Big Shift For Small Farms - Australian Agriculture and Regenerative Farming

What if farmers could better understand what's happening beneath their feet? And could that information help them make better decisions when seasons don't go to plan? 

In this episode, we explore Farming Forecaster, a free online tool that combines soil moisture, pasture growth and seasonal information to help farmers make more informed management decisions. 

We visit Mattana Farm near Milton on the NSW South Coast, where Bec and Adam share how a local soil moisture probe has helped them navigate drought, fire, flooding rains and difficult livestock decisions. 

Whether you're a data enthusiast or simply looking for another tool to support decision-making, this episode offers practical insights into using information alongside experience and intuition on farm. 

Featured Guests 

• Bec and Adam – Mattana Farm, Milton NSW 

• Matt Lieschke – Agricultural Extension Officer, Local Land Services 

• Phil Graham – Agricultural Consultant 

Episode Guide 

• (00:00) Farming through drought, fires and changing seasons 

• (06:00) Why soil moisture and temperature matter 

• (07:30) Using data to make tough stocking decisions 

• (08:30) How Farming Forecaster helps manage climate variability 

• (11:30) Exploring the website, probes and pasture forecasts 

• (16:00) Setting trigger points before conditions deteriorate 

• (24:30) Back on the farm: confidence, confirmation and practical advice 

Useful Links 

Can technology really help farmers build resilience in an increasingly unpredictable climate — or are we getting distracted by shiny new tools?

In this episode, we head to Twynam Farm in NSW to hear directly from farmers trialling agtech including virtual fencing, livestock monitoring and regenerative grazing systems.

Featuring conversations with Sarah Nolet and Susan Orgill, we explore how agtech can support climate resilience, soil health and better farm decision-making — while also asking where the risks and limitations lie.

We also hear from Camilla Beck and producers attending the Twynam field day, grounding the conversation in practical, on-farm experience rather than industry hype.

From virtual fencing and livestock monitoring to broader questions around profitability, labour and resilience, this episode asks: what technology is actually worth adopting on farm — and what problems should agtech really be solving?

Featured Talent & Links

What if your chickens could do more than just lay eggs? In this episode, we explore how mobile chook sheds can improve soil health, boost pasture growth, and reduce fertiliser costs through better nutrient cycling. Featuring insights from farmers and soil experts, this episode unpacks the nitrogen cycle, pasture recovery, dung beetles, and practical tips for building healthier, more profitable farming systems.

Key episode moments

[00:02:00] Rising fertiliser costs forced a new approach.

[00:04:00] The business started with 50 chooks in a caravan.

[00:09:00] Chicken manure improves nitrogen and soil health.

[00:10:00] Nitrogen efficiency is low without good management.

[00:18:00] Moving sheds regularly helps control manure load.

[00:22:00] Dung beetles help spread nutrients naturally.

[00:28:00] Changing rainfall affects pasture recovery times.

[00:30:00] Start small and build the system slowly.

Extra Show Notes Links

Clean Coastal Catchments Program nitrogen and dairy pasture video:

What if you could add value to your farm without scaling production? In this episode, we explore pick-your-own as a diversification strategy—covering the realities, the opportunities, and what farmers need to know before opening the gate.

Key episode moments

(00:00) Is pick-your-own actually more profitable than wholesale?

(01:30) From city life to farming: buying a rundown blueberry farm with no experience

(04:30) COVID pivot: opening the gates and inviting the public in

(08:30) Why customers—not strategy—often drive the shift to PYO

(14:00) Burnout from farmers markets → “people are paying me to pick my fruit”

(15:30) Location matters—but people will travel for the experience

(17:30) The reality of customers: education, behaviour & managing expectations

(20:00) Does it stack up? Labour savings vs crop loss and margins

(29:30) Marketing that works: social media timing + a strong website

(41:30) Final advice: start small, ask for help, and know if it suits your personality

Read the full transcript

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vvs2_PqBmqMlhXEjoZjc3Ul332DDtBl2/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=103831811474414598304&rtpof=true&sd=true

Explore more from our guests below:

The episode urges horse owners to shift from viewing land as turnout to thinking like “grass farmers,” linking soil biology, plant diversity and grazing decisions to horse health.

