Can North West farmers look after biodiversity and still turn a profit? Producers will put that question to the test at the first Land Management and Conservation Forum in Tamworth on Tuesday, 24 November.
The forum, at West Tamworth Leagues Club, will bring together farmers, graziers, ecologists, soil scientists, and agricultural industry leaders to share practical advice tailored to North West farms.
Running a productive farm while keeping the landscape healthy is not easy. Land managers face daily decisions about what to prioritise and where.
“We’ve got a great cross section of speakers from across the sector giving up their time to get producers thinking about biodiversity and production, and how these can be tailored to best suit the individual needs of a farm,” said North West Local Land Services Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator Lana Andrews.
Andrews said the event would not push a single approach. Instead, it has been designed to explore which strategies may work, where they may fit, and what costs, limitations, or trade-offs need to be considered.
The forum will make room for practical experience, evidence, questions, and frank discussion about land management decisions.
Topics include biodiversity and grazing systems, managing for healthy soils, beneficial birds, bats, and insects for cotton cropping, river health and environmental flows, and environmental market opportunities.
“Australian farm ecosystems are incredible and full of life and hard-working people, but we know managing farms in an increasingly variable climate is challenging,” said keynote speaker Dr Anika Molesworth.
“So how do we look after these places we love and live in? How do we create the best possible farming future?”
“I believe the stories we share play a big role, and it’s time we tell an inspiring story that takes us to where we need to go.”
Workshops and presentations will be delivered by prominent primary producers, along with Boolah Group, the Southern Queensland and NSW Innovation Hub, OzFish, Stringybark Ecological, Griffith University, the University of New England, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and North West Local Land Services.
Tickets cost $30 per person. Producers can also call their nearest North West Local Land Services office on 1300 795 299 for more information.
To buy tickets or find detailed event information, visit the North West Local Land Services website.
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