Grazing for Tomorrow: for positive landscape, business & well-being outcome

Join us for "Grazing for Tomorrow," a workshop designed to empower graziers with the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive in an ever-changing agricultural landscape.

Kicking off the event, experts from the Bureau of Meteorology will provide invaluable tools and insights into the weather outlook for graziers in your district, setting the stage for informed decision-making in the face of climate variability.

Delving deeper into sustainable business practices, our workshop will showcase the latest research, evidence, and tools available to evolve farm businesses while maintaining and enhancing natural capital. Discover how strategic grazing management can not only build resilience but also improve profitability, ensuring the long-term success of your operation.

Embark on a guided paddock/farm tour, where you'll witness firsthand how changes in grazing management practices can positively impact your business. From enhancing the farm landscape, reducing effects of natural impacts such as fire or dry times, to reducing personal stress, learn how simple adjustments can yield significant benefits.

In addition to enhancing business resilience, personal resilience is equally vital. Explore the power of grazing community groups as a source of support and solidarity. Exchange experiences, share coping strategies, and realize that you're not alone in facing challenges.

Finally, hear from graziers who are leading the charge in sustainable and regenerative grazing practices. Gain inspiration from their journeys and learn how you too can set yourself up for a prosperous future while nurturing the land for generations to come.

Don't miss this opportunity to equip yourself with the knowledge, tools, and community support needed to thrive as a grazier in tomorrow's agricultural landscape. Join us for "Grazing for Tomorrow" and embark on a journey towards a resilient, sustainable, and content future.

What to Expect

An open and supportive day on the farm, surrounded by like-minded graziers, as we explore a range of topics designed to enhance our preparedness for the future. Key discussions include;

• Sarah Clancy will provide insights into Climate Services for Agriculture (CSA), a collaborative project involving the Bureau of Meteorology, CSIRO, and FarmLink. Learn how this initiative aids farmers in recognising climate trends and conditions that may impact their on-farm operations.
• Judy Carmody of the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) will discuss psychological preparation for emergencies. Gain valuable insights into understanding the mind-body connection, developing personalised psychological preparedness plans, and creating recovery and rebuilding strategies.
• Danny O’Brien will lead a session on natural capital data collection and compilation for the Farming for the Future program. Discover methodologies and tools for collecting, compiling, and reporting farm-scale natural capital data. Learn how producers are supported in evolving their farm businesses to maintain and enhance natural capital, thereby building resilience and improving profitability.
• Local Land Services (LLS) will provide guidance on planning, preparing for, responding to, and recovering from biosecurity emergencies and natural disasters. Engage in a paddock walk with landholders to discuss landscape resilience, management, and preparation.
• The Rural Fire Service (RFS) will be available to discuss their role as the lead combat agency for bushfires in NSW. Learn about their comprehensive risk management programs and how they collaborate with other agencies to respond to and reduce the likelihood and consequences of fires.

Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to get out into the paddock and engage with other graziers about how they are managing their businesses for the future. Exchange ideas, strategies, and experiences with fellow industry peers to enhance your own farm management practices

About Our Speakers

Sarah Clarry is an agricultural scientist and communications specialist working with FarmLink, a farming systems research group based in Temora, south-western NSW. She is responsible for grower and producer engagement within the Future Drought Fund project, Climate Services for Agriculture (CSA). CSA is a national project involving the Bureau of Meteorology, CSIRO and FarmLink, designed to help farmers recognise climate trends and conditions that may impact the way they operate on-farm. The digital product, developed by CSIRO and utilising Bureau of Meteorology data, allows growers to search weather and climate indices by location and/or commodity, to assist them with on-farm decision making, and in adapting to a more variable climate.

Danny O’Brien leads the natural capital data collection and compilation program for the Farming for the Future program. Leveraging his 25+ year background in IT, Danny has worked over the past 5 years to develop the methodologies and tools to collect, compile and report on farm-scale natural capital. The development of methods and tools has ranged from remote sensing analytics, GIS visualisation and analysis, through to the automation and processing of field data collected by ecologists. Danny is passionate about ensuring that farmers can access and leverage information about the natural capital that underpins their production systems for their own production benefit.

About Our Host Grazier | Rob Lawson, 'Lilyvale', Bungonia

Rob shares his story . . .

Lilyvale, part of the “Coolabah Park” subdivision, was once a 2500-acre mixed grazing property before being divided in 2006. Our decision to relocate our horse training and breeding operation from "Curlewin" prompted us to purchase Lilyvale, making us among the first buyers in the subdivision. This allowed us to familiarise ourselves with the expansive property.

We divided Lilyvale into five paddocks, each equipped with dams, day yards, stables, arenas, round pens, workshops, and a house. However, intensive animal operations, including set stocking and herd separation, left little room for paddock recovery, impacting soil health and wildlife. Despite bringing in fertility through hay, feed, and bedding, we witnessed a decline in edible grass species over the years.

The devastating landscape conditions of 2019 spurred us to seek change. Recognising the disruptive impact of fragmented ownership on the environment, we began exploring Holistic Planned Grazing and initiated discussions with neighbours to combine our blocks under unified management. With 600 acres now under a recovery-focused grazing regime, involving mixed herds of cattle, horses, and goats for weed management, we're beginning to witness positive changes in landscape health, with increased ground cover and plant diversity. Though mistakes have been made and more may come, our collective efforts signal a promising shift towards a more resilient and sustainable future.

By booking a ticket to this event, you consent to being photographed or recorded. These images or footage may be used by Landcare NSW and the Landcare community for promotional purposes. If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, please inform event staff upon arrival.