Big Shift For Small Farms - Australian Agriculture and Regenerative Farming
Big Shift For Small Farms explores the need for transformation in Australian farming and agricultural systems. Each episode brings together farmers, scientists and industry voices to discuss soil health, mental health, and holistic regenerative farming practices. The podcast is produced by the Grow Love Project with NSW Local Land Services, through funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Program. It also acknowledges First Peoples and their connection to land, waters and community.
Episodes
Farming on the Fringe Series: Robert Pekin, Food Connect Foundation
Food Connect founder Robert Pekin shares his journey from dairy farmer to food systems innovator, including the loss of his family farm and the experiences that reshaped how he thought about farming, food and community.Robert explores the power of collaboration, shorter supply chains and community-owned infrastructure to create a fairer and more resilient food system. Drawing on the story of Food
Farming on the Fringe trailer
The folks here at Greater Sydney Local Land Services recently hosted a forum called Farming on the Fringe it covers a range of topics, including:what is natural capital on your farmcarbon farming and environmental market opportunitieswhat a healthy soil ecosystem looks like The event had over 130 participants and was hosted by journalist and radio host Chris Bath. The episodes are recordings of th
Beyond the Weather Forecast: A decision making Tool for Farmers
What if farmers could better understand what's happening beneath their feet? And could that information help them make better decisions when seasons don't go to plan? In this episode, we explore Farming Forecaster, a free online tool that combines soil moisture, pasture growth and seasonal information to help farmers make more informed management decisions. We visit Mattana Farm near Milto
AgTech Without the Hype: What Actually Works on Farm
Can technology really help farmers build resilience in an increasingly unpredictable climate — or are we getting distracted by shiny new tools?In this episode, we head to Twynam Farm in NSW to hear directly from farmers trialling agtech including virtual fencing, livestock monitoring and regenerative grazing systems.Featuring conversations with Sarah Nolet and Susan Orgill, we explore how agtech c
Chicken Caravans, Nitrogen & Smarter Farming Systems
What if your chickens could do more than just lay eggs? In this episode, we explore how mobile chook sheds can improve soil health, boost pasture growth, and reduce fertiliser costs through better nutrient cycling. Featuring insights from farmers and soil experts, this episode unpacks the nitrogen cycle, pasture recovery, dung beetles, and practical tips for building healthier, more profitable far
Pick Your Own: Profit, Pressure & People on Small Farms
What if you could add value to your farm without scaling production? In this episode, we explore pick-your-own as a diversification strategy—covering the realities, the opportunities, and what farmers need to know before opening the gate.Key episode moments(00:00) Is pick-your-own actually more profitable than wholesale?(01:30) From city life to farming: buying a rundown blueberry farm with no exp
Grass Farming for Horses: Regenerative Pastures, Movement and Health
The episode urges horse owners to shift from viewing land as turnout to thinking like “grass farmers,” linking soil biology, plant diversity and grazing decisions to horse health.We hear from horse behaviour expert Jane Myers who explains how separating horses and giving constant paddock access drives fence-walking, overgrazing and worn-out land, and she shares a simple yet transformative pasture
What' s the buzz around pollination with Australian native bees?
Depending on the time of day you're reading this, chances are you have a cup of tea, coffee or glass of wine in hand. And so you are already relying on pollination, and that's what this episode's all about because without healthy pollinators, so many of the foods and beverages we love simply wouldn't exist.In the latest episode of The Big Shift for Small Farms Podcast, we explore
Ecological Weed Management - Regenerative practices
Episode Title: Ecological Weed ManagementHost: Edgars GresteGuest: Kim Deans, Agro-ecologist (with special contributions from Alexia Martinez & Kym Green)In this episode of The Big Shift for Small Farms, Edgars Greste takes a deep dive into the often-overlooked subject of weeds — and how thinking differently about them can transform your small farm. Joining him is agro-ecologist Kim Deans, who
Changing from Traditional to Regenerative Farming
In this episode of the Big Shift for Small Farms Podcast, host Edgars Greste chats with dairy farmer Andy Hanna, whose farm is located in the heart of greater Sydney, amidst the growing impact of suburban sprawl. With farming pressures like unpredictable climate conditions and tight financial margins, Andy’s story is a powerful example of adapting and thriving against the odds.Edgars recently had
Natural Capital Insights for Regenerative Land Management Practices
In this episode of the Big Shift for Small Farms podcast, we explore the idea of natural capital—the economic and environmental value of nature. Joined by natural capital advisor Madeleine Florin and farmers Ned Long and Rhiannon Phillips, the conversation highlights regenerative land management practices, the advantages of enhancing natural capital, and new market opportunities. The episode inclu
Soils and Pasture Management of the NSW South Coast
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 S
Soils for Life Conference
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, tra
The beauty of microbiology in the soil
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 MontaguThank you to our guest featured in this episode: Kelvin
Multispecies Pastures
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 re
Knowing Your Soils - Sydney region
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
Macrobiology in the Soil - Dung Beetles
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 mas
Understanding Soil Amendments to Boost Soil Fertility
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 sig
Caring for Riparian Zones
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 ag
Conservation agreements benefitting private landholders
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 hav
Citizen Science helping to inform natural resource management
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
Habitat connectivity for landscape resilience
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 wi
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 envi
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 co
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 logg
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 restorin
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.
