WELCOME! Issue 55 - 7July 2023
| Message from RALF Hello everyone,Beetles with benefits! Dung beetles increase soil fertility, carbon levels, water holding capacity and control livestock parasites. So join the Greater Sydney Dung Beetle Network.Also, in this edition: listen to the latest Big Shift Podcast on Agtech, learn about the Registered Soil Practitioner accreditation system, participate in the Carbon Edge program, apply for a farm Innovation grant, get high on cattle being fed hemp or watch the latest GS LLS videos on soil health.If you know someone who might be interested in joining the Greater Sydney Small Farms network, they can register HERE. To view previous newsletters, click HERE. To provide ideas on how the Greater Sydney Small Farms network can help you, please email or phone me on 0436 803 337 | |
Sincerely,
Richard Stephens Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator (RALF)
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Dung Beetles for Greater Sydney
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Three successful dung beetle workshops were held in Greater Sydney in June
with Dr Bernard Doube from Dung Beetle Solutions .Watch Bernard's video on establishing dung beetle populations HERE.Two weeks prior to the workshops, dung beetles were placed in-situ at Wyong, Richmond and Cobbitty so they could be dug up during the workshops. At the Richmond site, dung beetles had burrowed down 60cm, created dung nests and even laid eggs (see photo on the right below)!
Dung beetles' positive effects on soil fertility, carbon levels, water-holding capacity and livestock parasite control are
very significant.
In addition, dung beetle numbers have been significantly reduced in the Sydney Basin following years of saturated soils and flooding.
As a result, Local Land Services is setting up a Greater Sydney
Dung Beetle Network. This network will enable landholders to learn more about the suitability of different dung beetle species for our region and how to introduce these ecosystem engineers to our farming systems. If you are interested, click HERE.
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The Big Shift Podcast special edition - AgTech
Our latest series on the Big Shift Podcast comes from the NSW DPI Climate Smart project. These stories are farmers' experiences in adapting their land, farming systems and businesses. They tap into the energy and expertise of landholders who demonstrate how positive steps can be taken on farms to prosper as climatic conditions shift across NSW. Over the next 5 episodes, we're travelling to 15 farm enterprises in various locations experiencing different climate challenges and digging into the different ways they've adapted. We are going to explore how `increasing biodiversity, landscape modification and livestock management can help to mitigate climate impacts, but first we are going to kick off with how adopting digital technology can help managers to improve their productivity, efficiencies, respond to climate risk, and adapt their enterprises. Listen to the special edition on Agtech HERE.
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El Niño underway The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has declared El Niño is now underway, increasing the likelihood of record high global temperatures and disruptive weather patterns over the next 12 months. The WMO update combines forecasts and expert guidance from around the world and follows similar declarations made by several national agencies earlier this year, including the USA and Japan. However, our Bureau of Meteorology is yet to declare El Nino officially is here. 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. Click HERE.
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Registered Soil Practitioner Soil Science Australia has developed the Registered Soil Practitioner (RSP) accreditation system in
collaboration with soil scientists, industry, government and land and natural resource
managers. It is now open for applications that want to be qualified.
The RSP accreditation recognises the expertise of soil practitioners and aims to provide farmers and land managers with confidence the consultant they have engaged has competence, ability and integrity. HERE.
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Have your say on our Demonstration Farm Have you ever visited or heard about the Local Land Services Demonstration Farm located at Richmond Lowlands? We need to hear from as many people as possible so we can meet your needs. We are undertaking a survey to ensure you have your say on the future of this great resource! The survey closes on Friday 21 July. Complete the survey HERE. You could win a $100 hardware voucher for giving us your opinion!
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Biochar, helping us meet net zero Residual biomass (organic matter) can be transformed into biochar, providing renewable energy and carbon that will benefit many industries, including agriculture. Biochar can play a role in reducing and removing carbon from the atmosphere, helping us meet our climate change objectives and the Australian Biochar industry is predicted to be a major billion-dollar industry by 2030. Read the FACTSHEET, watch the VIDEO or discover the industry 2030 ROADMAP.
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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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Does your pasture match your livestock?Cattle, sheep and goats use pastures differently. Goats and sheep tend to use steeper areas than cattle. Cattle eat mainly grasses, while goats browse more shrubs and trees. Sheep are intermediate and have less preference for a specific plant type. Cattle have large broad mouths and are not good at selecting specific plant parts. Sheep and goats have small mouths with prehensile lips, which allow them to select specific plant parts. Grazing multiple species can often be complementary. Read The Prairie Project factsheet (from the USA) HERE.
