Small Farms Network updates

May 2020

Andrew Britton, Small Landholder Engagement Officer

Alex James, Capitol Region Small Farms Network Coordinator

Andrew Taylor, Senior Agriculture Advisor

Small Farms - a vital piece of the landscape puzzle!

Small farms and lifestyle properties play an important role in managing the patchwork of natural and agricultural environments across the South East.

Many of these small properties have native vegetation, creeks and dams and other natural features which provide valuable habitat for native animals. Striking a balance between managing your natural resources, lifestyle and sustainable agricultural goals can be a challenge, especially within a changing climatic landscape.

Connect with your local Network

The Every Bit Counts program has been developed to help provide landholders access to the best available knowledge, advice and peer-to-peer support networks in a manner that recognises the wide range of priorities and land uses that exist on small farms and lifestyle properties. The project does this by promoting and encouraging all landholders to connect with their local Farmers’ Network. Across the South East region a number of Farmer Networks have been established to engage, connect and build the skills and capacity of all landholders in better land management.

Join your local Network today and get connected with the latest news, events, funding and online opportunities within your local and regional area. It’s free, fun and a great way to meet like-minded farmers in your backyard.

South Coast Small Farms Network(Illawarra & Shoalhaven)

Established in 2004, the Small Farms Network is a free support service for all landholders who live on or manage rural and peri-urban land on the south coast. With over 780 local members, our landholders are engaged and participate in a variety of regional workshops, have access to funding for fencing, weed control and revegetation projects and are connected online via social media and training webinars. To sign up and receive our regular newsletter visit www.smallfarms.net.au

“The Small Farms Network provides me with valuable information and makes me aware of opportunities to learn and explore better farming. Together we have been able to achieve good outcomes for the farm, the environment and biodiversity”. Michael, Kangaroo Valley

Southern Highlands Small Farms Network

(Mittagong to Goulburn)

The Every Bit Counts project launched the new Southern Highlands Small Farms Network in June 2019. The Network has expanded its reach with a strong focus to improve landholder engagement between Exeter and Bungonia, providing support with targeted agricultural workshops, soil tests, weed and pest animal control. To sign up and receive our regular newsletter visit www.smallfarms.net.au and select your Network.

“This network aims to bring together old and new farmers big and small to share information and practices that work in all varieties of food and fibre production. With field days and workshops we aim to bring producers together to enable networking and to give all the opportunity to not only share knowledge but know who to ask when you strike a problem or are thinking of venturing into a new enterprise”. Keith Dance

Small Farms Network Capital Region

(Bungendore and surrounds)

The purpose of Small Farms Network Capital Region Inc is to deliver improved agricultural productivity and land management for the long term on small rural properties in the Capital region of south-eastern New South Wales. Based in Bungendore the association is managed by a farmer committee with the objective of providing education and advocacy support for small farmers, a project officer is employed on a casual basis. The network provides support to small farmers by organising events and publishing online information via a website and Facebook. The network currently has 100 financial members and a mailing list of 435 people. You can register for these events, sign up for the free newsletter or become a member of the network at https://smallfarmscapital.org/ and on Facebook: @smallfarmscapital.

“The Small Farms Network provides great opportunities for hands on learning with a group of like-minded people. The workshops and webinars enhance my learning in an accessible way and the chance to network with other small farmers is great. Always interesting, useful and great presenters. Thank you” Feedback from Building Resilient Landscapes after Fire and Drought.

Eurobodalla Farmers Network

The Eurobodalla Farmers Network is a relatively new network and is a partnership between South East Local Land Services, Eurobodalla Shire Council and the Sustainable Agricultural & Gardening group (SAGE).

The Eurobodalla Farmers Network continues to grow (225 members) and aims to support all landholders by promoting and organsing a variety of events such as the regional Agricultural Industry Dinner, various land management workshops and funding opportunities for landholders across the Eurobodalla region especially post fires. Sign up today to receive our free newsletter and connect with your local farming community. Click here

“As a foundation committee member of the Eurobodalla Farmers Network, I am encouraged by the growing membership of our group. As outlined above, we provide the stimulus and learning experiences for all landholders interested in improving their properties to produce the commodity of their choice using sustainable and efficient farming practices. With the guidance and expertise available from LLS  the future of the network is assured”. Peter Atkinson.

Far South Coast Farmers’ Network

As a diverse group of over 250 members this Farmers’ Network aims to find efficient and creative ways for landholders to learn and implement sustainable farming practices. Becoming a member of the Farmers’ Network will enable you to receive our Newsletter and invitations to upcoming events.

An integral part of the Network’s agenda is to develop future technology and marketing opportunities. We work closely with industry experts and research bodies as well as stakeholder groups such as Local Land Services, MLA and Bega Valley Shire Council. For more details visit http://www.fscl.org.au/projects/farmers-network/