Background
The Improved decision making for climate-smart flock management project is a forward-thinking initiative designed to help sheep producers navigate a changing climate. By trialing practical, climate-smart flock management strategies, the project aims to build farm resilience, optimise productivity, and improve environmental sustainability.
Led by Central West Farming Systems (CWFS), this $2 million initiative is funded by the Australian Government’s Climate-Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust. Over three years, the project will connect more than 500 sheep producers across New South Wales and Victoria, demonstrating how advanced livestock tech and strategic grazing can reduce emissions while safeguarding on-farm profitability.
Who are the partners?
- Central West Farming Systems (CWFS) — Project Lead
- Holbrook Landcare Network (NSW)
- Riverine Plains
- Monaro Farming Systems
- Tablelands Farming Systems
- Birchip Cropping Group
- Local Land Services
- Agriculture Victoria
What is Holbrook Landcare doing?
NSW DPIRD and CSIRO currently have active serradella trials within the HLN footprint at Morven, Mangoplah and Bookham, NSW. These trials have identified the suitability of serradella, in particular Avila (Yellow) and Margurita (French/Pink) varieties, as an annual legume option for the region’s pasture systems. This project will build on the momentum of this research and demonstrate the application of these serradella varieties in commercial pasture paddocks throughout our region.
What Will We Do?
- Establishing Local Demonstration Sites
We are setting up a regional, farmer-led demonstration site to showcase climate-smart grazing practices in our local landscape. This site will serve as a practical hub where producers can see new strategies in action.
- Trialing Precision Livestock & Pasture Tech
Holbrook Landcare will help farmers cut through the noise by testing advanced tools on the ground. This includes real-time, in-paddock livestock weighing systems to track livestock performance accurately.
- Up-skilling Producers via Workshops & Field Days
We will host hands-on workshops, field days, and training sessions. These events are designed to give local producers the data, skills, and confidence needed to implement strategies like rotational grazing, containment feeding, and cover cropping on their own properties.
- Collecting Data & Sharing Regional Insights
By gathering data directly from our local trials, we will develop region-specific case studies. This ensures the findings are driven by real farmers, helping our community understand how these management changes impact soil health, animal welfare, and methane emissions reduction.
Timeframe
This project commenced in October 2025 and will run through to June 2028.
