WELCOME! Issue 56 - 10 August 2023 | |
Yours sincerely,
Richard Stephens Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator (SAF)
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Varroa mite emergency Unfortunately, there have been more varroa mite incursions recently in Greater Sydney, including Glenorie, Maroota, Somersby, Rathmines, Bandon Grove, Ourimbah, Wyee, Topi Topi and Forresters Beach.Promisingly, a relatively low mite count suggests this movement of varroa has been detected early and, therefore, may be contained and successfully eradicated.As of 2 August 2023, there were 196 infected premises (IP) recorded across the state and approximately 1.2 million hectares classified as Emergency Eradication or Red Zones. For more information on the Varroa mite Emergency Response, including an online interactive map showing all IP locations, click HERE. Also, know your obligations including when you can and can’t move honey bees and hives. Submit your NSW movement declaration form here HERE.
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The Big Shift Podcasts - Climate Smart Farming The latest Big Shift Podcast episodes focus on climate-smart farming. Our latest releases include:
Biodiversity and ecosystems – Be inspired by farmers who have improved their resilience by increasing whole ecosystem biodiversity and their farms to improve pest control, pollination and carbon sequestration. Building healthy soils -Healthy agriculture soils allow functional biology (food webs) and chemistry (nutrient cycling) for efficient and sustainable productivity. Hear from three farmers implementing practices to sustain their soils and how they have buffered the impacts from sever climatic events. Landscape modifications – In this episode, we’re looking at farmers who have used landscape modification, including diversion banks, ponding, swales and leaky weirs to slow and store water flows during rainfall events.
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Grazing Groups for Greater Sydney
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Local Land Services has set up four grazing groups across Greater Sydney. In recent meetings, attendees learned about a series of crops planted in late April which have been continuously monitored and irrigated showing good performance under seasonal conditions. Recent feed tests and samplings revealed that the sown crops have excellent nutritional levels for ruminant livestock, but they may pose concerns for horses due to their high energy content. The cereal crops showed significant biomass, but careful consideration of dry matter is necessary. Natural pastures, like Kikuyu, couch, displayed about 40% digestibility, requiring supplementation to maintain body condition. Stock will seek extra nutrition, with limited nutritional benefits from these natural grasses, resulting in the risk of consuming poisonous plants and increased pressure on fences and escaping. These grazing group meetings are a valuable source of information for livestock owners. If you are interested in joining, please contact Ben Azzopardi on 0473 950 997 or email ben.azzopardi@lls.nsw.gov.au
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Micro flower farms Micro flower farms are becoming popular in Australia as consumers demand locally-grown blooms. The industry hopes these smaller operations will boost Australia's domestic production of flowers, as Australia primarily relies on imported blooms after import restrictions were eased 20 years. Micro farming is about creating small economies, growing local to sell local. The Australian flower industry is hoping this will help the domestic industry bloom again, restoring it to it's former glory. Click HERE.
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Feral Deer A new report estimates feral deer cost Australia $91 million annually. Experts say without more management, feral deer will soon become a much bigger problem. Deer are having a considerable impact on agriculture and are getting closer to suburban areas, with feral deer numbers in Australia now estimated to be between 1 and 2 million, representing a 10-fold increase over 20 years. View the report HERE. For more info, click HERE.
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Greater Sydney weed management plan The Greater Sydney Regional Strategic Weed Management Plan 2023 -27 aims to provide landholders and stakeholders with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions in weed management and control. The success of this plan depends on ownership by the whole community, taking a regional co-ordinated and co-operative approach with an appreciation by all stakeholders of their responsibilities and contributions. View the plan. Click HERE.
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Kids to farms Kids to Farms is a program to increase primary-school students' awareness of where our food and fibre come from. NSW Farmers aims to increase engagement between primary schools and farmers through the Kids to Farms: 2 by 12 program, which aims to have each child in NSW have 2 educational interactions with the agriculture industry by the time they are 12. Click HERE.
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Meet the Australian farmers of the year The Australian Farmer of the Year awards celebrate and applaud the outstanding achievements of those individuals and families making a significant contribution to Australian agriculture. Meet the 2023 Australian Farmer of the Year award winners and find out why they were chosen. Apology: Last month's edition had an incorrect weblink. Click the correct weblink HERE.
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National statement on climate change and Ag State, territory and federal agriculture ministers signed Australia’s first National Statement on Climate Change and Agriculture. This statement is an important first step in creating a national plan and key policies that can support farmers to cut their emissions and increase productivity. You can read more about the statement and the commitments made HERE. And if you’re keen to read the full statement the ministers issued, you can find it HERE.
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Annual Land and Stock Return Portal The Annual Land and Stock Return Portal is now open. Ratepayers have until 31 August 2023 to submit their return. The information collected is important as it is used to keep NSW safe. You can still manually submit if you prefer. Even if you don’t have any stock, filling out your Annual Land and Stock Return helps us keep your details up to date and guarantees penalties won’t be applied to your next Local Land Services rates notice. To learn more, click HERE or call our team on 1300 795 299.
