like in 2030? Members of the AFI and SIA have FREE access to the event, $40 for non members. A recording of the webinar will be available at the same rates. Click HERE. | | | | | | Compost and soil moisture webinar
Learn how compost made from recycled organics affects soil moisture content. The interactive webinar on Friday 26 June will report on research conducted by MRA Consulting at the Local Lands Services river farm at Richmond. It will explore the results of the trial following winter and summer crops, discuss the impacts of using compost on soil moisture content and cover equipment used. To register, email [email protected] or phone (02) 8541 6169 for more details. | | | | NOTE: Significant funding is available to help business and individuals deal with the COVID-19 outbreak. Please refer to the second article in this newsletter. | |
Community Building Grants
The Community Building Partnership Grants program is closing on 12 June 2020. Ggrants of between $2500 and $300,000 for infrastructure projects that deliver positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes while promoting community participation, inclusion and cohesion. For more information, click HERE. | | | | | | Registration relief for farmers
To give farmers and their families some much needed drought relief, registration charges on Class 1 agricultural vehicles have been waved. Primary producers can benefit from additional savings on their heavy vehicle registration costs until 30 June 2020. For more information click HERE.
| | | Small Business COVID-19 Support Grants
Small businesses and non-profit organisations that have experienced a significant decline in revenue as a result of COVID-19 may be eligible for a small business support grant of up to $10,000. Funds can be used for business expenses that are not supported by other government funding, such as: utilities; council rates; insurance payments; telecommunication charges; professional advice. Applications close 30 June 2020. Click HERE. | | | | | | Com Bank bushfire recovery grantsCom Bank have launched Bushfire Recovery Grants of up to $50,000 to help support local communities. Community organisations such as fire service, school, sporting club or non-government organisation based in a bushfire affected area are eligible to apply. Grants can be used to replace or repair facilities lost or damaged by recent bushfire and not covered by insurance; or for community activities that will improve social wellbeing and/or assist community bushfire recovery. Apply by 30 June 2020, click HERE. | | | Boundary fencing funding The NSW Government will help bushfire-affected landholders with the cost of rebuilding boundary fences adjoining public lands. Private landholders who share a boundary with public land and were impacted by the bushfires of late 2019 and early 2020 are eligible to receive up to $5,000 per kilometre to contribute to the replacement of damaged boundary fences. Grants can be issued retrospectively to cover costs already incurred. Click HERE to complete the form, or call 1300 778 080. | | | |
| | Soils recovery following bushfires
While bushfire recovery activities are often focused above ground, it's what happens below the surface that often determines how successful recovery actually is. Soil Science Australia has studied the direct and indirect impacts of bushfire on soil. Typically, direct impacts of fire only affect surface (<10 cm) soils, and relate both to the impact of heat and the deposition of ash which can alter pH and nutrient availability. However, fire can also damage microbial communities as well as many nutrient and organic matter cycling functions. Click HERE. | | | Continuing Your Business Guide
The recent Australian bushfires, drought and COVID-19 have had devastating effects businesses. A new Australian Government guide on “Continuing your business” provides business owners with positive steps to take right now as well as help prepare for the future and continue operating safely. Topics include planning your recovery, financial support and expert advice, assessing your finances, keeping your operations running (workplace restrictions, reaching out to your customers. Click HERE. | | | | | | How to shoot video
Making high quality videos is a great way for businesses to be creative, stay connected to people and showcase your products. Before you start recording, there are a few simple tricks and tips to learn that will significantly increase the production quality of your videos. A "Quick Tips" series has been developed to help businesses stay in touch with customers, work with the media and distribution partners, and explore opportunities to develop new areas of business. Click HERE. | | | New Weeds Australia website
The Centre for Invasive Species Solutions has launched a new nationally focused weeds’ website providing best practice information on weeds management in Australia. The site currently houses information on 398 weed management profiles, a useful identification tool, an extensive resource library and more. The site is continually being updated and feedback on the site is being sought via an online feedback form. Click HERE. | | | | | | CSIRO Publishing stocktake sale
CSIRO Publishing are having a Stocktake Sale with up to 70% off on over 80 titles across a wide variety of subject areas, including animals, plants, agriculture and the natural environment. Use promo code STOCKTAKE20 at the online checkout to redeem special prices. Discounts valid only while stocks last and do not apply to eBooks. Offer expires 30 June 2020, click HERE. | | | Farming systems video
Southern Cross University's Regenerative Agriculture department has released a lecture video. Damon Gameau and Dr Charlie Massy speak about how conventional, intensive agricultural approaches have resulted in a number of serious environmental issues and they look at future food production demands and how we can rethink our approach to farming systems. To view the video, click HERE. | | | | 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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