We hear from horse behaviour expert Jane Myers who explains how separating horses and giving constant paddock access drives fence-walking, overgrazing and worn-out land, and she shares a simple yet transformative pasture paddock setup with her Equicentral system.

Hoof care professional Faith Robinson redesigned her NSW property with a track and laneways to boost movement, choice, and pasture recovery. 

Agroecologist Nicole Masters links soil biology and plant diversity to nutrition, hoof and behavioural issues and urges owners to get curious by digging and reading “weeds” as indicators, and promotes diverse browse and nutrition supplements to reduce reliance on routine chemical worming.

Key episode moments

(00:00) Grass Farmer Mindset

(00:40) Meet the Guests

(01:48) Faiths Property Transformation

(03:24) From Bored Horses to Choice

(06:43) Jane on Behavior and Overgrazing

(09:27) Nicole on Pasture Diversity

(11:32) Soil Biology Basics

(13:13) Weeds as Soil Clues

(15:55) Rest and Second Bite Rule

(17:13) Stubby Test and Laminitis

(18:54) Equicentral System Explained

(21:52) Faiths Track and Laneways

(21:30) Design for Movement and Browse

(28:05) Rethinking Worming

(32:57) Manure Management and Dung Beetles

(38:38) Resilience in Drought and Flood

(43:19) Wrap Up and Resources

If this episode sparked new ideas about horse care, grazing, and land stewardship, you can explore more from our guests below:

Depending on the time of day you're reading this, chances are you have a cup of tea, coffee or glass of wine in hand.  And so you are already relying on pollination, and that's what this episode's all about because without healthy pollinators, so many of the foods and beverages we love simply wouldn't exist.

In the latest episode of The Big Shift for Small Farms Podcast,  we explore how pollination underpins our food system and why its future matters to us all. We visit Bill Shields’ apple orchard in Bilpin to hear about a mysterious event that has left him with virtually no apples on his trees this season.

We'll sit down with Native Bee expert Dr. Tim Heard, who spent his career uncovering the hidden world of Australia's native bee pollinators.

And in the wake of the varroa mite, we also hear from someone who's been on the ground with farmers and beekeepers, learning from their experiences supporting their recovery, and helping chart a path forward for resilient pollination into the future.

Featured in this episodes:

Bill Shields - Apple farmer, Shields Orchard Bilpin (shieldsorchard.com)

Episode Title: Ecological Weed Management

Host: Edgars Greste
Guest: Kim Deans, Agro-ecologist (with special contributions from Alexia Martinez & Kym Green)
In this episode of The Big Shift for Small Farms, Edgars Greste takes a deep dive into the often-overlooked subject of weeds — and how thinking differently about them can transform your small farm. Joining him is agro-ecologist Kim Deans, who challenges traditional chemical-based weed control, and instead advocates for a holistic weed-management strategy grounded in soil health, biodiversity and sustainable farm practices.

You’ll also hear from farmers Alexia Martinez and Kym Green as they share firsthand experiences of integrating compost, cover-crops and natural remedies into their weed-control practices — showing how a small-farm operator can manage weeds and build a healthier ecosystem at the same time.

• Why weeds aren’t just pests — they are indicators of underlying soil, pasture or ecosystem health issues.

• How to shift from a reactive “spray-and-pray” mindset to a proactive system-based approach focusing on soil biology, cover crops, grazing and pasture competition.

• Practical strategies for small farms in Australia: implementing cover crops, compost, rotational grazing and non-chemical weed suppression methods.

• Real-world farm stories: how Alexia Martinez and Kym Green are balancing weed control with regenerative practices on their properties.

