Change is already reshaping the way we farm—and environmental markets can feel complex.
Farming decisions are becoming more complex as climate, market and environmental pressures increase. This forum is designed to build confidence by providing practical knowledge, trusted advice and real‑world examples you can apply to your own enterprise.
In this 2-day North Coast Farming Forum, industry experts will discuss environmental markets in practical, straight-forward terms so you can make confident decisions for your business.
You’ll explore:
- ways to adapt to climate, market and environmental pressures
- approaches that strengthen soil health, natural capital and whole-farm management
- climate-smart practices that lift productivity, profitability and longterm resilience
Gain a clearer understanding of what’s coming, what’s possible and what actions you can take right now to futureproof your farm.
Event details
Dates: Thursday 7 May, 8am - Friday 8 May, 3pm
Location: Booyong Road, Clunes, NSW.
Ticket price: $25 per person.
Farming can be challenging, and the pressures are real. This forum creates space for honest conversations, practical problem‑solving, and connection with people who understand the realities of managing land and businesses in the region.
- Learn from proven, on‑farm approaches already being used across the North Coast.
- Connect with Local Land Services specialists, industry experts and trusted advisors.
- Share experiences and insights with other producers facing similar challenges.
- Strengthen professional and personal networks within the farming community.
Speakers
Dr Anika Molesworth
Dr Anika Molesworth is a farmer, scientist and storyteller. She is widely recognised for her work in agriculture and food systems and generating climate change awareness. Anika is the author of Our Sunburnt Country, which won the Royal Societies of Australia and New Zealand Writer’s Award for Outstanding Writing on Social Change. Other awards include Young Conservationist of the Year (2022), Young Australian of the Year, New South Wales Finalist (2017), and Young Farmer of the Year (2015). Anika is passionate about ensuring the best possible future for the planet, people and the food on our plates.
Richard Heath
Richard Heath is the Chief Executive Officer of Australia’s largest Cooperative Research Centre, Zero Net Emissions Agriculture CRC. His extensive experience in the Australian agriculture sector extends across multiple high-profile roles including as Executive Director with the Australian Farm Institute, Associate Professor of Agronomy and Farm Management at the University of Sydney and Director at Nuffield Australia Farming Scholars. Richard is a non-executive director of the Grains Research and Development Corporation.
Dr Susan Orgill
Dr Susan Orgill is a leading Australian soil scientist with over 20 years’ experience in research, policy, sustainability, and regenerative agriculture. As Chief Scientist at Impact Ag Australia, she specialises in soil health, carbon farming, and climate-resilient agriculture. Dr Orgill has led national and international Research & Development projects, developed soil carbon methodologies, and contributed to global sustainability initiatives. Her work delivers science-backed solutions that enhance productivity, resilience, and natural capital outcomes.
Costa Georgiadis
Costa Georgiadis is an Australian author, landscape architect, environmental educator, and television presenter. He is also the National Landcare Ambassador.
Program highlights
Field trips across Banyula Farm, with on-ground examples of landscape repair & rehydration projects, orchard management approaches, and koala friendly planting practices
Targeted industry sessions localised, practical climate risk management actions for livestock & horticulture producers.
Carbon & environmental markets—build your understanding across the forum with practical sessions: what is it, what will it mean for your farm, and is it worth participating?
Jump on the Agtech Bus—the Farms of the Future Mobile Learning Centre—bringing practical, hands-on demonstrations of agtech and on-farm connectivity solutions, plus expert advice, directly to regional farming communities.
Just a Farmer
Join us at Pearces Creek Hall for a pre-forum community screening of the award-winning Australian film.
This powerful story opens conversations about mental health in rural communities and brings people together in a safe, supportive space.
Wednesday 6 May from 5:30pm, including a free BBQ dinner.
Mental health support by Rural Adversity Mental Health Program will be available on the night.
Spaces are limited.
