Near Yass, graziers and landholders recently convened for the second Grazing for Tomorrow field day, a gathering aimed at equipping them with the tools to navigate the uncertainties that often impact agricultural enterprises. The South East Landcare event served as a platform for sharing insights, strategies, and innovations geared towards bolstering resilience in the face of natural events that can profoundly impact grazing businesses.

Keith McGrath, Billa Burra Burra, kicked off the proceedings by illuminating the transformations he's implemented in his grazing and breeding business. His approach, centred around building biodiversity in plants with a focus on grazing management, showcased tangible improvements in productivity. Participants witnessed firsthand the fruits of his labour, with ridge areas boasting robust ground cover, rendering them 'rain ready' and strategically fortified against erosion, supporting soil structure, health and water retention.

Sarah Clarry of Farmlink introduced the 'My Climate View' online climate tool, a valuable resource for farmers seeking to anticipate and adapt to shifting climatic patterns. By providing insights into key indicators like temperature fluctuations, Clarry empowered graziers to make informed decisions, from adjusting lambing schedules to fortifying infrastructure against extreme weather events.

Danny O’Brien shed light on the Farming for the Future program, emphasising the importance of mapping and monitoring natural capital on farms. By leveraging data-driven insights, landholders can proactively align their actions with long-term sustainability goals, mitigating risks and maximizing productivity.

The Rural Fire Service underscored the imperative of preparedness in mitigating farm emergencies, offering practical strategies to enhance resilience. Local Land Services complemented these efforts by outlining available services and support systems, arming attendees with the knowledge and resources needed to safeguard their livelihoods.

Judy Carmody of the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program underscored the significance of mental well-being in agricultural communities. Through fostering a culture of support, resilience, and self-care, graziers were encouraged to prioritise mental health amidst the pressures of farm life. Practically; check on your mates and be aware of and manage your ‘stress bucket’.

The main lesson learned was the importance of working together to face uncertainties. As participants left with fresh ideas, they were ready to apply them to their own situations.

As the Yass event ends, excitement builds for the next Grazing for Tomorrow meeting in Bungonia on 17^th May  2024. Each gathering is a source of resilience and new ideas, helping attendees plan for a stronger future in farming.

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Landcare NSW’s People Led Prevention project empowers communities across regional NSW in developing disaster resilience and preparedness skills. Jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments.

A group of landholders soaked up the wisdom and practical advice from some of our region's most experienced ecological scientists and practitioners.

Sue McIntyre and her husband Jon Lewis hosted the event on their property Gang-Gang, north west of Gundaroo. Well known locals Alison Elvin and Owen Whitaker contributed to the conversation with their considerable expertise in vegetation restoration and farming practices.

Sue and Jon have been caring for Gang-Gang for 20 years. In Sue's words "Our aim has been to create an open woodland, with a diverse perennial ground layer, and trees and shrubs at different densities to provide structural diversity, suitable for both grazing and native fauna habitat." Further background to the property and Sue and John's management can be found in Sue's pre-event blog:  West End Story.

We got to see the results of five stages of revegetation, which have concentrated on re-introducing shrubs to the landscape. Simply removing stock pressure allowed Eucalypts regeneration and a strong cover of perennial grasses to develop. The exhaustion of applied fertilisers has also been key to achieving natural eucalypt regeneration and dominance of natives in the ground layer.

Sue emphasised the importance of the perennial grasses and other grazing-resistant ground layer species for future climate resilience. They are able to survive severe droughts, and when heavy rains come, they protect the soil from erosion. Less palatable species are able to protect grazing-sensitive, softer plants when grazing pressure is high, and therefore maintain diversity. Sue described the native grasses as “resistant” (to grazing and drought) but not “resilient". That is, they will not recover from sustained use of fertilisers or cultivation.

Wattles play an important part by gently fixing nitrogen and often providing a protective nursery beneath them. In the most recent drought, Sue and Jon observed a small patch of Sticky Everlasting Daisy (Xerochrysum viscosum) surviving under wattles, which were then able to spread widely when the rains finally came. 

Sue and Jon have observed a dramatic increase in the population of small birds since the wattles have been added to the landscape. Parrots also visit to feed on the wattle seed, and at the end of the life of wattles when grubs are in the wood, Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoos arrive to feast.

Graziers were recommended to "farm grass, not animals", and to be open to being flexible with livestock numbers in the interest of protecting the health of the grassland.

It was emphasised that observation skills are the most important skill a land manager can have. The presenters encouraged everyone to trust their observations, as we are all learning. Owen suggested that we get to know plants "like another person", as well as getting to know their names.

Despite a rain shower everyone stayed until the end, thoroughly enjoying the place, the learning, and interacting with one another.

Yass Landcare celebrated NSW Women's week with a Wildflower sowing at the Landcare Community Nursery on 9 March. Wildflower seeds are very fine and blow easily in the breeze but once sown and topped with a fine layer of sand to settle the seed, they were watered and placed in the hot house to see if they will germinated over the coming weeks.

With a collective passion for conservation and a commitment to nurturing biodiversity, volunteers from all walks of life came together to sow wildflower seeds, adding a burst of colour to our local landscape.

As we celebrate NSW Women's Week, we recognise the pivotal role that women play in shaping the landscape and our enviroment. Their passion, resilience, and dedication serve as an inspiration for us all. Together, we sow the seeds of change, cultivating a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.

So, here's to the women of Yass Landcare Group and beyond, whose tireless efforts continue to enrich our lives and our environment. Your commitment and compassion remind us that the true essence of community lies in the bonds we forge and the seeds of hope we plant together.