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Big Shift For Small Farms

Big Shift For Small Farms

By NSW Local Land Services

From soil health to mental health we are discussing the need for A BIG SHIFT in #faming and #agricultural systems. Each episode brings together insights from #farmers, scientists and industry to share and grow knowledge about holistic and regenerative farming practices.

Produced by the @growloveproject with NSW Local Land Services, through funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Program.

We acknowledge the First People of this land throughout Australia and recognise their connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.
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Currently playing episode

Supply chain innovations - mobile abattoirs

Big Shift For Small FarmsApr 28, 2020

00:00
32:19
Macrobiology in the Soil - Dung Beetles
Mar 26, 202434:23
Understanding Soil Amendments to Boost Soil Fertility
Mar 07, 202435:25
Caring for Riparian Zones
Oct 19, 202335:25
Conservation agreements benefitting private landholders
Sep 26, 202331:26
Citizen Science helping to inform natural resource management
Sep 19, 202330:36
Habitat connectivity for landscape resilience
Sep 07, 202334:44
Climate Smart Farming Series - Livestock Management to maintain production and resilience during extreme climate events

Climate Smart Farming Series - Livestock Management to maintain production and resilience during extreme climate events

Livestock farming has been practiced for over 10,000 years, so understandably there are many different approaches, particularly when adapting to climate change. Climate change affects livestock production, both directly through heat stress and indirectly through effects on grassland and species distribution.  Farmers are innovatively managing their livestock to improve productivity and reduce environmental impacts. The techniques vary, including rotational grazing, precision genetics, species stacking and intensive feeding systems.  This episode features three farmers who share how, by implementing these management techniques, they have maintained production during extreme climate events, making their businesses more resilient.


Thank you to our guests


  • Matthew Martin - Old Cobran Pastoral

https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/stories/m-martin


  • Stacey Lugsdin - Warrendale

https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/stories/s-lugsdin


  • Luke and Pia Winder - Tathra Place

https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/stories/lp-winder


Hosted by Edgars Greste and Matt Pierce


Produced by Grow Love Project for @NSWDPI and hosted by NSW Local Land Services #Bigshiftforsmallpodcast


*NSW DPI understands that successful adaptations will vary between locations, industries and business.

Sep 06, 202339:08
Climate Smart Farming Series - Biodiversity and ecosystem services for supporting climate resilient agricultural production

Climate Smart Farming Series - Biodiversity and ecosystem services for supporting climate resilient agricultural production

On the road again with Matt and Edgars. This time visiting farmers who have significantly injected life back into their farms growing wine, macadamias and cherries! Biodiversity is essential for ecosystem functions that support all life on Earth. Climate change significantly impacts biodiversity through the increase in the intensity and frequency of fires, storms, or periods of drought. Farmers combat and maintain healthy ecosystems by focusing on regenerative practices such as native plantings, increasing diversity, cover cropping, microbiology and integrated pest management. In this episode,  be inspired by farmers who have improved their resilience by increasing whole ecosystem biodiversity on their farms to improve pest control, pollination and carbon sequestration.


Thank you to our guests


  • Keith and Alistair Tulloch - Keith Tulloch Wines

https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/stories/ka-tulloch


  • Ross Arnett - Malua Farm

https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/stories/r-arnett


  • Chris and Lee Hall - Hall Family Orchards

https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/stories/cl-hall


Hosted by Edgars Greste and Matt Pierce


Produced by Grow Love Project for @NSWDPI and hosted by NSW Local Land Services #Bigshiftforsmallpodcast


*NSW DPI understands that successful adaptations will vary between locations, industries and business.


Aug 03, 202337:42
Climate Smart Farming Series - Building healthy soils that buffer against severe climatic events

Climate Smart Farming Series - Building healthy soils that buffer against severe climatic events

Soil is one of the most undervalued substances on this planet, but farmers know that our future depends on the health of our soil. Maintaining healthy soils improves productivity and resilience on farms and also plays a role in tackling climate change by capturing and storing vast amounts of carbon. Recent climatic changes contribute to many soil issues like erosion, nutrient imbalance, water logging and loss of soil biodiversity. In this episode several farmers share their experiences of cover cropping, soil testing and using compost and organic fertilisers to improve soil health and structure and increase soil carbon for a more resilient farm and planet. Healthy agricultural soils allow functional biology (food webs) and chemistry (nutrient cycling) for efficient and sustainable productivity. Hear from 3 farmers implementing practices to sustain their soils and how they've buffered the impacts from sever climate events.


