Farm Walk & Talk at Woodland Valley Farm

Two years on from the first releases of the winter-active Onitis caffer dung beetle in the Tweed Local Government Area and the new species is showing some promise. Come along to learn about the species and hopefully see some evidence of its activity at the site. We will have live Onitis caffer beetles for display.

Learn how Woodland Valley Farm is integrating livestock and chickens to grow local food, sequester soil carbon through an Emissions Reduction Fund project, and manage dung beetle populations.

Who will be there:

• Fabian Fabbro who, with his partner Jodie Viccars, established Woodland Valley Farm. Fabian will talk about their approaches to land management including the integration of chickens and livestock, the importance of creek restoration, rotational grazing and pasture cropping for livestock and ecosystem health.
• Gavin Tinning works in a farm extension role at Southern Cross University, as part of the SQNNSW Innovation Hub. Gavin will give a quick summary of winter dung beetle species releases on the north coast and results from recent research including microbial community interactions between dung beetles, dung and soil.
• Rob Young (TBC), EcoInsects Northern Manager, is a cattle grazing and pasture management specialist with particular skills and interests in dung beetles and the role they play in soil and ecosystem health.
• Eli Szandala, Program Leader Sustainable Agriculture, will provide an update on opportunities for landholders to interact with the Sustainable Agriculture Program at Tweed Shire Council, including grants and current projects.
• Local farmers, who will bring a wealth of knowledge, ideas and experiences to share.

All local farmers are welcome.

Strictly no dogs or other pets. This is a working farm, including dogs, livestock and wildlife.

Please follow simple biosecurity measures such as clean clothing and footwear and make sure your vehicle is free of foreign materials and seed before entering the property.

Tweed Shire Council's Farm Walk & Talks typically occur on the first Thursday of every month. For a few hours each month we showcase a local farm and the sustainability initiatives and environmental challenges that the landholders are tackling. So join us for a chance to network with other farmers and find out about some of the great projects and innovations that are local farmers are embarking on.

If you are interested in finding out more about the program including being notified directly about upcoming events and opportunities, then sign up to our Sustainable Agriculture Network by visiting: https://www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/environment/agriculture-farming

Caption: Onitis caffer workings from a fresh dung pat.