WELCOME! Issue 52 - 13 April 2023
| |
Sincerely,
Richard Stephens Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator (RALF)
| | | |
Natural capital accounting
Natural capital accounting is a method for measuring the health and benefits of nature. The method recognises that nature is an asset and the condition of that asset that underpins the flow of ecosystem services and benefits to the economy and society, both now and in the future.Natural capital accounting enables consistent descriptions of the changes in the quantity and quality of our natural assets and communication nature's benefits to multiple stakeholders. The Landcare Farming Natural Capital Accounting Benchmarking project provides training in natural capital accounting methods and is developing environmental baseline reports for producers.
Natural capital accounting enables the measurement of nature based solutions for climate mitigation, including three main types of actions to increase carbon storage, avoid greenhouse gas emissions, or both. - Protecting natural ecosystems from loss and degradation
- Restoring ecosystems that have been degraded
- Managing more sustainably agricultural and forestry lands.
Landholders can already receive income from the Australian Carbon Credit Units scheme and a Nature Repair Market is in the process of being established, enabling the establishment of a biodiversity credit scheme.
|
|
|
|
|
New Varroa mite cases detected Nine new cases of the varroa mite have been identified across the New South Wales Central Coast and Hunter regions. The eradication zone of the state's Central Coast has been extended. The Department of Primary Industries said this meant all beehives and equipment in the affected areas would have to be destroyed, and treatment of wild bee populations on the Central Coast would be prioritised to prevent the mite's spread further south. Click HERE.
|
|
|
Get paid to protect wildlife & boost biodiversityLandholders are a step closer to being paid to protect nature, with the federal government introducing legislation establishing a biodiversity trading scheme. The scheme would allow a biodiversity market to be established, enabling farmers and First Nations communities to be paid for helping the environment by planting native species, removing feral cats and weeds or fencing livestock out of waterways. Click HERE.
|
|
|
|
|
NSW seasonal updateDrier conditions in the first three months of 2023 have resulted in a decline in soil, water and plant growth, particularly in the north and east of the state. Subsoil moisture levels are above average in the south of NSW and parts of the north but generally drier in the northwest and coastal areas. Forecasts indicate warmer than average days for most of NSW, April to June. The El Niño Southern Oscillation outlook suggests the formation of an El Nino forming in winter or spring. Click HERE.
|
|
|
Aussie grown pine nuts could replace imports Pine nuts are a creamy, teardrop-shaped nut considered a delicacy in Mediterranean cooking. They're one of the world's most expensive nuts, and none of the pine nuts sold in Australian supermarkets are grown here. But that could change, with a handful of farmers embarking to slowly replace some of those imports. Pine trees can take up to 15 years to produce their first harvest of edible nuts. The species best suited to our Australian climate is Pinus pinea or Italian stone pine. Click HERE.
|
| | |
|
Vets declare Ovine Johne's Disease endemicCaused by a bacteria, Ovine Johne’s disease (OJD) is a chronic intestinal infection in sheep and goats with symptoms varying from production losses, chronic wasting to death. Infected sheep progressively lose condition, may scour, and become emaciated before dying. Traditionally found in southern parts of the country, OJD has now spread into northern NSW. Infected (even vaccinated) animals still shed bacteria while appearing healthy. Producers should consider vaccination and only buy vaccinated stock. For more info, HERE.
|
|
|
EVENTS, SHORT COURSES & WEBINARS
|
|
Soil biology workshops & paddock walks Three soil biology workshops with paddock walk and talks will delve into the complex biological community of life that makes up healthy, high functioning soil. You can view the pasture growth differences on our three demonstration plots where a large variety of biological and conventional soil amendments have been used. Somersby, Wednesday 19 April Richmond, Thursday 20 April Camden, Friday 21 AprilEach workshop: 9:00am, Paddock walk & talk: 2:00pm, Close 3:00pm. Lunch and morning tea are provided. Registration is essential, register HERE.