Thank you to our guests


• John and Juanita Hamparsum, Drayton Station

https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/stories/jj-hamparsum


• Peter and Darcy Skipworth, Currebah



• Justin and Pip Jarrett, See Saw Wines

https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/stories/jp-jarrett


Hosted by Edgars Greste and Matt Pierce

Produced by Grow Love Project for @NSWDPI and hosted by NSW Local Land Services #Bigshiftforsmallpodcast


*NSW DPI understands that successful adaptations will vary between locations, industries and business.


Jul 21, 202341:37
Climate Smart Farming Series - Landscape modifications and interventions for drought resilience

Climate Smart Farming Series - Landscape modifications and interventions for drought resilience

The ⁠#ClimateSmart series explores the diverse impacts of ⁠#ClimateChange⁠ on the landscape and farmers' own experiences in practically adapting their land, systems and businesses.

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. Along with restoring ground cover this has significantly reduce erosion and restored landscape function.

Thank you to the farmers, you can watch and read their stories here:


Scott Preisig and Belinda Scott, Merrylands Station, Kerrigundi, NSW

dpi.nsw.gov.au/stories/blake-preisig


Glenn Morris, Billabong Farm, Inverell, NSW

dpi.nsw.gov.au/stories/g-morris


Martin Royds, Jillamatong Farm, Braidwood, NSW

dpi.nsw.gov.au/stories/m-royds


Watch all the Climate Smart films:

dpi.nsw.gov.au/dpi/climate/digital-agriculture/farmer-stories


Your hosts Edgars Greste @growloveproject and Matt Pierce @NSWDPI

Producers Edgars Greste, Susannah Kable and Katie Meyer

Produced by @growloveproject for @NSWDPI and hosted by NSW Local Land Services #Bigshiftforsmallpodcast


*NSW DPI understands that successful adaptations will vary between locations, industries and business.

Jul 13, 202337:05
Climate Smart Farming Series - AgTech to manage climate risks and maximise return on infrastructure investment

Climate Smart Farming Series - AgTech to manage climate risks and maximise return on infrastructure investment

The ⁠#ClimateSmart series explores the diverse impacts of ⁠#ClimateChange⁠ on the landscape and farmers' own experiences in practically adapting their land, systems and businesses. In this episode, we're looking at farmers who have adopted digital technology that have allowed them to improve their productivity, achieve efficiencies, respond to the climate risk, and adapt their enterprises. 


Thank you to the farmers, you can watch and read their stories here:


Vito Mancini blood orange farm, Redbelly Citrus, Griffith NSW

https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/stories/v-mancini


Ewan and Kevin McAsh, Oyster Life Management on the Clyde River near Batemans Bay NSW

https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/stories/ke-mcash


Ian and Pru Pearce, Stoneleigh Orchard near Orange NSW

https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/stories/ip-pearce

Watch all the Climate Smart films: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/dpi/climate/digital-agriculture/farmer-stories

Your hosts Edgars Greste @growloveproject and Matt Pierce @NSWDPI

Producers Edgars Greste, Susannah Kable and Katie Meyer


Produced by @growloveproject for @NSWDPI and hosted by NSW Local Land Services #Bigshiftforsmallpodcast

*NSW DPI understands that successful adaptations will vary between locations, industries and business.

Jul 04, 202339:05
These farm planning tools could save you time and money

These farm planning tools could save you time and money

You know that phrase if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail. Now, depending on which Wikipedia entry you read, either Winston Churchill, Benjamin Franklin or Aristotle or a bunch of other people said it. But the point is, planning is a good thing to do. It helps you identify and reach your goals, realise your vision for your property, and what lifestyle you want to leave. We've actually produced a few episodes on the topic. One on farm planning principles and planning for emergencies, which looks at flood and bushfire preparedness. But in this episode we're taking a look at a farm planning package of tools that Greater Sydney Local Land Services has produced for landowners and managers. It includes a workbook, self-assessment quiz and  mapping tool to make this process easier. We'll hear from some new farmers who've trialed the tools to help them get their ideas out of their head and onto some paper or in the computer, and also help them think about stuff that wasn't even on their radar.  But first we’re going to get some farm planning fundamentals from coach Kim Deans. Let's get planning.

The workbook and self assessment resources are available to download on the LLS website 

https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/greater-sydney/key-projects/small-farms-network/property-planning-resources

Thank you to all our guests:

Richard Stephens and Madeleine Florin from Greater Sydney Local Land Services 

Kim Deans https://www.reinventingagriculture.com.au/kim-deans

Kirrily Smith, Farmer

David Adderton, Farmer





Nov 03, 202240:31
Working with nature and environmental accounting on farm

Working with nature and environmental accounting on farm

#Agricultural production relies on natural ecosystems, but, the more we modify our landscapes, the less resilient they become, resulting in reduced production.

Balancing the needs of both is crucial to meet the demands of increasing yields without further compromising the environment. So how do we do this? Well, the good news is that #farming methods that work with nature can achieve great production outcomes and incentives for landscape restoration are available.

So in this episode we’ll talk to some passionate producers, ecologists and number crunchers about our environment’s true value and how land managers can be rewarded for working with nature.

With thanks to: 

Anika Molesworth

https://www.anikamolesworth.com/

Nicole Masters

https://www.integritysoils.co.nz/

David Carr

http://stringybarkecological.com.au/

Adrian Ward

https://www.accountingfornature.org/

Rowan Foley 

https://www.abcfoundation.org.au/


Produced by the Grow Love Project in collaboration with NSW Local Land Services

Aug 11, 202129:60
Soil carbon and carbon farming opportunities

Soil carbon and carbon farming opportunities

Most of us know that increasing carbon in the soil has many benefits and with interest in carbon farming growing, our latest episode of The Big Shift Podcast explores how to increase carbon in the soil and the opportunities available for farmers.

First up in this episode we explore the science of soil carbon with Dr Susan Orgill followed by a chat with Dr Lorraine Gordon about her journey into carbon farming and how it could be the crop of the future.

Susan Orgill, Leader Soils R&D South at NSW Department of Primary

https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/about-us/research-development/staff/staff-profiles/susan-orgill

Cameron Smith, Farm Manager

Kate Carmichael, Soilkee

https://soilkee.com.au/

Lorraine Gordon

https://www.scu.edu.au/regenerativeag/about/team/

Jul 13, 202128:09
Working with weeds as indicators on farm
Jun 11, 202131:40
Managing animal pests on farm

Managing animal pests on farm

We have dramatically changed the landscape by digging dams, introducing feral animals and clearing native habitat. These actions have created the perfect environment for certain species to thrive including mice, foxes and rabbits, which come with a range of challenges for farmers. So in this episode we’re going to hear about some of the ways we can control these pests and move closer to nature.

Please listen, rate and share the episode. 

With thanks to the following people for sharing their knowledge in this episode:

Brian Wehlburg https://www.insideoutsidemgt.com.au

David Brook  https://wildbnb.com.au

Lee Parker  https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/south-east/key-projects/every-bit-counts/resources/pest-animals

Emma Sawyers https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity

Peter West https://www.feralscan.org.au

Credits

This podcast has been produced by the Grow Love Project with support from Greater Sydney Local Land Services, through funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Program.

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.

Jun 11, 202132:22
Emerging Australian agricultural industries
May 11, 202133:01
Pasture and livestock recovery following a flood

Pasture and livestock recovery following a flood

Many of our listeners in NSW have been heavily impacted by recent flooding at the end of March this year. In the Hawkesbury-Nepean river region of Western Sydney, it caught many by surprise peaking at a staggering 12.9 metres, with water engulfing properties and homes.

So in this episode we’re bringing you a special recording at a field day on flood recovery hosted by Greater Sydney Local Land Services at their demonstration farm in April. Our producer Olivia Ralph was there to capture some insights from the event.


Thanks to Alana, Amy and Tom for sharing their stories.

Others featured in this episode:

Adam Little, Senior agronomist and livestock specialist - Ace Ohlsson Elders

Neil Griffiths, Agronomist and pasture specialist - Hunter Local Land Services

Richard Stephens, Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator - Greater Sydney Local Land Services


Stock that has been in floodwater should be monitored closely to ensure they are eating and watched for signs of disease.

Download a copy of our guide to assist landholders to care for livestock in flood https://bit.ly/39dHVc2

Please contact your local LLS veterinarian on 1300 795 299 for further advice, or if you notice any signs of disease or illness.


Credits

This podcast has been produced by the Grow Love Project with support from Greater Sydney Local Land Services, through funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Program.

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.

May 10, 202131:38
Planning for a farm emergency
Apr 08, 202132:30
Do you measure what matters on you farm?
Apr 08, 202129:54
Farm branding to build connection
Feb 25, 202129:58
Managing livestock holistically
Feb 23, 202135:05
Farm Enterprise Stacking
Feb 10, 202131:52
Farm Planning Principles
Feb 10, 202139:03
Regenerative farmers on holistic thinking

Regenerative farmers on holistic thinking

Why do you farm the way you do? In this episode we’ll hear from farmers who, through personal illness and tragedy have been forced to reimagine their farming values and practices. And we’ll hear who’s leading the way in holistic land management all to help you make the big shift.

In this episode we hear from

Brian Wehlburg, farmer/educator - https://www.insideoutsidemgt.com.au/

Virginia Mall, farmer - https://www.gracespringsfarm.net/

Martin Royds - https://www.jillamatong.com.au/martin-royds.html

Colin Seis, farmer - https://www.facebook.com/ColinSeis/

Murray Prior, farmer - https://www.nguurruu.com/

Other links to things covered in this episode

Local Land Services field day events - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/events

Field of Farmers by Joel Salatin, Polyface Farm - http://www.polyfacefarms.com/product/fields-of-farmers/

Alan Savory Ted Talk - http://tiny.cc/savorytedtalk

Credits

This podcast has been produced by the Grow Love Project with support from Greater Sydney Local Land Services, through funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Program.

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.

Apr 28, 202035:36
Farm certification the pros and cons

Farm certification the pros and cons

There’s a growing trend amongst consumers to know how their food is produced. Certification offers some assurity to customers and a point of difference for producers. But is it certification effective? We’ll chat with farmers who are certified and let you in on a secret that can be even more powerful than a certified label.

In this episode we hear from

Christina Kelman, farmer - https://ritas-farm-produce.myshopify.com/

Tobias Bland, farmer - https://www.instagram.com/kurrawongorganics

Professor Rachel Ankeny - https://twitter.com/ankeny_rachel

Brian Wehlburg, farmer - https://landtomarket.com.au/

Phil Taylor, manager - https://thebeachesmarket.com/

Greg newell, farmer - https://www.buymeat.com.au/

Shannon Kelly, Full Circle Farm - https://fullcirclefarm.com.au/

Other links to things covered in this episode

https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Economics/Food_Cert_Schemes/~/media/Committees/economics_ctte/Food_Cert_Schemes/c02.pdf

Food Values Group - https://arts.adelaide.edu.au/humanities/food-values/

Credits

This podcast has been produced by the Grow Love Project with support from Greater Sydney Local Land Services, through funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Program.

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.

Apr 28, 202030:04
Farm resilience in a changing climate
Apr 28, 202030:24
Compost gold
Apr 28, 202036:09
The benefits of Community Supported Agriculture
Apr 28, 202032:51
Supply chain innovations - mobile abattoirs
Apr 28, 202032:19
Cultivating wellbeing on farm
Apr 28, 202031:38
Building healthy soils

Building healthy soils

When it comes to agricultural productivity it all begins with the soil. In this episode we’ll hear from experts in the field and scientists in the lab about the power of health soils. And we’ll get our hands dirty with veggie growers and cattle farmers about how to achieve it.