• 00:00 – 05:00 → Introduction: why weed management needs a rethink in small-scale agriculture

• 05:01 – 15:00 → Guest segment: Kim Deans’ journey from traditional farming to agro-ecology

• 15:01 – 30:00 → Core principles: ecosystem thinking, soil health and weeds as signals

• 30:01 – 45:00 → Practical tactics for small farms: cover crops, compost, grazing, and timing

• 45:01 – 55:00 → Farmer voices: Alexia Martinez & Kym Green share their stories

In this episode of the Big Shift for Small Farms Podcast, host Edgars Greste chats with dairy farmer Andy Hanna, whose farm is located in the heart of greater Sydney, amidst the growing impact of suburban sprawl. With farming pressures like unpredictable climate conditions and tight financial margins, Andy’s story is a powerful example of adapting and thriving against the odds.

Edgars recently had the chance to visit Andy’s farm and was impressed by the work and evolution of his farming practices. Andy’s approach to low-input, ecological farming focusing on rotational grazing, boosting pasture biodiversity, and working with natural nutrient cycles, offers valuable, practical examples of how to make a big shift toward sustainability. This conversation is full of insights on building resilience into farming systems while supporting the environment and the community.

Thank you to our guest, Andy Hanna, featured in this episode.

For more information: 

In this episode of the Big Shift for Small Farms podcast, we explore the idea of natural capital—the economic and environmental value of nature. Joined by natural capital advisor Madeleine Florin and farmers Ned Long and Rhiannon Phillips, the conversation highlights regenerative land management practices, the advantages of enhancing natural capital, and new market opportunities. The episode includes practical examples and discusses the impacts on farming, communities, and personal well-being, underscoring the link between environmental stewardship and economic resilience.

Thank you to our guests featured in this episode:

• Madeleine Florin

• Ned Long

• Rhiannon Phillips 

For more information: 

Welcome to an insightful podcast episode uncovering the intricate world of Southeast New South Wales' diverse soils. Come on a journey with Di and Steven in their transition from dairy to beef production by focusing on soil health and the impact of soil quality on farming practices. We’ll hear from Roy Lawrie, a seasoned soil expert, and Andrew Britton, former Small Farms Coordinator for the South Coast region, as they demystify the complexities of soil management. We’ll learn about crucial topics such as the significance of topsoil and subsoil tests, the variability in soil profiles across landscapes, the persistent challenges of weed management, and the presence of acid sulfate soils.  This episode equips you with invaluable tips on soil and weed management, aimed at elevating farmers' ability to enhance land health and embrace regenerative farming practices. 

Thank you to our guests featured in this episode:

• Diana Ferguson and Stephen Shipton

• Roy Lawrie

• Wayne Brown

• Andrew Britton

For more information: 

Ever wondered about regenerative agriculture and the impacts it can have on farmers? Join us as we learn about real life experiences shared by seasoned farmers at the recent Soil Stewardship Summit near Yass, NSW. Over two enlightening days, participants explored the concept of regenerative agriculture, discussing key topics such as tapping into indigenous wisdom, enhancing drought resilience, transitioning from high production to natural methods, and prioritizing soil health for improved yields and healthier societies. The stories embody values of patience, gratitude, and deep respect for nature, offering valuable inspiration for those considering or embarking on the journey towards sustainable farming practices. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that encapsulates the transformative power of regenerative agriculture and a return to natural processes.

Thank you to our guests featured in this episode:

• Eli Court (Soils for Life)

• Paul Girrawah House 

• Rhonda Daly 

• Colin Seis 

• Garry Kadwell

• David Marsh 

For more information: 

Biology drives nearly all processes in our soil. From structure and water infiltration, to nutrient cycling and disease suppression. Until  recently the biological function of soil has largely been overlooked in favour of soil physics and chemistry. So to find out more about the beauty of bugs we spoke with soil microbiologist, Kelvin Montagu

Thank you to our guest featured in this episode:

• Kelvin Montagu

For more information: 

Curious about the buzz surrounding multi-species pastures and its game-changing role in regenerative agriculture? Join us to hear expert insights from Sarah Fea, an experienced agroecologist, who explores the diversity of advantages that multi-species brings to the table. We look into the significance of improving soil health, biodiversity, efficiency of resources, pest control, and creation of resilient landscapes. Gain valuable insights from on-field farmers as they share their journeys experimenting with multi-species pastures, revealing the substantial benefits they've reaped through the transition to diverse pastures.

