Enhancing Farm Biodiversity & Productivity with Carbon8

🌿 Enhancing Farm Biodiversity & Productivity

Are you curious about how biodiversity could improve your farm - but not sure where to start?
Do you want to reduce your reliance on chemicals but need practical guidance?
Are you eager to learn how other farmers are boosting soil carbon, improving productivity, and working with nature - not against it?

Whether you're a cropping or livestock farmer, large or small, this workshop is for you.

 ✨ What to Expect

Join us for an interactive, informal Q &A session featuring a panel of farmers and experts who are already making biodiversity work for them.

Hear real stories of transformation—what worked, what didn’t, and how biodiversity can deliver real benefits for your land, productivity, and resilience.

Great conversations, accompanied by great food, of course. 

 🔑 Bring Your Questions 

(We've given some for you to think about)

We’ll explore practical topics like:

• Profit & Productivity. How does on-farm biodiversity link to profitability?
• Cropping and biodiversity. How can I maintain (or even boost) cropping productivity while improving biodiversity?
• Protecting Native Species. What threatened species might be on my land, and how can I help protect them?
• Right Trees, Right Place. Which native trees promote ground cover, habitat, and biodiversity?
• Managing Invasive Species. What’s the impact of pine trees and other invasive species—and what can I do about them?
  

👩‍🌾 Meet the Speakers

We’re bringing together a powerhouse lineup of experienced farmers, scientists, and land stewards who are passionate about biodiversity and productivity. Expect honest conversations, practical insights, and a whole lot of inspiration.

Scott McCalman
Cropping Farmer, Mallaley | AgriRisk High Achiever of the Year Nominee
Scott will share his firsthand experience transitioning away from heavy chemical use in a large-scale cropping operation. His focus on improving soil biology and boosting on-farm biodiversity has led to healthier paddocks—and a more enjoyable farming experience.

“Most farmers love solving problems, and with cover cropping you can see the system working in front of you and how the different pieces of the puzzle fit together. For me now, it feels like I’m on a winning football team where everything is clicking. It’s put the enjoyment back into cropping.”

Liz Blair
Ecologist, Facilitator & Trainer | Border Rivers–Gwydir Catchment Management Authority
Liz is a rockstar in the ecology space, known for her ability to translate complex natural systems into practical advice. She’ll help you understand what’s happening in your landscape—and how to work with it to support both biodiversity and farm productivity.

Wes Leedham
Indigenous Educator & Trainer | Warrumbungle National Park Environmental Education Centre
Wes brings deep knowledge of native species, ecosystems, and environmental education. He’ll offer insight into local biodiversity, threatened species, and practical land management strategies for long-term sustainability.

Dr. Gundi Rhoades
Veterinarian, International Speaker & Author
Gundi will unpack the powerful relationship between livestock and soil health. She’ll share how animals can be used as a tool to regenerate landscapes—and what impact chemicals really have on your soil, water, and wider ecosystem.

Mike McCosker
Founder of Carbon8 | Fourth-Generation Farmer, Inverell NSW
With over 30 years of experience in livestock and cropping, Mike has walked the talk when it comes to biodiversity and productivity. He’ll share lessons from his long-term focus on education and working on soil health—and how biodiversity has helped build resilience and results across his farm.

This is more than a workshop—it’s a space to learn from one another, ask the tricky questions, and leave with ideas you can act on.

This project is made possible by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust and the NSW Landcare Enabling Program (a collaboration between Local Land Services and Landcare NSW). Thankyou to the wonderful team at Tamworth Regional Landcare Association.

About Carbon8
Carbon8 is a charity supporting farmers to transition to Regenerative Agriculture. Find out more about what we do here;

www.carbon8.org.au