WELCOME! Issue 57 - 7 September 2023 | |
Yours sincerely,
Richard Stephens Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator (SAF)
| | | |
Preparing for drought Unfortunately, across many parts of NSW, soil moisture levels are dropping rapidly, and forecasts of a dry spring and summer ahead means farmers should start preparing for drought NOW! Drought is a risk that needs to be managed, like any other business risk. The following resources are aimed at helping landholders plan and prepare for drought. Calculating the amount of feed you have in your paddocks, and comparing that to the feed requirements of your livestock will help to inform you of what stock should be sold, before they become a financial burden. Both the CSIRO GrazFeed and the NSW DPI Drought Feed Calculator programs can help with your feed calculations. Preventing animal welfare problems is also vital. You will need to decide whether to 'feed well' or 'sell'. And above all, 'sell when well'.
|
|
|
|
New Big Shift podcast episodes Livestock Management to Maintain Production and Resilience During Extreme Climate Events. Climate change affects livestock production, both directly through heat stress and indirectly through effects on grassland and species distribution. As a result, farmers are innovatively managing their livestock to improve productivity and reduce environmental impacts with techniques like rotational grazing, precision genetics, species stacking and intensive feeding systems. Habitat Connectivity for Landscape Resilience. Wildlife corridors are essential for the survival of animals. Unfortunately, habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation create immense challenges for animals as they struggle to reach food, water and shelter. By planting more trees and creating animal corridors, landholders contribute to landscape resilience and benefit in many ways by preventing soil erosion, improving crop pollination and providing shelter for stock.
|
|
Owning a small farm has some lifestyle benefits, like taking a stroll through the pastures. Walks are a perfect time to assess your pasture composition, growth and weeds.
Spring is when temperate cool season pasture species are beginning to set seed. Reducing grazing pressure will enable maturation and increase your seedbank for next year. During spring, when plants are growing quicker, faster rotations are recommended.
The dry forecast predicts 100-200mm in the next 3 months, which is insufficient, without irrigation, to establish a new pasture or forage crop. Fertiliser could be an option this year, maximizing growth with the expected small amount of rainfall. A soil test would be ideal to understand which nutrients would be best suited to improve your soil and pasture.
Pasture availability is already becoming a limiting factor, and destocking should be considered. Hay availability across the state becoming limited, resulting in price increases. We all need to plan to get through the predicted dry times ahead. What is yours? Greater Sydney Local Land services holds several grazing groups that meet bimonthly. These groups discuss valuable information for livestock owners. If you are interested, please register or phone Ben Azzopardi on 0473 950 997 or email ben.azzopardi@lls.nsw.gov.au
|
|
|
Environmental plantings project The environmental plantings pilot project removes the cost of project audits, simplifies project registration and crediting processes, and introduces an easier way to sell Australian carbon credit units (ACCUs) to the Australian Government. These projects involve planting native and local trees, shrubs and understorey species to establish new and permanent forest cover. These projects earn one ACCU for each tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent stored in the project trees as they grow.
|
|
|
Varroa mite continues to spreadUnfortunately, three new Varroa mite infestations have been discovered: Blackwall on the Central Coast, Vineyard in the Sydney Basin and Cuttabri, near Narrabri. There are now 250 infested premises in NSW, and the Vineyard and Cuttabri detections have resulted in Zone extensions. All beekeepers with hives in or near these areas, please use the interactive map to check if your hives are within an Eradication or Surveillance Zone. Anyone with hives in these areas should ensure they are registered with and notify DPI of their hive locations. Phone 1800 084 881.
|
|
|
|
|
Ticks are thriving Following three years of La Niña, tick numbers are booming, and more people are expected to be bitten by them, which may lead to an increase in cases of a potentially life-threatening meat allergy. For example, for four years, Elizabeth Rowley could not work out what was making her sick. Eventually, she was diagnosed with mammalian meat allergy (MMA), sometimes called alpha-gal allergy or syndrome. It is a condition which flared up anytime she consumed a product that contained anything from mammals like cattle, pigs or sheep. A tick bite years earlier had led her to develop the allergy.
|
|
|
Deer control in Macarthur and Hawkesbury Is your property in the Macarthur or Hawkesbury area larger than 10ha with deer issues? Feral deer are a public nuisance as they feed on garden plants, cause motor vehicle and railway accidents, compete with livestock, cause crop and fence damage and spread disease. Local Land Services are planning feral deer control programs and want to hear from impacted landholders. Please contact Beth Simmons via phone 0407 158 894 or email beth.simmonds@lls.nsw.gov.au by Monday 25
September.
|
|
|
|
Fire ant emergency NSW DPI has issued an Emergency Order, restricting the movement of fire ant carrier materials into NSW from the fire ant infested area of QLD. This includes organic mulch, soil, anything with soil on it, hay and baled material, potted plants, turf, agriculture or earth moving machinery, mining or quarry materials, sand and gravel. A Biosecurity (Fire Ant) Emergency Order is now in place, and see the Fire ant known infested area.
|
|
|
|
|
A sticky, prickly, hairy pest! Sticky nightshade (Solanum sisymbriifolium) is a fast growing weed. It can flower within five weeks from sprouting. It is found mostly in Western Sydney and the Central Tablelands. Sticky nightshade is an invasive plant that competes with crops and pastures, prevents native plants from growing, has sharp prickles which can injure people, pets, livestock and native animals, can make harvesting difficult.
|
|
|
Diversifying to survive Facing closure, this dairy farm cut ties with its processor in January 2021 and took a leap of faith into diversification. The farm now produces cultured butter, cream-topped bottled milk, cream, crème fraiche, yoghurt, ice cream, pasture-raised eggs, seasonal vegetables, preserves and pickles, organised tours, farmgate trails and farm stays. Read how the Tommerup's Dairy has survived by diversifying and embracing agritourism.
|
| | |
EVENTS, SHORT COURSES & WEBINARS
|
|
Berry Small Farm Field Days This year's Berry Small Farm Field Days will be held 8-9 September at the Berry Showgrounds. Its focus will be Sustainable Living, including opportunities to benefit the environment from biodiversity, renewable energy, energy efficiency, the circular economy, food security, pollution reduction and sustainable living practices.
|
|
|
|
|
Disaster preparedness Three free workshop sessions for People-Led Disaster Preparedness will be held in September. Learn how to protect properties, homes, families, enterprises, bush-blocks, villages, farms, riverbanks, and urban areas. The workshops will cover disaster preparation, immediate action plans, using ecology for protection and vegetation for preparation, resources and services from agencies. All workshop sessions are 10am to 12.30pm: Sunday 10 September, St Albans Village; Saturday 16 September, Wollemi Common; Sunday 17 September, Riverstone.
|
|
|
Online Ag Careers ExpoThe Online Careers Expo will be held on Thursday 14 September. Speakers include The Lucas Group, Elders, AgCAREERSTART and more. The Agriculture Careers Expo is an opportunity for students, teachers and careers advisors to learn about the diversity of jobs and people, career and education pathways, sustainability, Agtech and innovation. This is a free event, register now!
|
|
|
|
|
Permaculture book launch Spend an inspiring evening on Thursday 14 September, with Kirsten Bradley to celebrate the launch of her latest book, The Milkwood Permaculture Living Handbook. Kirsten is the co-founder of Milkwood and has been teaching permaculture design and skills for living like it matters for more than 15 years. The evening will start with a twilight farm tour community supper and finish with a conversation with Kirsten and a book signing.
|
|
|
Fruit fly workshopsJoin Local Land Services and experienced fruit fly expert Andrew Jessup at one of these informative workshops. Gain awareness of fruit flies within the horticulture industry, learn techniques in identifying early season pest presence and gain insights for improved and innovative ways to detect, monitor and manage this threat. The Somersby workshop is on 15 September, and the Richmond Lowlands workshop is on 22 September 2023. Both workshops are 10am to 12noon.
|
|
|
|
|
Rural crime workshop
NSW Farmers and WFI Insurance invite you to the Rural Crime Prevention Workshop in Camden on 21 September 2023. This informative and engaging workshop aims to enhance our community's safety and security. Active landholder participation is crucial in creating a secure and thriving environment for all of us and reducing criminal activity in our area.
|
|
|
Property planning workshops Greater Sydney Local Land Services is holding two 2-day workshops that will step you through a property planning process to help you to identify and reach your property management and lifestyle goals. Receive a workbook to guide you through the planning process, a self-assessment tool to review your property planning knowledge and gain access to an interactive online mapping tool to create property maps capturing natural resources,
infrastructure, land use and future plans. To be held at Camden – Friday 13 October and Friday 20 October, and Wyong – Friday 27 October and Friday 3 November, 9am to 3pm each day. Registrations are now open.
|
|
|
|
|
Soil carbon sequestration workshop Do you have questions about the carbon sequestration process or protocols? This workshop, to be held Canberra, 8.30am to 5pm on Friday 13 October, will cover: realistic rates of soil carbon sequestration; accounting for ‘variable’ site conditions; the pros and cons of sampling and measuring soil carbon to 30 cm depth or more; managing favourable and unfavourable years in relation to measuring soil carbon; the beneficial by-products of accumulating soil carbon. Fees apply.
|
|
|
Urban Agriculture monthNovember is Urban Agriculture Month. Have you got your event planned? November 2023 is a 30-day celebration of edible towns, cities and suburbs and growing food in all the spaces available to us. The list of urban agriculture events is growing longer. Why not design and hold your event and be part of Urban Agriculture Month - November 2023.
|
|
|
|
|
Habitat action grants
The latest round of Habitat Action Grants is now open, with up to $40,000 available per project. Projects can include: Removal or modification of barriers to fish passage, the rehabilitation of riparian lands, re-snagging waterways with timber structure, replacement of exotic vegetation from waterways with native plants, bank stabilisation works and fencing to exclude livestock. The Habitat Action Grants are open until 29 September 2023.
|
|
|
Farm business resilienceThe Farm Business Resilience Program supports farmers to help improve their ability to achieve their farm business goals. The program offers business coaching, farm tours, workshops, networking events, and the creation of resources for farmers across NSW. It is ideal for farmers, farm managers, and their employees who are looking to learn about risk and improve their business's economic, environmental, and social resilience. The 2023 coaching program is now available. You can submit your expression of interest here.
|
|
|
|
|
International travelling scholarshipsThe Farrer Memorial Trust was established in 1911 to perpetuate the memory of William James Farrer and to encourage and inspire agricultural scientists. The Scholarships are designed to support international travel, including attendance at an international conference at which a paper or poster is being presented. Applications to the 2023 Farrer Memorial International Travelling Scholarships close 8 October 2023.
|
|
|
AgCAREERSTART program
Applications are open until 15 October to participate in the 2024 AgCAREERSTART program. Have a young Australian work on your farm for 10-12 months and share your skills, knowledge, and industry insights as a farm-host. Host Farmers receive a $2,000 grant and support from the AgCAREERSTART team to mentor and train their participants. 17 to 25 year old participants receive a $4,500 training bursary to upskill themselves, along with a paid job, training and development.
|
|
|
|
Sheep and Goat eID rebate Scheme Applications for the NSW Sheep and Goat eID Infrastructure Rebate Scheme open on 1 August for saleyards and processors and 3 October for producers and stock and station agents. The NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) is administering the rebates. Details on eligibility including guidelines can be found on the RAA website. If you would like regular updates, sign up to the Sheep and Goat eID Newsletter.
|
|
|
|
|
National soils survey One of the main goals of the National Soil Strategy is to improve soil health by strengthening soil knowledge and capability. To achieve this, landholders, land managers and service providers are invited to participate in a survey to identify current gaps in soil knowledge, management, adoption and extension practices. The survey takes about 20 minutes to complete, and the results will help design services under the National Soil Strategy. Take the survey before 30 September.
|
|
|
Domestic and stock water rights review Domestic and stock water rights are being reviewed as part of the NSW Water Strategy. These rights allow landholders to take and use water for domestic needs and stock watering without a water access licence, provided they own or occupy a parcel of land that has river, lake, or estuary frontage or is overlying an aquifer. As part of the review, landholders are invited complete a survey, which closes on 21 November 2023.
|
|
|
|
|
Farmer feedback loopFor valuable landholder insights into utilising technology to record and measure soil and the overall environment, watch this FarmLab webinar. Explore various soil sampling
methodologies, stratification and the use of technology, such as spatially mapping soils. The webinar also explains a recent Landcare farming project in the New England region involving eight growers.
|
|
|
Farmers to test digital safety Farmers are being sought to road‐test digital safety solutions in a national project. The 1000 Farm Safety Project is set to run throughout 2024 with the aim to recruit 1000 properties across Australia to take part at no cost to them, and to transform how Australians protect their farming families, employees and teammates. Register your interest here.
|
|
|
|
Farm Tracker - A guide for farmersThe user-friendly Farm Tracker app lets you keep tabs on your property's seasonal changes and monitor farm changes. Capture images of your farm, monitor dam levels and record detailed paddock changes. This information helps with budgeting, planning and simply making choices about your farm's future. Farm Tracker also connects you to valuable resources, like seasonal conditions and drought information; rural financial information and wellbeing support services.
|
|
|
|
Young farmer business programStarting, running or expanding a farming or fishing business can be challenging. The Young Farmer Business Program is an initiative of the NSW Department of Primary Industries to help you gain the skills you need for the office – not the paddock. The Young Farmer Business program provides tools, a network and support to grow your farming business.
| |
|
|
|
Pasture health videoLearn about the different data that can be collected from multi-species pastures and crops to assess their performance in terms of Soil Function and Fertility, Pasture Quality and Quantity and Local Ecosystem Health. In this video, learn about a range of planning and practical activities to monitor the health & productivity of your multispecies pasture.
|
|
|
Managing shelterbeltsPlanting native shelterbelts on farms can deliver productivity and biodiversity benefits. Well-managed and diverse native shelterbelts can have productivity benefits for cropping and grazing enterprises while supporting hundreds of species of birds, mammals, invertebrates, frogs and reptiles. This guide details the science behind shelterbelt management and outlines how to create effective shelterbelts on farms.
|
|
|
|
Regenerative agriculture mentoring programGina Lopez has seen her region decimated by bushfires and floods. The last few years have held many challenges for farmers – compacted and poor soil health, wet feet, lack of feed, animals food sources becoming limited and chicken flocks looking like a smorgasbord for eagles. But Gina is on a mission to be self-sufficient from her property, Chaffin Creek Farm, and she wants to educate her community about food security along the way. Read about her three year regen journey.
|
|
|
|
|
Slowing the water to rehydrate the landscape Producer Sarah Lindsay recognises the importance of progressively fencing off waterways, reducing erosion and sediment runoff and creating leaky weirs in the gullies that have formed across the property. Read about Sarah's 22 years of experience or watch the video of Martin Royds journey from using conventional agriculture practices to holistic landscape management on his property Jillamatong.
|
|
|
Plain English allergen labellingFrom 25 February 2024, allergen information must be declared in a specific format and location on food labels, using prescribed plain English terms in bold font. Food labelled before the end of this transition period with existing declarations may be sold for a further two years. The Food Authority’s Generate an allergen declaration tool can help – simply enter an ingredient to see how allergens must be displayed.
|
|
|
|
|
Farm dam technical guideThe 34-page Farm Dam Technical Guide is now available to order, or you can view it online. In addition, you can watch the webinar discussion on the benefits of enhancing a farm dam, including Improving water quality by rotationally grazing paddocks with dams; Increasing the diversity of birds, frogs and insects; Reducing dam greenhouse gas emissions; How vegetation beside dams can reduce evaporation rates.
|
|
|
Place based capital programLocal communities and organisations across Australia are working together to create more locally led, locally owned, prosperous, equitable, self-sufficient, regenerative, resilient local financial systems, economies and communities. The Place Based Capital Program provides a coordinated structure and process for interested places and partners to explore, design and build place based capital solutions.
|
|
|
|
| Learning about environmental markets The Introduction to Environmental Markets Course is a practical, hands-on course where you can develop the capability to identify, market and benefit from environmental market opportunities. It is the first of its kind and has been specifically designed and developed for Australian farmers, land managers and natural resource managers. The course is interactive, online and self-paced. A free preview is available. | | | 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
| |
|
|
You received this email because you subscribed to our list. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Lvl 4, 2-6 Station Street Penrith NSW 2750 Australia
|
|
|
|