NENW Landcare Adventure 2017

Farming Smarter Communities

NENW Landcare Adventure 2017

Farming Smarter Communities

Reaching Out -

LLCI031-010

The issue

With the NSW Local Landcare Coordinator Initiative up and running, 2017 became a ‘Year of Possibilities’ in the New England North West Landcare (NENW) network. It was the year our own network embraced the opportunity to host the 18th Landcare Adventure.

As hosts, Southern New England Landcare chose the theme ‘Farming Smarter Communities’ in response to increasing awareness of the benefits of innovative technologies, collaborations with scientists and higher education, and the dynamics of business harnessing the potential of local produce.

The solution

The Landcare Adventure is a two-day event hosted by each network in our region, in turn. This year's theme was ‘Farming Smarter Communities’. Funding of nearly $20,000 was obtained through the National Landcare Program's Small Grants to run the event, and this was supplemented by participant contributions. Local Landcare Coordinators, Regional Landcare Facilitators and several volunteers from Southern New England Landcare were key members of the organising committee.

The impact

More than 100 participants attended. Key initiatives explored on day one at the University of New England’s Smart Farm were pasture cropping, fire-stick farming, soil ecology, mobile fodder solutions and drone technology. Success centered around participants having the opportunity to discuss and question scientists and local landholders about how they were working smarter together, to achieve sustainable outcomes.

On day two, Uralla businesses and community groups showcased their stories. A facilitated session then asked participants to explore how we could farm smarter communities. SNELandcare President Mr David Henderson commented that, ‘It’s important that we recognize and duplicate, wherever possible, the initiatives that make regional Australia stronger, and I believe we have some of those great initiatives right here on our doorstep."

Learnings

  • Making connections with science and business worked well.
  • Feeding participants healthy, locally grown food where possible is essential.
  • Creating an environment for networking where participants have a good time is best.

Key facts

  • Creating relationships with direct communications and face to face contact is so important for creating new possibilities.
  • Engaging with the the whole community, including scientists and businesses is key to unlocking all the skills, passions and interests in our communities.

Project Partners