Project overview
The Small Farms Network keeps members up to date about:
- events
- workshops
- forums
- funding
- research
- opportunities to meet other local small-scale farmers.
Project background
Local Land Services Greater Sydney Small Farms Network was established in 2019 following a regional landholder needs assessment which revealed landholders wanted connection with other landholders and more information about sustainable agriculture and land management.
The network has grown from 320 members at establishment, to 1,176 members by April 2025 and connects diverse landholders - ranging from lifestyle landowners to full-time farmers.
Project objectives
Local Land Services Small Farms Network aims to improve the productivity and sustainability of small farms in the Greater Sydney Region.
Project delivery
The network helps landholders learn about:
- managing and caring for animals
- improving soil health
- managing weeds and pests
- growing great veggies
- best grazing techniques
- managing your orchard
- making your small farm more productive and sustainable.
Work underway
Landholders in the Greater Sydney region are encouraged to sign up for the Small Farms Network (SFN) to get all the latest information on events and research.
Member snapshots
Canoelands Orchard
Canoelands Orchard in the Central Coast is a small to medium sized family-owned farm built on diversification, engagement with and direct selling to consumers.
Local Land Services assisted owners Nathan and Jamie as members of the Small Farms Network to develop and implement a ‘pick your own’ process at Canoelands Orchard which has changed the way they do business.
Five serves farm
Five Serves Farm in the Hawkesbury is a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) business that provides 100% organic, fresh and local produce delivered straight to customers door weekly.
Local Land Services assisted owner Alice as a member of the Small Farms Network to create a reliable supply of a range of vegetables through an annual succession plan, allowing her to keep her business going throughout the seasons.
Grace Springs Farms
Grace Springs Farm in the Central Coast is a productive small farm on 10ha that is implementing regenerative agriculture.
Local Land Services assisted owners Tom and Virginia as members of the Small Farm Network to adapt their farm management practices to manage risks associated with our changing climate.
Western Sydney University Farm
Joe Kovacek runs a commercial beef cattle operation from the 900ha Western Sydney University Farm (UniFarm) located at the Hawkesbury campus.
Local Land Services supported Joe as a member of the Small Farm Network to undertake holistic management of the site and undertake soil testing to reduce chemical inputs and runoff.
Find out what's happening in Greater Sydney
Get the latest news, seasonal advice, and project updates or be the first to hear about upcoming events.
- Subscribe to your regional and special interest newsletters.
- Follow Local Land Services Greater Sydney on Facebook.
- View our events page to see what's happening near you.
Funding and partnerships
The Small Farms Network is supported by funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Program.
For more information contact Richard Stephens, Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator for Greater Sydney on 0436 803 337 or richard.stephens@lls.nsw.gov.au.
Contact Local Land Services NSW
Our team welcome your enquiries, feedback and comments.
Local Land Services is moving to nsw.gov.au. During the change, you might find the information you are looking for at lls.nsw.gov.au