Episodes
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Welcome to an insightful podcast episode uncovering the intricate world of Southeast New South Wales' diverse soils. Come on a journey with Di and Steven in their transition from dairy to beef production by focusing on soil health and the impact of soil quality on farming practices. We’ll hear from Roy Lawrie, a seasoned soil expert, and Andrew Britton, former Small Farms Coordinator for the South Coast region, as they demystify the complexities of soil management. We’ll learn about crucial topics such as the significance of topsoil and subsoil tests, the variability in soil profiles across landscapes, the persistent challenges of weed management, and the presence of acid sulfate soils. This episode equips you with invaluable tips on soil and weed management, aimed at elevating farmers' ability to enhance land health and embrace regenerative farming practices.
Thank you to our guests featured in this episode:
Diana Ferguson and Stephen Shipton
Roy Lawrie
Wayne Brown
Andrew Britton
For more information:
NSW Soils Knowledge Network - https://www.nswskn.com/
Produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by NSW Local Land Services
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Ever wondered about regenerative agriculture and the impacts it can have on farmers? Join us as we learn about real life experiences shared by seasoned farmers at the recent Soil Stewardship Summit near Yass, NSW. Over two enlightening days, participants explored the concept of regenerative agriculture, discussing key topics such as tapping into indigenous wisdom, enhancing drought resilience, transitioning from high production to natural methods, and prioritizing soil health for improved yields and healthier societies. The stories embody values of patience, gratitude, and deep respect for nature, offering valuable inspiration for those considering or embarking on the journey towards sustainable farming practices. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that encapsulates the transformative power of regenerative agriculture and a return to natural processes.
Thank you to our guests featured in this episode:
Eli Court (Soils for Life)
Paul Girrawah House
Rhonda Daly
Colin Seis
Garry Kadwell
David Marsh
For more information:
Previous Big Shift episode on regenerative farmers - tiny.cc/bigshiftregen Soils for Life - https://soilsforlife.org.au Paul Girrawah House - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-house-57055860/?originalSubdomain=auProduced by growloveproject.com and hosted by NSW Local Land Services
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Missing episodes?
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Biology drives nearly all processes in our soil. From structure and water infiltration, to nutrient cycling and disease suppression. Until recently the biological function of soil has largely been overlooked in favour of soil physics and chemistry. So to find out more about the beauty of bugs we spoke with soil microbiologist, Kelvin Montagu
Thank you to our guest featured in this episode:
Kelvin Montagu
For more information:
Colo ConsultingProduced by Grow Love Project and hosted by NSW Local Land Services
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Citizen Science has been around for a long time. It has allowed vast amounts of data to be collected and analysed within a relatively short period by getting members of the public to participate in scientific research.
This research is invaluable as it helps to inform natural resource management, increase environmental protection and inform policy and decision making. It also benefits individuals as they can engage in research and provide public input.
There are numerous citizen science opportunities for landholders to get involved in, whether it be about frogs, tree hollows, scats, or even ferals - there is something for everyone.
Join us as we speak with three motivated individuals working in this space across diverse topics and landscapes, from water to earth to sky.
Thank you to our guests featured in this episode:
Lilly Schwartz - founder of the Hills Hornsby Rural Koala Project
Jessica Lumbroso - Land Care Coordinator and Streamwatch Coordinator for the Greater Sydney Land Care
Ben Humphries - Coordinator of the Southern NSW Birds on Farms Project
For more information or to get involved:
Hills Hornsby Rural Koala Project
Streamwatch
Birds on Farms Project
Australian Citizen Science Association (in partnership with Atlas of Living Australia)
Hosted by Edgars Greste and Katie Meyer
Produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by NSW Local Land Services
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Wildlife corridors are essential for the survival of animals. They also provide additional benefits for both the environment and agricultural productivity.
Unfortunately, habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation create immense challenges for animals as they struggle to reach food, water and shelter. But there are many things that landholders can do to improve habitat connectivity and increase wildlife conservation efforts. By planting more trees and creating corridors for animals, landholders contribute to landscape resilience and benefit in many ways by preventing soil erosion, improving crop pollination and providing shelter for stock.
Join us in this episode as we journey through three different landscapes and learn about initiatives protecting and restoring our landscapes and natural systems, improving habitat connectivity and benefiting landholders.
Thank you to our guests featured in this episode:
Angie Fricker - Senior Land Services Officer with Greater Sydney LLS
Garry Watterson - Landholder
Gary Howling - Chief Executive Officer of the Great Eastern Ranges
Paul Madden - Project Officer with Community Environment Network
For more information or to get involved:
Hawkesbury-Nepean Landcare Network
The Great Eastern Ranges
Community Environment Network (CEN)
Hosted by Edgars Greste and Katie Meyer
Produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by NSW Local Land Services
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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 Pastoralhttps://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/stories/m-martin
Stacey Lugsdin - Warrendalehttps://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/stories/s-lugsdin
Luke and Pia Winder - Tathra Placehttps://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.
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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 Wineshttps://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/stories/ka-tulloch
Ross Arnett - Malua Farmhttps://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/stories/r-arnett
Chris and Lee Hall - Hall Family Orchardshttps://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.
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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 Wineshttps://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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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#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
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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/
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For most people, weeds are a dirty word. They’re often talked about as an undesirable plant in the wrong place. And whilst it's true that some species left unmanaged can cause ecological problems, what if weeds are actually trying to tell us something. Something about that place where they’ve shown up that we don’t know about yet. So in this episode we hear from weed whisperers and what they’re saying is don’t blame the messenger because the messenger might actually be part of the solution.
Thank you to all those who shared their knowledge with all of us:
Nicole Masters https://www.integritysoils.co.nz/
Hamish MacKay https://biodynamics2024.com.au/workshops/
James Barnet RCS https://www.rcsaustralia.com.au/
Clare Edwards https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/central-tablelands
The Greater Sydney Regional Weed Management Plan
https://tinyurl.com/yffmjv8d
Plant Net
https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/
Please listen, rate and share this episode. Thank you.
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 First People of this land and recognise their connection to land, water and community. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.
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