Central West Grazing and Cropping Bus Trip

As part of our Over the Fence Project, Weddin Landcare are offering local farmers the opportunity to join them on a 3-day bus tour to progressive grazing and cropping properties in the northern half of the Central West region, from Forbes to Mullaley.

The bus tour will visit four farms where we will hear from the owners and view several points of interest, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions. An itinerary is provided below along with farmer details.

The tour will also include a full day to explore the premier primary industry field day, AgQuip, in Gunnedah on Thursday 20th August. If wandering around the field day is not your thing, there will be an alternative option for a car load of people to take a day trip to the Warrumbungle National Park instead.

What will you get out of it?

Participants will have the opportunity to gain insight into a range of farms that are adopting advanced systems to help them improve soil health, reduce inputs and achieve greater climate resilience, long-term profitability and a balanced life. Hear first-hand from these farmers about how they manage the challenges of farming with well planned and executed systems.

Participants will also have the chance to chat to other farmers on the bus, during lunch and over drinks and dinner.

The heavily subsidised tour price of $200pp ($350 twin share) includes morning tea and lunch both days, the cost of the bus and accommodation in Coonabarabran for 2 nights. Dinner and drinks on Tuesday and Wednesday are not included to provide flexibility and time to relax at night. We may organise to meet up if people are keen to dine as a group.

Day 1: Wednesday 19th August

7:30am - Depart from 43 East St Grenfell

8:30am - Farm tour: Topsoil Organics, Forbes

9:30am - Morning tea, Parkes

11:00am - Farm tour: Mel and Dave Kiel, Yeoval

12:45pm - Lunch, Wellington

3:00pm - Farm tour: Willydah Pty Ltd, Narromine

6:45pm - Coonabarabran. Overnight accommodation.

Day 2: Thursday 20th August

8:00 am - Depart from Coonabarabran.

9:15 am - AgQuip Field Day, Gunnedah (Alternative: day trip to Warrumbungle National Park for a small car load of people)

4:00 pm - Depart Gunnedah

5:15 pm - Coonabarabran. Overnight accommodation.

Day 3: Friday 21st August

8:00am - Depart Coonabarabran

9:00am - Farm tour: Scott, Jo and George McCalman

10:45am - Morning Tea, Mullaley

12:30pm - Lunch, Dunedoo

5:00pm - Arrive 43 East St Grenfell

This bus trip is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust.