Supporting sustainable grazing practices

Key information

Sustainability champions and innovative land managers have the opportunity to collaborate with Local Land Services over a 4 year period to trial and demonstrate new farming techniques.

Participants will receive coaching, guidance, resources and ongoing support to help improve part of their property and showcase it to others.

Project objectives

Through funding from the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust, under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program, Greater Sydney Local Land Services will partner with land managers wanting to champion sustainability and improve their land and pasture management skills. 

This project will have a long-term, positive environmental impact by helping land managers to trial and adopt practices that:

• improve farm productivity and profitability
• enhance soil health and improve water retention
• protect biodiversity and reduce environmental harm
• increase resilience to changing climate conditions. 

Eligibility

Farmers and producers interested in collaborating with Local Land Services to trial and demonstrate innovative pasture management practices are eligible.

Places are limited.

Who can apply

Land managers with a range of experience from beginners to multi-generational landholders can apply.

To be eligible, you need to:

• have a property in the Greater Sydney region that is larger than 5 acres 
• be willing to set aside a portion of land (between 1 to 10 acres) for the trial
• be prepared to actively manage your nominated trial site
• ensure regular data collection for consistent trial outcomes
• commit to the full 4-year duration of the project.

What activities are supported

Local Land Services will work with you to create a system suited to your property and goals.

This could include trialling new farming techniques or innovative practices such as:

• alternative pastures suited for your local environment and animals
• different management methods that may help with improved farm operations
• alternative fencing designs or new products to improve stock management and effectiveness. 

Your commitments

Participant involvement will include:

• continuing to manage and operate your property over the 4 years
• using your animals to graze the pastures
• recording key observations (for example, plant growth, animal behaviour and soil conditions)
• hosting workshops, field days or training sessions 
• documenting and sharing your experiences through photos, videos and case studies.

How to apply

Interested landholders can contact the project team for further information or lodge an expression of interest using the link below. Local Local Services will contact all applicants to discuss individual goals and suitability.

1. Expression of Interest (EOI)
Submit an application to join the project by Friday 28 February 2025.

Submit an EOI

2. Initial farm assessment
A project team member will visit the property to discuss goals and identify potential trial opportunities. (March 2025) 

3. Agreement
Enter into a mutual agreement outlining commitments and expectations. 

4. Start of trials
Work with the project team to implement trials and begin monitoring from April 2025.

Funding

This project is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program and delivered by Local Land Services, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.