Thank you to our guests featured in this episode:

• Sarah Fea

• Adam and Jody Turner

• Greg Mumm

For more information: 

This episode explores the importance of soil and soil management for agriculture and the environment, focusing on the soils of the Sydney region. Experts from the New South Wales Soil Knowledge Network share their expertise on topics such as geology, soil formation, soil types, erosion, and assessing soil health. The conversation highlights the role of organic matter, irrigation, and soil samples in managing different soil types. Listeners will gain a better understanding of the value of soil and practical tips for improving soil health. Let's make the world greener and healthier, one soil particle at a time!

Thank you to our guests featured in this episode:

• Greg Chapman

• Tony Voller

• Madeleine Florin

• Cathy Sherry

For more information: 

In this episode, get ready to dig into the quirky world of dung beetles and discover how these little champions are like the superheroes of soil health on farms! Join us and our guests as we chat about the fantastic benefits dung beetles bring to Australian farmers – from reducing water runoff to boosting pasture growth and improving soil in grazing systems, to keeping pests in check, and even mastering the art of carbon sequestration. These remarkable critters prove that sometimes, in the smallest packages, you find the mightiest heroes for our planet's well-being.

Thank you to our guests featured in this episode:

• Russ Barrow

• Ed Hogan

• Keri Chittenden

• Michael McDonald

For more information: 

In this episode, we explore soil amendments and their role in enhancing soil fertility.  Accompanied by farmers from Kangaroo Valley, we delve into their strategic use of compost and diverse amendments to enhance soil health.  Former Senior Agricultural Advisor Ed Hogan presents a comprehensive soil biology demonstration, offering invaluable insights for the farming community - recognising the significance of tailoring agricultural approaches to meet the distinctive needs of each soil and steering clear of a generic 'one-size-fits-all' methodology. Tune in to discover which amendments could potentially elevate the soil fertility on your farm.

Thank you to our guests featured in this episode:

• Brad Hawthorne

• Gavin Chittick

• Edmund Hogan

For more information: 

Riparian Zones play an integral role in the Australian landscape - from cultural heritage to agriculture, recreation, and providing habitat for aquatic and terrestrial animals. These areas are crucial for filtering water, preventing erosion, and supporting the overall productivity of the surrounding landscape. They also provide grazing, shelter, and access to water for livestock.

Development and agriculture can pose a potential threat to riparian zones. Clearing, overuse, and uncontrolled stock access are some activities that can lead to erosion, habitat loss, and reduced water quality. But there are ways to look after this unique landscape.

In this episode, we join three individuals who give us tips on restoring riparian land on your property. As we journey along the creek, we may glimpse one of Australia’s most shy and unique creatures.

Thank you to our guests featured in this episode:

• Alexia Martinez - farmer

• Michelle Ryan - Senior Lecturer in ecology and environmental Science at Western Sydney University

• Lori Gould - Program Manager of the Australian River Restoration Centre

For more information or to get involved:

Many landholders have been promoting biodiversity and wildlife conservation on their property for many years. Not only is this beneficial for the environment, but through conservation agreements, landholders benefit financially from protecting their patches.

Landholders can be involved in a variety of different programs and conservation agreements. One of the main aspects is landholders need to have native vegetation in good condition on their land. In terms of size, smaller farms can collaborate to create larger parcels that may be eligible for financial compensation. 

In this episode, we’ll hear from private landowners who have been managing biodiversity and promoting wildlife conservation on their land for years - and they have benefited from it in many ways. 

Thank you to our guests featured in this episode:

• Bev Debrincat - Chair of Greater Sydney Landcare, landholder

• Xuela Sledge - Koala Project Officer with Greater Sydney Landcare

• Matt Carr - acting director of the Biodiversity Conservation Trust

• Jocelyn Howden - founder of the Glenorie Wildlife Refuge

For more information or to get involved:

Citizen Science has been around for a long time. It has allowed vast amounts of data to be collected and analysed within a relatively short period by getting members of the public to participate in scientific research. 

This research is invaluable as it helps to inform natural resource management, increase environmental protection and inform policy and decision making.  It also benefits individuals as they can engage in research and provide public input. 