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EVENTS, SHORT COURSES & WEBINARS
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Soil biology masterclass and certification The Global Centre for Land-Based Innovation offers two soil health and biology courses. If you want to understand the benefits of soil biology as a driver of healthy crops and healthy foods in sustainable production, the 2-day soil biology masterclass will be held on 15-16 August at Western Sydney University in Richmond. The 4-day soil science & biology certification course runs from 15 to 18 August 2023. Click HERE for more information on the 2-day course, HERE for the 4-day course.
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Pasture soil testing interpretation Do you want to improve pasture production? Curious about your soils fertility? Greater Sydney landholders can receive a free soil test and participate in a two-part 'Soil testing and interpretation' workshop. The online workshops will cover an understanding of the chemical structure of the soil, factors that may limit soil health, what can be added to improve soil health and determining livestock supplements based on soil characteristics. Soil samples are due by Friday 18 August 2023.
For more information or to register, click HERE.
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Alternative pollinator workshop Associate Professor Dr Tanya Latty will cover specific alternate pollinators for individual crops found on the Central Coast at this workshop. Tanya will cover identifying and attracting alternative pollinators and biodiversity threats and benefits. This workshop will be held from 10am to 12.30pm at Mangrove Mountain on Friday 25 August 2023. Registration is essential! Click HERE.
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Digital literacy for primary producers Primary producers in the Hawkesbury area are invited to develop fundamental technology skills to grow their digital confidence and improve business management practices. Run by the Department of Primary Industries Rural Recovery Support Service, Excel Skills for Small Business, is being held on 6 September 2023 at Wilberforce. Spaces are limited. Contact Lisa Sullivan for further details and to secure your spot, phone 0438 080 459 or email lisa.sullivan@dpi.nsw.gov.au.
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Sustainable horse keepingIf you want to be a responsible, sustainable ethical horse owner/manager, this course is for you. It will provide practical solutions for making informed decisions that benefit your horse, yourself and the land. Traditional management of horses can lead to increased obesity, ill health, behavioural issues, damaged soil, unhealthy pastures and higher costs. The University of New England runs this open learning course, which costs $199, and you can start when it suits you! Click HERE.
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Berry Small Farm Field Days The 2023 Berry Small Farm Field Days will be held 8-9 September at the Berry Showgrounds. This year's 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. For more information, click HERE.
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Drones in Agriculture trainingDrones in agriculture continues to expand, and training is available. Learn how to use drones to collect farm data, help make informed decisions (such as refined fertiliser, sowing, crop and weed management), and monitor and maximise farm water systems. Choose from three sessions: Dungog - 12 September; Lower Hunter - 13 September; Hawkesbury -14 September. For more information, click HERE.
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Introduction to Biodynamics
This introductory workshop brings together the art and science of biodynamics, 'how and why' biodynamic preparations work, and the practical skills needed. It will cover: The life of the soil; Creating soil fertility; Managing your natural resources; Practical application of the biodynamic preparations; Developing risk management of your land (weeds, pests, diseases); Meeting the challenges of climate change. Somersby, 14-15 September 2023. Fees apply, click HERE
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Provenance marketing Want to capitalise on your local provenance? This six-part series will hold one live session each Wednesday, 12pm – 1pm. Sessions will also be recorded and cover: Why provenance matters – its relevance and impact; Unearthing your provenance story; Getting to know your perfect customer; Where your provenance story converges with your customers; Crafting your narrative; and Sharing your provenance story. The six part series starts 20 September 2023, fees apply, click HERE.
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Urban Agriculture ForumThe Urban Agriculture Forum will be held on Gadigal Land of the Eora Peoples in Sydney (Redfern), 17-19 November 2023. The program continues to be developed, and the opportunity to nominate presenters remains until 15 August, click HERE. To see what speakers have already been confirmed, click HERE. The urban agriculture forum is being held as part of Urban Agriculture Month - November 2023.
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Private land for perpetual conservation The NSW government will spend $140m to secure another 200,000 hectares of private land for conservation by 2025. This will help Australia meet its commitment to preserve 30 per cent of land for conservation by 2030. Private landholders have the opportunity to sign permanent conservation agreements, and the funding can cover costs associated with Landcare and biodiversity conservation practices. Click HERE. | | | |
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Flood grants The third and final round of the Community Wellbeing and Resilience Grants of up to $10,000 is now open. These grants are designed to support the mental health of those affected by the 2022 floods. Communities can choose their own way to respond to the losses, anxiety and distress they have experienced, as well as actively participate in their recovery. Applicants are encouraged to discuss their proposal with the Grants Team, Applications close 11:59pm Sunday, 27 August 2023. Click HERE.
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Shaping our natural capital program Farmers face increasingly complex decisions about managing natural capital, demonstrating sustainability, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and environmental markets. Local Land Services wants to help farmers and land managers navigate these new opportunities and risks and make the best decisions for their businesses. Your feedback will help us shape our new Natural Capital Program. Take the short survey HERE.
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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 take part 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 HERE.
