Landholders across Central West NSW gathered on 17 October for the Three Rivers Landcare Soil and Pasture Field Day, hosted by David and Victoria Seis at Flagview South near Dunedoo. The event drew 38 producers managing more than 29,000 hectares, representing a diverse mix of established graziers, next-generation farmers, and small-scale landholders from across Tooraweenah, Tambar Springs, Mudgee, and Cassilis.
Supported through Landcare Australia’s Biodiversity in Action (BiA) grant program, the field day marked the first in a three-year initiative designed to enhance pasture biodiversity and livestock productivity across the Dunedoo, Coolah, and Mendooran districts.
Presentations from David Hardwick (Soil Land Food) and Judi Earl (pasture ecologist) provided engaging insights into soil ecosystems, biodiversity, and practical grazing management — followed by hands-on paddock demonstrations.
“Healthy soil is the foundation for productive pastures, resilient landscapes, and thriving livestock systems,” said David Hardwick.
The project — funded through a $75,000 Landcare Ag Biodiversity in Action grant — will deliver four field days and a producer workshop over three years, supporting producers to measure, manage, and enhance biodiversity on working farms.
Three local producers will lead on-ground trials testing diverse approaches to improving pasture density and species diversity. Baseline assessments by Judi Earl will be repeated at the project’s conclusion to measure change over time.
Participants are also using Cibo Labs’ Australian Feedbase Monitoring tool, helping landholders assess land condition and pasture biomass using satellite imagery. The project will also trial new digital ag-tech tools being developed by Cibo Labs, giving participants early access to cutting-edge monitoring innovations.
The next workshop will help producers interpret their soil test results, featuring expert input from David Hardwick, Allan Nicholson (Principal Salinity Officer), Phil Tickle (Cibo Labs), and Josh Frappell (The Regenerative).
In early 2026, a follow-up field day at Merrygoen will demonstrate methods to improve soil and pasture health — part of a continuing effort to showcase practical, measurable pathways toward more biodiverse and resilient grazing systems.
“This project embodies what Biodiversity in Action is all about,” said Landcare Ag Program Manager Angela Hammond. “Producers are working together with their facilitators, Anne & Carmel, and learning from experts about how to apply new tools to make biodiversity part of everyday decision-making.”