There are numerous citizen science opportunities for landholders to get involved in, whether it be about frogs, tree hollows, scats, or even ferals - there is something for everyone.

Join us as we speak with three motivated individuals working in this space across diverse topics and landscapes, from water to earth to sky.

Thank you to our guests featured in this episode:

• Lilly Schwartz - founder of the Hills Hornsby Rural Koala Project

• Jessica Lumbroso - Land Care Coordinator and Streamwatch Coordinator for the Greater Sydney Land Care

• Ben Humphries - Coordinator of the Southern NSW Birds on Farms Project

For more information or to get involved:

Wildlife corridors are essential for the survival of animals. They also provide additional benefits for both the environment and agricultural productivity.

Unfortunately, habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation create immense challenges for animals as they struggle to reach food, water and shelter. But there are many things that landholders can do to improve habitat connectivity and increase wildlife conservation efforts. By planting more trees and creating corridors for animals, landholders contribute to landscape resilience and benefit in many ways by preventing soil erosion, improving crop pollination and providing shelter for stock.

Join us in this episode as we journey through three different landscapes and learn about initiatives protecting and restoring our landscapes and natural systems, improving habitat connectivity and benefiting landholders.

Thank you to our guests featured in this episode:

• Angie Fricker - Senior Land Services Officer with Greater Sydney LLS

• Garry Watterson - Landholder

• Gary Howling - Chief Executive Officer of the Great Eastern Ranges 

• Paul Madden  - Project Officer with Community Environment Network

For more information or to get involved:

For most people, weeds are a dirty word. They’re often talked about as an undesirable plant in the wrong place. And whilst it's true that some species left unmanaged can cause ecological problems, what if weeds are actually trying to tell us something. Something about that place where they’ve shown up that we don’t know about yet. So in this episode we hear from weed whisperers and what they’re saying is don’t blame the messenger because the messenger might actually be part of the solution.

Thank you to all those who shared their knowledge with all of us:

Nicole Masters https://www.integritysoils.co.nz/

Hamish MacKay  https://biodynamics2024.com.au/workshops/

James Barnet RCS https://www.rcsaustralia.com.au/

Clare Edwards https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/central-tablelands

Small scale farmers are faced with a lot of pressures, from climate change on farm to competition in the marketplace. In this episode we’re hearing from farmers and producers about Australian made emerging opportunities, from climate tolerant native bush foods to economically sustainable bespoke dairy products. Not only can they help farm business but also the broader community and our planet.

Guests featured in this episode include:

Cressida Cains, Dairy Cocoon https://www.pecoradairy.com.au/

Chris Andrew, Black Duck Foods https://blackduckfoods.org/

Josh Gilbert, Indigenous agriculturalist http://www.gilbertjoshuam.com/

Tim Wimbourne, Braidwood Food Company https://www.braidwoodfood.com/

Credits

Many of our listeners in NSW have been heavily impacted by recent flooding at the end of March this year. In the Hawkesbury-Nepean river region of Western Sydney, it caught many by surprise peaking at a staggering 12.9 metres, with water engulfing properties and homes.

So in this episode we’re bringing you a special recording at a field day on flood recovery hosted by Greater Sydney Local Land Services at their demonstration farm in April. Our producer Olivia Ralph was there to capture some insights from the event.

Thanks to Alana, Amy and Tom for sharing their stories.

Others featured in this episode:

Adam Little, Senior agronomist and livestock specialist - Ace Ohlsson Elders

Neil Griffiths, Agronomist and pasture specialist - Hunter Local Land Services

Richard Stephens, Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator - Greater Sydney Local Land Services

Stock that has been in floodwater should be monitored closely to ensure they are eating and watched for signs of disease.

In this episode we’re talking about emergency management. We’ll hear from field officers and researchers about the importance of making plans and keeping yourself in check. We will then chat to a farmer who’s using animals as a tool to reduce his fire risk. So let’s get planning. 

