Big Shift For Small Farms NSW Local Land Services

Curious about the buzz surrounding multi-species pastures and its game-changing role in regenerative agriculture? Join us to hear expert insights from Sarah Fea, an experienced agroecologist, who explores the diversity of advantages that multi-species brings to the table. We look into the significance of improving soil health, biodiversity, efficiency of resources, pest control, and creation of resilient landscapes. Gain valuable insights from on-field farmers as they share their journeys experimenting with multi-species pastures, revealing the substantial benefits they've reaped through the transition to diverse pastures.

Thank you to our guests featured in this episode:


Sarah Fea


Adam and Jody Turner


Greg Mumm



For more information: 


https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/help-and-advice/growing,-grazing-and-land/pastures


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLcyeCkF2a4


https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/soils-for-life/episodes/From-monoculture-to-multispecies-cropping-Making-diversity-work-e252tlg/a-a9ueu1s


https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/north-west/key-projects/natural-resource-management-case-studies/award-winning-north-west-landholders 



Produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by NSW Local Land Services

This episode explores the importance of soil and soil management for agriculture and the environment, focusing on the soils of the Sydney region. Experts from the New South Wales Soil Knowledge Network share their expertise on topics such as geology, soil formation, soil types, erosion, and assessing soil health. The conversation highlights the role of organic matter, irrigation, and soil samples in managing different soil types. Listeners will gain a better understanding of the value of soil and practical tips for improving soil health. Let's make the world greener and healthier, one soil particle at a time!

Thank you to our guests featured in this episode:


Greg Chapman


Tony Voller


Madeleine Florin


Cathy Sherry



For more information: 


NSW Soils Knowledge Network 


eSPADE


National Library of Australia (Trove) 


Six Maps


Sustainable Vegetable Farming - Episode 3 - Soil health fundamentals - YouTube



Produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by NSW Local Land Services

In this episode, get ready to dig into the quirky world of dung beetles and discover how these little champions are like the superheroes of soil health on farms! Join us and our guests as we chat about the fantastic benefits dung beetles bring to Australian farmers – from reducing water runoff to boosting pasture growth and improving soil in grazing systems, to keeping pests in check, and even mastering the art of carbon sequestration. These remarkable critters prove that sometimes, in the smallest packages, you find the mightiest heroes for our planet's well-being.

Thank you to our guests featured in this episode:


Russ Barrow


Ed Hogan


Keri Chittenden


Michael McDonald



For more information: 


Dung Beetle Ecosystem Engineers 


Dung Beetles - Local Land Services (nsw.gov.au)


Join the Greater Sydney dung beetle network to learn more alongside like-minded farmers and land managers



Produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by NSW Local Land Services

In this episode, we explore soil amendments and their role in enhancing soil fertility.  Accompanied by farmers from Kangaroo Valley, we delve into their strategic use of compost and diverse amendments to enhance soil health.  Former Senior Agricultural Advisor Ed Hogan presents a comprehensive soil biology demonstration, offering invaluable insights for the farming community - recognising the significance of tailoring agricultural approaches to meet the distinctive needs of each soil and steering clear of a generic 'one-size-fits-all' methodology. Tune in to discover which amendments could potentially elevate the soil fertility on your farm.

Thank you to our guests featured in this episode:


Brad Hawthorne


Gavin Chittick


Edmund Hogan



For more information: 


Southeast local land services



Produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by NSW Local Land Services

Riparian Zones play an integral role in the Australian landscape - from cultural heritage to agriculture, recreation, and providing habitat for aquatic and terrestrial animals. These areas are crucial for filtering water, preventing erosion, and supporting the overall productivity of the surrounding landscape. They also provide grazing, shelter, and access to water for livestock.

Development and agriculture can pose a potential threat to riparian zones. Clearing, overuse, and uncontrolled stock access are some activities that can lead to erosion, habitat loss, and reduced water quality. But there are ways to look after this unique landscape.

In this episode, we join three individuals who give us tips on restoring riparian land on your property. As we journey along the creek, we may glimpse one of Australia’s most shy and unique creatures.

Thank you to our guests featured in this episode:


Alexia Martinez - farmer


Michelle Ryan - Senior Lecturer in ecology and environmental Science at Western Sydney University


Lori Gould - Program Manager of the Australian River Restoration Centre



For more information or to get involved:

PlatypusSPOT app

Australian Platypus Conservancy 

Australian River Restoration Centre 

Cattai Hills Environment Network (CHEN) 

Hosted by Edgars Greste 

Produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by NSW Local Land Services

Many landholders have been promoting biodiversity and wildlife conservation on their property for many years. Not only is this beneficial for the environment, but through conservation agreements, landholders benefit financially from protecting their patches.

Landholders can be involved in a variety of different programs and conservation agreements. One of the main aspects is landholders need to have native vegetation in good condition on their land. In terms of size, smaller farms can collaborate to create larger parcels that may be eligible for financial compensation. 

In this episode, we’ll hear from private landowners who have been managing biodiversity and promoting wildlife conservation on their land for years - and they have benefited from it in many ways. 

Thank you to our guests featured in this episode:


Bev Debrincat - Chair of Greater Sydney Landcare, landholder


Xuela Sledge - Koala Project Officer with Greater Sydney Landcare


Matt Carr - acting director of the Biodiversity Conservation Trust


Jocelyn Howden - founder of the Glenorie Wildlife Refuge



For more information or to get involved:

Landholder guide to conservation agreements

Biodiversity Conservation Trust

Land for Wildlife 

Hosted by Edgars Greste 

Produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by NSW Local Land Services