|
|
|
|
|
Sensors for water management in horticulture In this webinar, learn about different technologies and methods for monitoring moisture in both field crops and nursery containers using TDR soil moisture probes, weight based irrigation scheduling, leachate fraction irrigation scheduling and water balance models. Presentations will cover material from the Smart Farming Technology Guide for Horticulture, available here, followed by 20 minutes of questions and answers. Held by Applied Horticulture Research, Thursday 20 April, 1pm to 2pm, register HERE.
|
|
|
Native Fish Forum The Native Fish Forum is being held from 3 to 5 May 2023 at the Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo. The forum will cover a wide range of topics presented by scientists, practitioners, sector experts, First Nations Peoples, community members and anglers. Travel & accommodation support is available for recreational fishers, First Nations representatives, community volunteers, or for those who work in small not-for-profit organisations. Click HERE.
|
|
|
|
|
Farming Matters Conference 2023 Farmers, consumers, businesses and government will meet at Farming Matters 2023 in Canberra on 3 -5 May 2023. Farmers are now embracing regenerative practices and consumers are calling for verifiably responsible produce. Businesses now need to accurately report their environmental, social and governance credentials, and governments need sustainable policies for agriculture. Workshops, key note presentations and local field trips are on offer. Click HERE.
|
|
|
Paddock walk and talk at Happy FarmJoin Brian Wehlburg for a two hour paddock walk at Happy Farm, North Richmond, 2-4pm, Tuesday 9 May 2023. Brian will be walking and talking about Holistic Management, paddock health and resilience, feed budgeting and using livestock to enhance environments. For more information, click HERE. RSVP essential, email jodi@happyfarm.com.au
|
|
|
|
|
Pasture days for horses Want to improve your pastures to help the ongoing health of your horses?
Equine Agronomist, Helena Warren, will cover land management techniques for horse owners, linking soil health with pasture health and introducing high quality grasses for optimum horse health. Ben Azzopardi, from Local Land Services, will guide a walk and talk through our equine pasture trials. Registration essential.Richmond - Thursday 11 May, register HERE. Central Coast - Friday 12 May, register HERE.
|
|
|
Mudgee Small Farm Field DayThe Mudgee Small Farm Field Days is a two-day annual event that has been running for over 40 years and attracts approximately 20,000 people annually. It aims to promote innovation and sustainability in agriculture and rural living and inform, educate and connect rural people with information and solution providers. There are free demonstrations and talks, commercial stalls, live music and activities to suit
the whole family. From 7 to 8 July, 2023, click HERE.
|
|
|
|
|
Nature based solutionsThe inaugural Nature Based Solutions Conference & Expo will be held in Brisbane, 17-19 July 2023. It will bring together practical natural solutions to mitigate climate change, including; blue carbon sequestration, soil and tree carbon initiatives as well as biodiversity improvements. Domestic and international case studies will feature, along with taking a holistic approach. For more information, click HERE.
|
|
|
Food in the Capital 3The ACT is developing its agrifood strategy to create a Canberra region food bowl. Realising the vision of a fully integrated city-region food system needs strong governance and a participatory co-design process involving all stakeholders.
The Resource Centre on Urban Agriculture and Food Security (RUAF) is a global partnership on sustainable urban agriculture and food systems providing a platform for learning and knowledge sharing between science, policy and practice. This event will be held from 8-9 September 2023. HERE.
|
|
|
|
|
Gallagher fencing grants
Applications for the 2023 Gallagher Landcare Electric Fencing Grants are now open! To be eligible, landholder, Landcare group and/or network projects must be within 100km of a Gallagher Territory Manager. View the locations of Territory Managers HERE. Applications require a site visit by a local Gallagher Territory Manager between 1 May – 9 June, apply now! For more information, click HERE.
|
|
|
Farm business coaching Specialised business coaching is now available to NSW farmers. The Farm Business Resilience Business Coaching Program is designed for enterprises, large or small, and is ideal for farmers, farm managers, and their employees who are looking to upskill the economic, environmental and social resilience of their business. Expressions of interest are now being sought for coaching to begin in May 2023. Click HERE.