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 pro
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 product
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 car
Working with weeds as indicators on farm
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 sa
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.
Pl
Emerging Australian agricultural industries
Small scale farmers are faced with a lot of pressures, from climate change on farm to competition in the marketplace. In this episode we’re hearing from farmers and producers about Australian made emerging opportunities, from climate tolerant native bush foods to economically sustainable bespoke dairy products. Not only can they help farm business but also the broader community and our planet.
Gue
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 Ser
Planning for a farm emergency
In this episode we’re talking about emergency management. We’ll hear from field officers and researchers about the importance of making plans and keeping yourself in check. We will then chat to a farmer who’s using animals as a tool to reduce his fire risk. So let’s get planning.
Thank you to all our guests who featured in this episode:
Kirsty and Andrew Hambrook, Terrewah Farm - terrewahf
Do you measure what matters on you farm?
Now according to The Economist Newspaper, the world’s most valuable resource is no longer oil, but data. And what makes it valuable is what we do with it. In this episode we’ll get some tips from farming consultants about how to use data to improve your management both in the paddock and on your balance sheet. And we’ll find out why owning a bird book is a sign that business is going well. G
Farm branding to build connection
More and more consumers want to buy why you farm as much as what you produce. In this episode we’re looking at the power of your story. We’ll talk to farmers about their journey from small business to becoming a brand and we’ll hear about a platform that’s been built to help farmers not only sell their products but promote their farming practices.
Guests featured in this episode include:
Lisa Pap
Managing livestock holistically
In Australia we grow a lot of introduced livestock species like cows, pigs, sheep and chooks. So in this episode we’re looking at how to care for your livestock mindfully. We’ll hear from a grazing management consultant about why looking after your landscape could save you big bucks and improve not only your livestock’s health but your own wellbeing too.
In this episode we hear from:
Anika Molesw
Farm Enterprise Stacking
We all know the dangers of having all your eggs in one basket. The good news is that there are plenty of creative ways to stack enterprises to build resilience in your business. In this episode we’ll learn about value adding, collaboration and diversification.
In this episode we hear from:
Mark Gardner - Vanguard Business Services (vbs.net.au)
Luke Winder, Tathra Place Free Range Farm (tathraplac
Farm Planning Principles
We often think of a plan as a list of things to do, but the farmers and consultants in this episode say it's about outlining your principles and developing a clear vision. In this episode the farmers encourage us to slow down, take a step back and learn from the landscape.
In this episode we hear from:
James Barnet - Grazing Management Consultant, RCS (rcsaustralia.com.au)
David Carr - Agroecolog
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, farm
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
Farm resilience in a changing climate
Farm resilience in a changing climate is all about understanding the function of our natural landscapes. With longer and hotter droughts and more intensified rain events we need to rethink our current farming practices. So today, we’re going on a journey from the classroom to the paddock to help make your farm a resilient one.
Thank you to those who gave their time to be part of this episode:
Davi
Compost gold
For farmers, compost is like black gold because its really valuable for efficient high quality food production, but just like gold it can be pretty expensive and hard to source. In this episode, we’ll talk to those who produce it, those who study it and those who use it to help you get the best out of your compost.
In this episode we hear from
Lizzie Buscaino - https://www.piccolofarm.com.au/
Eric
The benefits of Community Supported Agriculture
Community supported agriculture originates back to the 1960s and is a relatively new concept in Australia. At a time when more and more consumers are looking to connect to the source of their food, the CSA model could just be the best way for small scale farmers to grow their businesses.
In this episode we hear from
Alice Warner - https://fiveservesproduce.com.au/
Shannon Kelly - https://fullcircl
Supply chain innovations - mobile abattoirs
When it comes to getting your livestock processed. getting to an abattoir can be time-consuming for you and stressful for the animals. in light of this, some innovative farmers are disrupting the conventional supply chain and building their own solutions. From cardboard prototypes to shipping containers we’ll hear their stories and how they got the cash to get started to work out if a mobile abatt
Cultivating wellbeing on farm
According to Mental Health Australia, 1 in 5 Australians are affected by mental illness, yet many don’t seek help because of stigma. And that’s what this episode is all about. We’ll hear from a farmer who’s grappled with the dark side of mental health and we’ll talk to experts and professionals about how to keep it in check. Because mental health and well-being is not just a state of mind it’s a s
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, agroecolog
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.pic
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://julian
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 Se
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