Thank you to all our guests who featured in this episode:

Now according to The Economist Newspaper, the world’s most valuable resource is no longer oil, but data. And what makes it valuable is what we do with it.  In this episode we’ll get some tips from farming consultants about how to use data to improve your management both in the paddock and on your balance sheet. And we’ll find out why owning a bird book is a sign that business is going well. Guests featured in this episode include:

More and more consumers want to buy why you farm as much as what you produce. In this episode we’re looking at the power of your story. We’ll talk to farmers about their journey from small business to becoming a brand and we’ll hear about a platform that’s been built to help farmers not only sell their products but promote their farming practices.

Guests featured in this episode include:

In Australia we grow a lot of introduced livestock species like cows, pigs, sheep and chooks. So in this episode we’re looking at how to care for your livestock mindfully. We’ll hear from a grazing management consultant about why looking after your landscape could save you big bucks and improve not only your livestock’s health but your own wellbeing too.

We all know the dangers of having all your eggs in one basket. The good news is that there are plenty of creative ways to stack enterprises to build resilience in your business. In this episode we’ll learn about value adding, collaboration and diversification.

In this episode we hear from:

We often think of a plan as a list of things to do, but the farmers and consultants in this episode say it's about outlining your principles and developing a clear vision. In this episode the farmers encourage us to slow down, take a step back and learn from the landscape.

In this episode we hear from:

Why do you farm the way you do? In this episode we’ll hear from farmers who, through personal illness and tragedy have been forced to reimagine their farming values and practices. And we’ll hear who’s leading the way in holistic land management all to help you make the big shift.

In this episode we hear from

There’s a growing trend amongst consumers to know how their food is produced. Certification offers some assurity to customers and a point of difference for producers. But is it certification effective? We’ll chat with farmers who are certified and let you in on a secret that can be even more powerful than a certified label.

In this episode we hear from

Farm resilience in a changing climate is all about understanding the function of our natural landscapes. With longer and hotter droughts and more intensified rain events we need to rethink our current farming practices. So today, we’re going on a journey from the classroom to the paddock to help make your farm a resilient one.

Thank you to those who gave their time to be part of this episode:

For farmers, compost is like black gold because its really valuable for efficient high quality food production, but just like gold it can be pretty expensive and hard to source. In this episode, we’ll talk to those who produce it, those who study it and those who use it to help you get the best out of your compost.

In this episode we hear from

Community supported agriculture originates back to the 1960s and is a relatively new concept in Australia. At a time when more and more consumers are looking to connect to the source of their food, the CSA model could just be the best way for small scale farmers to grow their businesses.

In this episode we hear from

When it comes to getting your livestock processed. getting to an abattoir can be time-consuming for you and stressful for the animals. in light of this, some innovative farmers are disrupting the conventional supply chain and building their own solutions. From cardboard prototypes to shipping containers we’ll hear their stories and how they got the cash to get started to work out if a mobile abattoir is the right solution for you.

In this episode we hear from

According to Mental Health Australia, 1 in 5 Australians are affected by mental illness, yet many don’t seek help because of stigma. And that’s what this episode is all about. We’ll hear from a farmer who’s grappled with the dark side of mental health and we’ll talk to experts and professionals about how to keep it in check. Because mental health and well-being is not just a state of mind it’s a skill. Something we can all practice.

In this episode we hear from

When it comes to agricultural productivity it all begins with the soil. In this episode we’ll hear from experts in the field and scientists in the lab about the power of health soils. And we’ll get our hands dirty with veggie growers and cattle farmers about how to achieve it.

In this episode we hear from

We often hear in the media that young people are leaving the farm in favour of other career paths. But what we don’t hear about are those in the city who feel the need to get their hands dirty and create a business growing food. In this episode we’ll hear about the challenges they’ve faced and the rewards they’ve gained.

In this episode we hear from

Farming in urban areas and on the outskirts of our major towns and cities, holds much promise for delivering healthy and safe food to our cities. Urban farms not only provide local employment, but serve as educational hubs for those wanting to learn about food production and become more self-sufficient.

In this episode we hear from

We're very excited to bring you a podcast series dedicated to helping small scale farmers. We'll cover topics ranging from soil health to mental health and everything in between.

Tune in each fortnight as we bring you conversations with farmers and industry experts to help you make the big shift.