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Chicken welfare gets a boost Australians eat more chicken than any other meat, 47 kilograms per person annually! Researcher Dr Cheryl McCarthy has developed an algorithm that allows chicken behaviour to be analysed through cameras. It means the flock's growth and behaviours can be monitored, reducing the need for manual handling. In addition, the technology may have applications in other intensive animal industries. For more info, click HERE.
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Farm crime surveyA national survey into farm crime is underway for the first time in 20 years. The aim is to reveal how widespread it is and to help police and government in their efforts to curb the problem. One of the key barriers to combating farm crime is it often goes unreported. The aim is to amplify the voices of farmers and use their insights to provide police and government decision-makers with recommendations to help curb farm crime. Click HERE.
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Australian Native Bees Australian native bees are important pollinators of numerous fruit and nut crops, vegetables, wildflowers and native plants. Most are solitary bees that nest in the ground or inside cavities in vegetation. Studies have shown that some wild bee species are more effective pollinators per visit than honeybees. Australia has over 1,600 species ranging from the large 24 mm yellow and black carpenter bees down to the tiny 2 mm Quasihesma bees. Click HERE for the factsheet.
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Bee GlueA by-product of honey production largely discarded in Australia could provide an alternative income source for beekeepers across the country. Hidden within the walls of their hives, bees blend up a unique mix of materials that scientists believe holds untapped potential in Australia. Propolis is a sticky, resinous substance sometimes referred to as "bee glue". Bees use propolis as a powerful sterilising agent as well as to seal gaps in their hives against predators and the elements. Click HERE.
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Map of greenhousesAustralia’s first protected cropping map has been launched as an interactive dashboard. It allows users to explore the location and area of around 14,000 hectares of glasshouses, commercial nets, polytunnels and shadehouses. The map will assist the horticulture sector in forecasting yields, manage logistics, and respond to natural disasters and biosecurity threats. Click HERE.
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El Nino explained Do you need to know more about which indicators you should use for forecasting and what you can be doing now to prepare your farm? In this pre-recorded webinar, learn what the El Nino alert will mean for weather patterns across Australia, the indicators farmers should use for weather and long-range forecasting and holistic decision-making processes you could use to prepare your farm for an El Nino. Click HERE.
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Science to practice forumThe Science to Practice Forum brought together farmers, researchers, government, industry and the community to explore the innovative tools and practices helping our farmers and regions prepare for future drought. The online forum also showcased the work of the Future Drought Fund’s 8 Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs around the country Click HERE.
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Constructing bed level crossingsLearn how to construct a farm bed level crossing and what to consider when deciding whether it is a good option for creek or stream crossings on your property. Peter Fogarty, Soil Knowledge Network, and Ashley Bolton, NSW Soil Conservation Service, take you through the design and construction of bed level crossings, using the example of the construction of a bed level crossing on a farm south of Canberra. Watch the video HERE.
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My climate view My Climate View is a free online tool helping farmers understand what future climate might mean for their location and it helps to inform decision-making and build climate resilience. The easy to use website is customisable so farmers can explore climate trends for their specific commodities locally. Click HERE.
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Farm safety resources Farmsafe Australia has revealed 55 farmers lost their lives on the job last year, and almost 160 were hospitalised, a 20% jump from the previous year. As a result, attention has turned to reducing on-farm accidents and unsafe practices. Farmers, their workers and farm families are encouraged to 'stay on the safe side' and check out the free Farmsafe resources. Click HERE.
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Rachel's farmOne woman’s journey from ecological despair to finding hope in the soil beneath her feet. In this uplifting documentary, actor-director Rachel Ward sets out to regenerate her northern NSW beef farm. The 2019 Black Summer fires spared the farm, but the near-miss, and a first grandchild, set Rachel thinking hard about the future. The film follows her journey of challenging established farming practices and embracing Regenerative Agriculture. Click HERE.
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Strive 4 sustainability Destination NSW has partnered with Ecotourism Australia to provide FREE access to the pre-certification Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard for eligible NSW visitor economy businesses. The free Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard supports visitor economy businesses. Expressions of interest open. Click HERE.
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Energy-efficient solutionsA series of case studies in intensive agriculture, including dairy, horticulture and feedlots, demonstrate various technological energy efficient solutions. This includes solar thermal chilled water storage; solar photo voltaic tracking system raised above the ground to enable livestock grazing in the same location; battery storage electrification of LPG and diesel fuelled equipment; and, peer to peer energy trading. Click HERE.
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Grow food revolution'The Need To GROW' is an environmental film that gives the world hope. This is a story of cutting edge solutions to climate change. With the planet on the brink of increasing ecological disaster and chronic disease rates, many wonder, “What can I do?”. Start by watching this film, as change happens when people are informed. This award winning documentary is available for free for a limited time only, click HERE.
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Fodder shedIf you’re a grazier, do you have a fodder shed, or have you ever considered using one? In a fodder shed, you produce feed from seed, such as barley, in just six days. Farmer Mike McCosker explains why he built and uses a fodder shed, which has built resilience into his farm, fortifying it against future drought. As we look ahead to a dry summer, now could be the perfect time for you to consider a fodder shed. Watch this informative video HERE.
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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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