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Slug numbers increasingFarmers in south-eastern Australia have been fighting against the worst slug numbers seen in crops in decades. According to slug expert and applied invertebrate ecologist Michael Nash, the slugs are a parting gift from the triple La Niña event, with populations increasing due to wet spring seasons. "It is the worst I have ever seen," Dr Nash said. "We have seen it right across southern Australia, slug populations have really bred up over the past two or three years. Click HERE.
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Ecological (regenerative) agriculture accreditationThe Institute of Ecological Agriculture (IEA) has launched its new professional accreditation program. The program was designed to support the ethical and professional standards of consultants, educators and trainers in ecological (regenerative) agriculture. It is designed to protect the credibility of professionals who uphold IEA’s standards when offering farmers, organisations or governments advice in ecological (regenerative) agriculture. Click HERE.
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EVENTS, SHORT COURSES & WEBINARS
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The Carbon EDGE program The Carbon EDGE program is for grassfed beef, sheep and goat producers who are looking to build on their understanding of carbon. Participants develop their understanding of carbon, identify practices and technologies and develop plans and actions that can benefit their bottom line and the environment. This Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) webinar will be held on Monday 10 July 2023 at 12:00noon. Register HERE.
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Measuring soil carbonLandcare Farming and FarmLab are holding a morning and afternoon webinar for producers on measuring and the technology involved in quantifying soil carbon. These webinars will explore various methodologies, soil sampling, stratification and technologies, as well as discuss eight landholder projects where advanced tools were used to sample and spatially map their soil. Both webinars are being held on Tuesday 11 July, register for the morning (11am) webinar HERE. Register for the evening (6pm) webinar HERE.
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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 and biodiversity improvements. Domestic and international case studies will feature, along with taking a holistic approach. For more information, click HERE.
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Protected Cropping Australia conference Protected Cropping Australia say there are still 40 free complimentary full registrations left for growers to attend the PCA 2023 conference on 17-20 July in Brisbane. Full registrations, valued at $975, include the welcome function, conference sessions, networking events and the conference dinner. Click HERE.
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Native Bee workshop Learn about the Native Bees in our backyard and how we can work with nature, plant bee friendly plants and create natural environments for them to thrive. To be held at St Albans, 10am - 1pm on Wednesday 19 July. Numbers are limited, and priority will be given to Macdonald Valley community members. Further workshops are being planned. With the current use of fipronil to help control varroa mite, it is important we learn how to protect native bee species. Refreshments will be provided, registration essential, click HERE.
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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. Click HERE for more information on the the 2-day course, HERE for the 4-day course.
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Australian Wildflowers Conference
WildFlowers Australia will host the 10th Australian Wildflowers Conference and Trade Exhibition in Echuca-Moama on 18-19 August 2023. The event will bring national and international industry representatives together to discuss industry
challenges and opportunitiy. A key focus is encouraging more growers to join the industry to meet the growing demand in the domestic market. Wildflowers can have striking textures, sculptural forms, generally long vase life and more sustainable production practices. 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. Being held in Somersby on 14-15 September 2023. Fees apply, click HERE.
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Urban Agriculture ForumThe Urban Agriculture Forum will be held 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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Fee free trainingFee free training is available for priority qualifications in 2023. Agriculture courses include: Certificate IV in Agriculture; Certificate IV in Agribusiness; Diploma of Agriculture; Diploma of Agribusiness Management; Advance Diploma of Agribusiness Management. Eligibility requirements apply and farm access is required to enable working case study material. Click HERE.
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Grant finding portal Regional Development Australia has developed a free grant finding portal. For example, it contains information on the Farm Innovation Fund, which aims to assist farmers in New South Wales in identifying and address risks to their farming enterprises, improve permanent farm infrastructure, ensuring long term productivity and sustainable land use. Funding of up to $1 million is available and is open on an ongoing basis, subject to funds availability. Go to the grant finding portal HERE.
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Support Plantation Establishment program Private, First Nations, and farm forestry businesses are encouraged to register their interest in the Support Plantation Establishment program. The $73.8 million program will support the establishment of new plantations, help secure Australia’s future domestic wood supply, and help meet Australia’s carbon emission reduction commitments. Applicants are required to provide a co-contribution, click HERE. Investigate other Australian Government grant opportunities HERE. | | | |
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Feral pig control trial Feral pig numbers can drop drastically with intense localised targeting, a project has found. The project run by Southern Queensland Landscapes found pig numbers reduced to manageable levels in a 5-kilometre zone after intense targeting with aerial shoots, traps, and baiting. The five-month trial in Nullamanna, northern New South Wales, was done under a simulated foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, as pigs can spread the devastating livestock disease. Click HERE.