In this episode we hear from

Manu Prigioni, Farm It Forward - https://www.farmitforward.com.au/

David Hardwick, agroecologist - https://www.soillandfood.com.au/

Olivier Sofo, Living Earth Farm - https://livingearthfarm.com.au/

Lizzie Buscaino, Piccollo Farm - https://www.piccolofarm.com.au/

Brian Wehlburg, farmer/educator - https://www.insideoutsidemgt.com.au/

Shannon Kelly, Full Circle Farm - https://fullcirclefarm.com.au/

Justine Cox, soil scientist - https://au.linkedin.com/in/justine-cox-a262453a

Other links to things covered in this episode

Northern Rivers Soil Health Card - http://tiny.cc/soilhealthcard

Local Land Services field day events - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/events

Credits

This podcast has been produced by the Grow Love Project with support from Greater Sydney Local Land Services, through funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Program.

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.

Apr 28, 202031:31
How to become a startup farmer

How to become a startup farmer

We often hear in the media that young people are leaving the farm in favour of other career paths. But what we don’t hear about are those in the city who feel the need to get their hands dirty and create a business growing food. In this episode we’ll hear about the challenges they’ve faced and the rewards they’ve gained.

In this episode we hear from

Lizzie Buscaino, Piccollo Farm - https://www.piccolofarm.com.au/

Shannon Kelly, Full Circle Farm - https://fullcirclefarm.com.au/

Joel Orchard, Young farmers Connect - https://www.youngfarmersconnect.com/

Olivier Sofo, Living Earth Farm - https://livingearthfarm.com.au/

Sam Marwood, Cultivate Farms - hhttps://www.cultivatefarms.com/

Manu Prigioni, Farm It Forward - https://www.farmitforward.com.au/

Other links to things covered in this episode

Australian Market Gardening Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/AMGSG/

Field of Farmers by Joel Salatin, Polyface Farm - http://www.polyfacefarms.com/product/fields-of-farmers/

Farmer Incubator - https://farmerincubator.org/

ABS statistics - Farmer average age

https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/7121.0Main+Features12017-18?OpenDocument

Credits

This podcast has been produced by the Grow Love Project with support from Greater Sydney Local Land Services, through funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Program.

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.

Apr 27, 202030:54
Urban farming may become essential

Urban farming may become essential

Farming in urban areas and on the outskirts of our major towns and cities, holds much promise for delivering healthy and safe food to our cities. Urban farms not only provide local employment, but serve as educational hubs for those wanting to learn about food production and become more self-sufficient.

In this episode we hear from

Julian Cribb, journalist and science communicator - https://juliancribb.blog/

Belinda Thackeray, Sydney Urban Farm - https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/community/participation/sydney-city-farm

Cal Champagne, Green Connect - https://green-connect.com.au/

Meng Sun, Sun’s Fresh Farm - https://www.facebook.com/SunsFreshFarm/

Manu Prigioni, Farm It Forward - https://www.farmitforward.com.au/

Lizzie Buscaino, Piccollo Farm - https://www.piccolofarm.com.au/

Eric Love, Centre For Organic Research and Education - https://core.asn.au/

Clarence Slockee, Director at Jiwah Pty Ltd https://www.jiwah.com.au/

Other links to things covered in this episode

https://www.westernsydneyparklands.com.au/places-to-go/urban-farms-2/

Credits

This podcast has been produced by the Grow Love Project with support from Greater Sydney Local Land Services, through funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Program.

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.

Apr 27, 202031:14
The Big Shift for Small Farms - Trailer

The Big Shift for Small Farms - Trailer

We're very excited to bring you a podcast series dedicated to helping small scale farmers. We'll cover topics ranging from soil health to mental health and everything in between.

Tune in each fortnight as we bring you conversations with farmers and industry experts to help you make the big shift.

This podcast has been produced by the Grow Love Project with support from Greater Sydney Local Land Services, through funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Program.

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.

Dec 09, 201901:30