|
|
|
|
|
Savory Sheep Grazier Grant Are you keen to help get 400,00 hectares of Australia on a regenerative path through the Savory Sheep Grazier Grant? Approximately $15,000 per farm per annum is available to cover five years of Ecological Outcomes Verification (EOV) monitoring, as well as covering the cost of a full Holistic Management course, around 8 days of mentoring and continuing support in small groups regarding Holistic Planned Grazing, Holistic Land Planning and Holistic Financial Planning. For more information, click HERE.
|
|
|
Nuffield scholarships A wider variety of scholarships with Nuffield Australia in 2024 are now available. Scholars have the opportunity to travel overseas and study a large variety of rural topics and learn from international leaders in a chosen field, such as drought resilience. Each Nuffield Australia scholarship is valued at $35,000 and farmers and others working in food and fibre production aged between 28 and 45 should apply now. Applications close 9 June 2023. Click HERE.
|
|
|
|
|
River restoration grants Rivers of Carbon – Source Water is a partnership between Rivers of Carbon and Water NSW to protect and restore river and riparian areas in Sydney’s water catchments. If you are a landholder in the shaded area of the map to the left (IE: Braidwood, Goulburn and the Southern Highlands) and are keen to better manage rivers, creeks, wetlands or ponds, you may be eligible for incentives to reduce erosion, improve water quality, stabilise banks and boost biodiversity through revegetation. Managing stock is central to the on-ground work, so fencing and off stream watering are also key strategies we develop with landholders. Eligible landholders need to run a minimum of 20 head of stock and enter into a 10-year agreement with the Australian River Restoration Centre. There is a funding cap of $18 per metre of waterway restored. Click HERE.
|
|
|
Flies for varroaIn an Australian first, researchers will be releasing pollinator flies in the Coffs Harbour biosecurity Red Zone to fortify close to 1500 hectares of berry crops in the area. Growers in the region have experienced a dip in pollination services after the eradication of bees following Varroa Mite incursions. This program will investigate whether flies that are not attracted to food or humans, can be as effective. Click HERE.
|
|
|
|
|
Birds on farms Research by 'Sustainable Farms' shows: - Remnant woodland, regrowth woodlands and plantings each support different groups of birds. - The amount of tree and shrub cover at the site, farm and landscape scales has an influence on bird diversity. - Planting to increase woodland cover has greater relative positive effects on birds than grazing control. - While some woodland species are increasing (due to replanting), twice as many species are declining. Click HERE.
|
|
|
Solar and agriculture, a perfect match? 'Agrisolar' or 'agrivoltaics' combines solar technology and agricultural production for more efficient land use. Innovative options for new ways of placing solar panels on farms include putting solar panels in farm dams and using solar panels to shade fruit trees. The sharp fall in the cost of solar photovoltaics means it is now the lowest-cost form of electricity generation, and is renewable! Click HERE.
|
|
|
|
|
Red seaweed to slash methane emissionsA new study paves the way for the dairy industry to dramatically slash its methane emissions by feeding cattle a native red seaweed called asparagopsis armata. The study not only provides an opportunity for dairy farmers to reduce their carbon footprints. It may also kickstart a profitable new "low emissions" marketing opportunity for the industry. The seaweed can drastically reduce cows' burping, reducing methane emissions, and can be fed to cattle in dried pieces sprinkled on their food or as an oil. Click HERE.
|
|
|
Australian horticulture statisticsThe 2021/22 Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook provides comprehensive and up-to-date data on over 75 horticultural products, including fruit, nuts, vegetables, nursery, turf and cut flowers. In 2021/22, horticulture production was worth $15.6 billion. The full Handbook (PDF and online tool) is available HERE and a recording of the webinar launch is available HERE. | | | |
|
Soil webinarsThe Soils Network of Knowledge is a NSW Department of Primary Industries initiative. The network has produced a series of soil webinars, including Jason Condon’s ‘Explaining soil test jargon’ and 'Soil profile inspections to improve the effectiveness of soil' and 'The national soil strategy'. For these and other Soils webinars, click HERE.
