The Farms with a Future program has funds for local farmers who attend a Ground Work Day in Bombala on Thursday, April 28.
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Farms with a Future is run by SCPA-South East Producers who secured funding through South East Local Land Services to assist farmers to improve the soil quality, water retention and environmental biodiversity on their farms.
By attending a Ground Work Day and submitting their plan for their farm property, producers will be in the running for $1,000 towards the cost developing or implementing their plans, and up to $4,000 towards the cost of implementing the plan and hosting a Ground Work Day on their property.
The next Ground Work day is on Thursday, April 28 at 'Palarang' in Bombala.
This property, owned and operated by John Walker, is a mixed sheep and cattle farm with approximately 120 breeding Hereford Cows and 1000 ewes plus cattle on consignment.
The property is certified organic under the SCPA Organics program.
John is passionate about native pastures, biodiversity and soil health, and he encourages native pasture to grow by carefully managing grazing and movement amongst the 50 or more paddocks.
At the Ground Work Day participants will work with John and Josh Dorrough (from Natural Regeneration Australia) and will experience the setting up of and on-farm native grass nursery, as well as native grass identification and seed harvesting.
After the day participants will have eight weeks to send in their ideas on how they want to improve the environmental sustainability of their own property.
A participant at the latest Ground Work Day, Damian Picone from Bemboka, said it was a worthwhile exercise to put yourself through.
“Meeting new people and being inspired by what they are doing can really help to break through doubts you may have and build confidence with your own plans.
“I love seeing what other people are doing on their farms so I enjoyed the farm tour best.
“I found the explanation at each point of interest very detailed, the whole exercise really inspired me to get going on my own farm plan,” Mr Picone said.
For information and to apply go to farmswithafuture.scpa.org.au.
Farms with a Future is part of the $125 million of National Landcare Programme that Local Land Services is delivering across NSW.