Agenda
| Time | Description | Location | Speakers | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.00-8.45 | Registrations, tea & coffee, networking Catering & coffee cart provided on site | ||||
| 8.45-9.15 | Welcome and opening remarks | Main stage | MC Costa Georgiadis and Guests | ||
| 9.15-9.30 | Introduction and welcome to Banyula Farm | Main stage | Banyula Directors and MC Costa Georgiadis | ||
| 9.30-10.00 | Trends and drivers in carbon, environmental markets and emissions | Main stage | Richard Heath, CEO, Zero Net Emissions Agriculture CRC | ||
| 10.05-10.45 | Understanding your climate risk: from seasonal outlooks to future forecasts | Main stage | Rachael Young, DPIRD Climate Team | ||
| 10.45-11.15 | Morning tea Catering provided on site | ||||
| 11.15-11.45 | Strong soils, secure future - practical strategies and tools for your farm | Main stage | Dr Susan Orgill, ImpactAg | ||
| 11.45-13.00 | Choose a session | ||||
| Session A: Managing climate risks – balancing extremes through planning and adaptation | Main stage | Kathryn Gray, Katrina Luckie & Kieran McAndrew, Reconstruction Authority & Guests | |||
| Session B Panel Discussion: Lessons from the land - managing natural areas effectively | Break out space | Farmer panel: David Brook, WildBnB Georgina Jones, Big Scrub Landcare Matt Bleakley, Banyula | |||
| Session C Workshop: AgTech fundamentals : what works, where to start, and why | Mobile learning centre | Tom Flanagan, DPIRD Farms of the Future Julian Pollard, Agtech 360 | |||
| Session D Field trip: Integrated orchard management: reestablishing natural systems for productivity | Banyula farm | Carly Green, Orchard Manager, Banyula Farms | |||
| Session E Field trip: Measuring and managing farm carbon –data and evidence in practice | Banyula farm | Clare Edwards, DPIRD On Farm Carbon Advice program | |||
| 13.00-13.45 | Lunch Catering provided on site | ||||
| 13.45-14.30 | Choose a session | ||||
| Session A: Diversification pathways: ideas, opportunities and planning for change | Main stage | Linda Tilman, The Tilma Group Rebecca Zentveld, Zentvelds family coffee farm Emma Wallace, Rural Financial Counselling Service | |||
| Session B workshop: Carbon fundamentals – understanding how carbon farming, emissions and markets all fit together | Break out space | Clare Edwards, DPIRD On Farm Carbon Advice program Vince Parisi, North Coast Local Land Services | |||
| 14.30-15.00 | Afternoon tea Catering provided on site | ||||
| 15.00-16.15 | Choose a session | ||||
| Session A: Managing climate risks – Horticulture industry break out session | Main stage | Rachael Young, DPIRD Climate Kevin Quinlan DPIRD Northern Horticulture team | |||
| Session B: Carbon community of practice panel | Break out space | Ben Herington, Forest Farm Tanya Pritchard & Matthew Bleakley, Banyula Farm | |||
| Session C: Agtech Panel From data to decisions: choosing tools that change on farm practice | Mobile learning centre | Tom Flanagan, DPIRD Farms of the Future, Andrew Auld & Julian Pollard, Agtech 360 | |||
| Session D Field Trip: Restoring function: soil health & landscape rehydration in practice | Banyula farm | Josh Wellman, Director, Banyula Farms | |||
| Session E Field Trip: Measuring and managing farm carbon – data and evidence in practice (repeat) | Banyula farm | Clare Edwards, DPIRD On Farm Carbon Advice program | |||
| 16.15-16.30 | Closing Remarks and housekeeping | MC Costa Georgiadis | |||
Evening event: Science at the Feddy
From 6.00 PM at the Federal Hotel, 77 Main St, Alstonville.
Science, minus the lab coat! No jargon, no slides full of equations. Just interesting ideas!
Join North Coast Local Land Services, Lismore City Council, and Southern Cross University to listen to some of the latest results from local studies and research pitches by PhD students.
| Time | Description | Location | Speakers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.00-8.45 | Registrations, tea & coffee, networking Catering provided on site | ||
| 8.45-9.30 | Building a positive mindset for a changing climate | Main stage | Dr Anika Molesworth |
| 9.30-10.00 | Strengthening farm finances | Main stage | Sam Green, Rural Financial Counselling Service |
| 10.00-11.15 | Choose a session | ||
| Session A: Managing climate risks livestock industry breakout session | Main stage | Kel Langfield, DPIRD Nathan Jennings, North Coast LLS Rachael Young, DPIRD Climate Team | |
| Session B: Environmental plantings in practice: options, benefits and considerations | Break out space | Nicolai Cooper and John Nagle, North Coast LLS | |
| Session C: AgTech fundamentals: what works, where to start, and why | Mobile learning centre | Tom Flanagan, DPIRD Farms of the Future Julian Pollard, Agtech 360 | |
| Session D Field trip: Restoring function: soil health & landscape rehydration in practice (repeat) | Banyula farm | Josh Wellman Director, Banyula Farms | |
| Session E Field trip: Koala friendly carbon – environmental plantings in practice | Banyula farm | Ben Herington, WWF | |
| 11.15-11.45 | Morning tea Catering provided on site | ||
| 11.45-12.30 | Choose a session | ||
| Session A: Opportunities for growth - integrating trees, cattle & pastures for productivity | Main stage | Andrew Hurford, The Hurford Group Dr. Nahuel Pachas, DPI QLD Tom Bjorksten, Misty Creek Agroforestry | |
| Session B: Carbon fundamentals – understanding how carbon farming, emissions and markets all fit together (repeat) | Break out space | Clare Edwards, DPIRD On Farm Carbon Advice program | |
| 12.30-13.15 | Lunch Catering provided on site | ||
| 13.15-14.00 | Final session: Whether to weather it: Risk, adaptation and decision-making Closing remarks and housekeeping | Main stage | MC, Dr Anika Molesworth, Banyula Farm & guests |
| 14.00-14.30 | Afternoon tea and networking Catering provided on site |
About Banyula Farm
Banyula is a regenerative land and education project restoring ecosystems through biodiversity enhancement, wildlife habitat, regenerative agriculture and livestock practices.
Grounded in respect for Aboriginal people and holistic thinking, Banyula creates meaningful connections and partnerships that inspire informed action — recognising the interdependence of people, place and nature.
This event is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program and delivered by North Coast Local Land Services, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.
This event is also delivered by Local Land Services in partnership with the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water under the Primary Industries Productivity and Abatement Program (PIPAP).
Contact Local Land Services NSW
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