|
|
|
Landcare Farming - biodiversity opportunities The latest Landcare farmer webinar 'Maximising Ecosystem Opportunities to Fit Your Business: Biodiversity' is now available. Learn about biodiversity on-farm and the emerging biodiversity markets, improve your capacity to participate in emerging environmental markets, develop your knowledge of environmental condition and natural capital accounting systems, and enhance your skills in natural capital accounting and environmental assessment. Click HERE.
|
|
|
|
|
Beneficial insects Cesar Australia, an independent research and extension company, have released three beneficial insect webinars. These webinars cover Predators, Pollinators and Parasitoids and are a part of Cesar Australia's research into native and invasive fauna and flora in the fields of integrated pest management, conservation and biosecurity. This research aims to improve the health and resilience of human influenced and natural ecosystems. Click HERE.
|
|
|
|
Hazards near meHazards Near Me NSW is the new official source of emergency information for NSW and replaces the Fires Near Me app. The new app shows information and warnings about bushfires and floods, and more hazards will be added in the near future. Setting a watch zone allows you to get notifications about incidents in your area. If you already have Fires Near Me NSW, update your app. Or you can search for Hazards Near Me NSW in your app store. To view a quick presentation, click HERE.
|
|
|
Climate services for agriculture The Climate Services for Agriculture platform has been updated. Farmers, advisers and other agricultural industry stakeholders can access historical climate data, seasonal forecasts and future climate projections at a 5km² resolution. Updates include: Specific climate insights for additional commodities; User customisation of temperature and rainfall thresholds, and date ranges; A new Temperature Humidity Index for beef, dairy and sheep; A News and Events section; Updated FAQ and About pages. Click HERE.
|
|
|
|
|
Riparian fencingAs well as keeping stock out of riparian areas, riparian fences can support new paddock subdivisions enabling more effective grazing, form part of a laneway for easier stock movement and take advantage of future shade and/or shelter. Where and how you build your fence will be influenced by factors including the type of waterway, terrain, cost, flood risk, proximity to power and existing infrastructure and the way you intend to use your riparian land. The photos, diagrams and information in this guide can help you with your riparian fencing, click HERE.
|
|
|
Promoting our pollinators Pollination is a vital ecological process, helping to produce Australia’s high-quality fruit, vegetables, gardens and native landscapes. Ninety-five percent of flowering plant species need pollinators, so when we are restoring landscapes with vegetation, it is important to think about how we can create habitats within which pollinators can thrive. Read the Rivers of Carbon 'Promoting our Pollinators' guide HERE.
|
|
|
|
|
Have you considered further study?A Graduate Diploma in Regenerative Agriculture may set you up for a rewarding career in
farming or agribusiness. Gain insight into the processes of transition required to build more resilient farming systems and rural societies. Also, learn about planning rural landscapes, building resilience in a changing climate, and how to support change. Review the Southern Cross University Grad Dip in Regen Ag HERE.
|
|
|
On-farm composting of flood spoilageAfter significant flood events, landholders often face the challenge of managing contaminated and spoiled feed, such as grain, hay, and silage. For producers looking to manage flood spoilage, composting on farm may be the best option. When choosing a compost site, ensure soils under the site are relatively impermeable, the area is at least 2m above the water table, the site is flat or has a slight slope and is well away from neighbours' dwellings and other sensitive areas such as waterways. Click HERE.
|
|
|
|
|
Weeds are telling us something, are we listening? Have you considered an ecological systems approach to managing weeds? In this Soils for Life podcast, listen to agroecologist Sarah Fea and four practising farmers who discuss their changing relationships with plants. By taking a fresh look at weeds, learn how we can benefit from seeing them differently. For example, hear how specific weeds germinate to heal damaged soils and, therefore, they are showing us what the soil needs. Click HERE.
|
|
|
A farmer story - creating resilient landscapes Glenn Morris is a cattle farmer, passionate about creating resilient landscapes. The changing climate accelerating natural resource decline, with fewer plants and greater storm intensity, there is an increase in erosion. The soil cannot retain water, so when it rains, the water washes away, taking the topsoil with it. Since 2000, Glenn has studied and implemented sustainable practices on his two coastal cattle properties. 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
| |
|
|
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
|
|
|
|