Farming Together Program

23/06/2026

How can you find new income streams on your farm? Is there something you're overlooking, or under-using? Maybe you can turn your ideas into products or experiences...

This Thursday, don't miss the first Lunch & Learn session from our friends at Vitality Farms Northern Rivers 👇

22/06/2026

Will slashing stop pasture dieback?
What grasses should we plant?
Why are we still seeing mealybugs in the paddock? It's winter! 🥶

A team from Southern Cross University and North Coast Local Land Services is working hard to find answers to these questions, and more, to stop the spread of pasture dieback in the Northern Rivers.

https://farmingtogether.com.au/local-trials-give-farmers-new-insights-into-pasture-dieback/

This work is also supported by Meat & Livestock Australia and SQNNSWHub.

16/06/2026

After several wet years on the NSW North Coast, we can see the impacts of erosion and sediment going into our rivers.

This is happening on all types of landscapes - older macadamia orchards, grazing country, and even small blocks closer to towns.

The SQNNSWHub has worked with North Coast Local Land Services, Rous County Council and Nambucca Valley Landcare to deliver workshops to local farmers in the Lismore and Bowraville areas on Rebuilding Landscapes and Restoring Landscape Function.

Farm extension adviser Gavin Tinning said the workshops involve walking local farms, and discussing issues and opportunities to better manage the movement of water through the landscape.

"Participants get their hands dirty or pull up a hay bale to watch; observing how machinery can be used effectively, the types of structures that help plants establish, which plants are most functional to regenerate landscapes and understanding the important role of wetlands in slowing the flow," he said.

"The workshops support the establishment of practical demos across different landscapes, and more sites with these partners to be established this year."

10/06/2026

We are super proud of our boss, Dr Amanda Scott, who graduated with a PhD from Southern Cross University after almost a decade of juggling research, full-time work, and life!

While her sister is quick to reminder her “she’s not that kind of doctor”, she’s learnt valuable lessons that underpin the work we do with SCU, Farming Together, the SQNNSWHub , and the NSW Decarbonisation Hub.

Amanda’s PhD was driven by a problem she continued to see: Why do some networks survive long after initial project funding ends, while others disappear almost overnight?

She followed three producer-led agricultural networks for nearly four years, and found the networks that lasted weren't simply lucky, and they weren't exceptional either. They were deliberate.

“They invested in relationships, they spread leadership across people and organisations, and they made room for different voices. And, critically, they had started planning for the end of funding while the momentum was still high,” Amanda says.

“That's what I want to help people do. I want to see good work continue long after the initial funding ends.”

Congrats, Amanda!

08/06/2026

Look at this beautiful little native groundcover we found at our Bingara farm dam project site! 😍

It's a winter berry, or winter apple, shrub (Eremophila debilis), according to SQNNSWHub extension officer Janelle Schafer.

We love it because it's a drought-hardy, native bushfood plant, and can grow in a range of soil types. Good spotting! 👀

07/06/2026

Improving farm dams means better water quality, healthier stock, and increased biodiversity. Win, win, win!

We held a field day at our demonstration site at The Living Classroom in Bingara this week, where we've been busy fencing, removing w**ds (without poisoning the waterways), and planting trees and grasses.

SQNNSWHub Extension Officer, Janelle Schafer, said it was a great day, with excellent information from guest speakers Andrew Jack, Razzaq Sarker and George Truman from North West Local Land Services, and Ali Bigg from Northern Slopes Landcare Association Inc.

As one attendee said: "Wonderful education! Much appreciated, and will definitely apply what has been taught."

04/06/2026

This is a great summary of dairy farmer Chris Eggert's advice about multi species pastures on the NSW North Coast.

We have some other resources here, including our Multi Species Pasture Guide and some case studies: https://farmingtogether.com.au/our-work/multi-species-pastures/

02/06/2026

Our colleagues from Southern Cross University have helped develop Australia's first 10-year roadmap to strengthen and grow certified organic horticulture production 🌱

The goal?
To double the value and impact of Australian certified organic horticulture production by 2035. Read more: https://austorganic.com/organic-horticulture-research-strategy-2025/

What's next?
Join the Organic Horticulture RD&I Working Group, and help bring the strategy to life. Applications close 30 June 2026: https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/bnBhvh

Australian Organic Hort Innovation

Organic Horticulture Research Development and Innovation Strategy Major First in the Organic Horticulture Sector LIVE: Australian Organic Horticulture RD&I Strategy 2026 – 2035 We’re pleased to share a landmark opportunity for the future of certified organic horticulture in Australia – the Org...

29/05/2026

"Once you start learning about soils, it’s addictive".

We reckon Southern Cross University student Melita Ross is right about that! 😅

We're so proud that she's representing Australia on the world stage next week after being selected for the Australian team competing at the 5th International Soil Judging Contest in Nanjing, China.

Read more about her amazing journey:

Melita Ross is now representing the country internationally

26/05/2026

It's been very dry at our farm dam project in Bingara -- only 11mm of rain since January!

But the Miyay Birray fathers' group has been busy doing some w**d control. SQNNSWHub's Janelle Schafer said they were bandicooting around the roots of the plants and injecting Di-Bak AM.

"The aim here is to kill the w**ds without getting any herbicide in the dam, and consequently any other waterways downstream. There is a capsule and then a dowel inserted into each root," she said.

"At the field day next Wednesday, June 3rd, we will be highlighting this new w**d control method, and the planting arrangement for a windbreak in the Box Gum Grassy Woodland Endangered Ecological Community."

Come along and hear all about it: https://enhancingfarmdams.eventbrite.com.au

Fingers crossed for a bit of rain soon, so tree planting can start with the help of the Armidale Tree Group.

Gwydir Shire Council Northern Slopes Landcare Association Inc.