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Could hydrogen power your farm? CSIRO is building a demonstration unit to generate hydrogen from liquid carriers efficient. The project will develop an easily movable device to produce hydrogen directly where it will be used. Liquid carrier enables hydrogen to be safely transported from where it is produced to where the energy will be used. Click HERE.
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Farmers trial hemp feedCattle are being fed hemp-based pellets on a farm on WA's south coast, in a trial that aims to improve their health and meat quality. A by-product from distilling hemp for alcohol is being pelletised and fed to cattle. While Hemp is a variety of cannabis, which is safe to grow and consume under licence due to its low THC, the farmers have to ensure no THC residues are transferred to the meat. Click HERE.
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Land management to reduce flood peaks The CSIRO's interim report on the causes of the Lismore flood disaster found a need for a better understanding of how effective nature-based solutions could be in managing a flood. In addition, it may be possible to take one to two metres off the flood peak by slowing the flow of water across the landscape using natural sequence farming. Click HERE.
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Farm vehicle biosecurityIf not appropriately managed, vehicles and machines can inadvertently carry pests, seeds, and diseases onto a property, posing a risk to farm biosecurity. This is particularly true if they frequent various farms. Infected material, such as manure or contaminated soil, can become lodged in tyres, undercarriages, grills, floors, and trays. The farm gate should have clear signage displaying the farm’s biosecurity requirements with instructions for visitors and farm contact details. View the guide HERE.
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The benefit of native grasses to farmersWatch this recorded webinar with Colin Seis to learn: Why and how our grasslands have been destroyed; How we can restore our grasslands, grassland management; Restoring farms and ecosystems; and Native grassland seed – human consumption. Click HERE.
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CNN report on regenerative grazing Understanding regenerative grazing requires an understanding of wild grazing animal behaviour. In this short CNN video, the natural grazing practices of bison are used as an example of how to incorporate sustainable grazing practices into livestock grazing management. Click HERE.
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Pollination guideNinety-five percent of flowering plant species need pollinators, so when restoring landscapes, it is important to think about how we can create habitats within which pollinators can thrive. Successful pollination ensures the next generation is healthy and genetically diverse. This guide is designed to learn more about the process of pollination so that you can identify, protect and encourage more pollinators on your property. HERE.
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Farm safety advice Workers in the agriculture sector are at far greater risk of being killed or injured at work than most. The NSW Farm Safety Advisory Program provides tools and support for farming businesses. This free program offers practical tools and specialised advice to improve health and safety, tailored for farmers.
Farm Safety Advisors are available to discuss farmer Work Health and safety issues. Make contact HERE or call 1300 794 000.
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Healthy soils, productive pastures As part of the Healthy Soils, Productive Pastures program, Local Land Services has published informative and innovative several case studies. For example, learn about Vera Zaccari and David Rawlinson's Pasture Improvement project involving remotely controlled, solar driven watering systems in the Upper Macdonald Valley or read about the results from various pasture mixture trials conducted at Richmond. Search for these and other case studies HERE.
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Unpack your carbon farming potential Carbon Scout is a new tool to help you unpack the financial potential of a carbon crop anywhere in Australia. It provides an unbiased financial feasibility tool for carbon farming. It allows a quick assessment of profitability, identification of the best pockets of land for a carbon project and development of a business case. It uses information from the Australian Government approved carbon model (FullCAM) and lets you to browse the service delivery models from 40+ carbon service providers. Click HERE.
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Soil analysis and soil testing videosGreater Sydney Local Land Services has produced two videos on soil health. The first video explores the role that an agronomist can have in helping landholders interpret soil test results and to develop a plan based on this analysis to help achieve the agricultural goals of a landholder. Click HERE. The second video covers the importance of soil testing, how to soil sample and other soil field tests that landholders can undertake to learn about their soil characteristics. Click HERE.
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National soil information system A new CSIRO tool to help Australia sustainably manage its soils is now live and available. The Australian National Soil Information System (ANSIS) equips farmers, policymakers and researchers with data and information needed to better manage, restore, and protect Australia’s soils. It allows for the comparison of the condition of soil with other soils in the region; monitoring how soil has changed over time, and informs opportunities for change or improvement in land management practices. Click 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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