Central West Region Landcare Inc

Innovation in Grazing Toolkit

A regionally delivered series of activities equipping graziers with the tools to manage their land more sustainably.

Innovation in Grazing Toolkit

From grazing advice to soil testing, low stress stockhandling, use of tech like drones and engaging young aggies, this project is designed to provide face-to-face training and capture outcomes through online learning as a longer-term resource.

1. Talk Dirty to Me Roadshow.

Dr Aurelie Quade is a soil scientist and plant pathologist with 20 years' experience working across Australia and the UK. Through her business, Soil Resilience, she helps producers and communities build healthier, more resilient soils using practical, science-based approaches. Known for turning complex soil science into clear, actionable advice, Aurelie works with landholders to understand what’s happening beneath the surface and identify cost-effective solutions that improve soil health and productivity.

Workshop Topics
• The four pillars of soil health: biology, structure, chemistry and management
• Key soil health indicators — observe, score and record in the field
• Field assessment of two paddocks using indicator cards
• Identifying soil constraints and their causes
• Prioritising practical actions for improvement

You'll Leave With
✓ A repeatable field assessment method
✓ Completed records for two sites
✓ Key constraints identified and next steps planned
Morning Tea, Lunch and supervised kids activities provided.
Save the Date:
5th June in Wellington with Mid Macquarie Landcare
23 July in Coonamble with Coonamble Castlereagh Landcare
10 August in Condo with Condobolin District Landcare

2. Soil test interpretation 

Mid Macquarie is providing subsidised soil testing for local landholders, based on the proven PET project model developed by Little River Landcare.
Participants will have soil samples from 1 good and 1 problem area of your property tested at 5cm increments to identify any production issues lurking below the surface (50% Subsidised. Total cost to participants of $250).
Then, when the soil tests are in, Helen Burns and Jason Condon will take you through how to understand the results and address any issues.
Expressions of interest are NOW OPEN. Call 0457 115 525 or email info@mml.org.au to secure your place today! 

3. Biodiverse Pastures to maximise water use efficiency

How to manage biodiverse pastures to maximise your water use efficiency, carbon sequestration and production outcomes in a drying climate.

Guest speakers: Joel Williams and Grant Simms.

Save the Date: 18 September.

Keep an eye on the Mid Macquarie Landcare Facebook page for more info closer to the date.

4. Grazing AgTech

Three Rivers Landcare (Dunedoo, Coolah, Mendooran) will be running an Advanced Drone Technology course to train local producers in drone mapping applications to inform on-farm decision making.

7-8 Nov Advanced Drone Tech course with Tocal College.

This project will also equip the local Landcare network with a drone, and mapping software to support members into the future.

Watch out for the video Case Study that will show how this technology is being used by Landcare and landholders in our region.

5. Low Stress Stockhandling: Dog Training Schools

Improve your skills in:

  • Low-stress livestock handling
  • Effective use of working dogs
  • Understanding livestock behaviour
  • Improving productivity and pasture management
  • Workplace safety and animal welfare
Participants leave with clear, transferable skills and the confidence to apply and on-teach these techniques at home.
Save the date:
30 May in Gulargambone with Coonamble Castlereagh Landcare
1-4 Sept in Condobolin with Condobolin District Landcare
TBC Sept in Tooraweenah with  Coonamble Castlereagh Landcare

For more information on this project you can contact Regional Landcare Coordinator Danielle Littlewood on:

M: 0419 469 979

E: centralwestrlc@gmail.com

This project has been supported by the NSW Government through the Landcare Enabling Program Phase 3 Innovations and Partnerships Grant Program.