Pastoral Poddy: Recent Episodes
Western Local Land Services
A must listen podcast for pastoralists. Providing stories, insights and research from farmers and experts to support farm productivity and healthy environments. Practical information for the management of sheep and goats.
This podcast shares the stories of the arid and semi-arid areas of New South Wales commonly referred to as ‘rangelands’ and the management principles that underlie the sustainable utilisation of these areas by extensive grazing industries including livestock management, grazing pressure and rangeland rehabilitation.
Produced by the Grow Love Project for Western LLS.
In NSW, landholders have long been capturing and more recently, managing nomadic rangeland goats, descendants of early settlers' breeds, which roam freely across the landscape. This shift in management allows for better control over stocking rates and grazing pressure, benefiting both landholders and the environment. In this episode, our host Kieran Smith explores the evolving goat industry over the past two decades, examining historical and current trapping and mustering methods, and uncovering valuable insights from rotational grazing practices.
Thank you to our guest featured in this episode:
- Sam LeLievre
For more information: (links)
- Going Ahead with Goats Project - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-major-projects/going-ahead-with-goats-project
- Going Ahead with Goats – Trapping - https://youtu.be/BIUdxCsvvAM
- Going Ahead with Goats – Infrastructure - https://youtu.be/FsYXssZcpn8
For a transcript of this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K94dT-zOsHQJ0M4mDCEuQOYpaPbuytIF/view?usp=sharing
This podcast series is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western Local Land Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government as part of the Going Ahead with Goats project.
Step into the world of goat production with host Kieran Smith as he engages in insightful conversations with Fiona Lander from Marra Station, NSW. Explore the intricacies of goat management practices, the hurdles faced, the importance of community engagement, and the exciting prospects for future development. Dive deep into topics such as using goats for woody weed control, weaning and educating goats, as well as some learnings along the way.
Thank you to our guest featured in this episode:
- Fiona Lander
For more information: (links)
- Going Ahead with Goats Project - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-major-projects/going-ahead-with-goats-project
- 23330-MLA_WeedControl - https://www.mla.com.au/globalassets/mla-corporate/extensions-training-and-tools/creative-commons/weed-control-using-goats---cc.pdf
- Lactation and weaning | Meat & Livestock Australia (mla.com.au) - https://www.mla.com.au/Research-and-development/Genetics-and-breeding/Goats/Reproduction/Lactation-and-weaning
For a transcript of this episode - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z697n3Kwp16vfy6QQWre0OROohkn9kPq/view?usp=sharing
This podcast series is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western Local Land Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government as part of the Going Ahead with Goats project.
Many producers dream of cutting out the middleman and selling their own branded meat products direct to consumers. For most though, the thought stops at the farm gate, once they realise the many complexities of this business model. However, having a paddock to plate business model is achievable and is a great way to buffer against some of the fluctuations of prices seen in the commodity market. Join us with host Kieran Smith in this podcast where he shares the story of a goat producer who has done just that.
Thank you to our guest featured in this episode:
- Jo Stewart
For more information:
- Going Ahead with Goats Project - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-major-projects/going-ahead-with-goats-project
- The Gourmet Goat Lady - http://thegourmetgoatlady.com.au
- Meat Cuts on the App Store (apple.com) - https://apps.apple.com/au/app/meat-cuts/id904537057
For a transcript of this episode - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LGL3keTqdRUJc_eRydbP5x4xwvHCmdpy/view?usp=sharing
This podcast series is produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by Western Local Land Services, supported through funding from the NSW Government as part of the Going Ahead with Goats project.
We're very excited to bring you a podcast series dedicated to learning more about the goat industry. In this series we showcase some of the individuals and enterprises that make up the goat meat supply chain.
Tune in each week as we bring you conversations with people within the goat industry, from commercial producers, stud breeders, depot operators, and paddock to plate businesses.
This podcast has been produced by the Grow Love Project and is brought to you by Western Local Land Services supported through funding from the New South Wales Government.
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.
Welcome back to a two-part episode on carbon in the rangelands. In the last episode, we covered some soil carbon fundamentals. And in this episode, we're looking at opportunities and challenges facing landowners in participating in carbon projects. With insights from experts and farmers, we learn about the key factors and the importance of staying informed for future market developments in rangelands. Tune in for a captivating discussion on the potential of carbon markets to shape regenerative land management.
Thank you to our guests who featured in this episode:
- John Gavin - Natural Resource Manager, Remarkable NRM
- Fiona Garland - Western Local Land Services
- Lisa McFadyen - On-farm carbon advice project, NSW Department of Primary Industries
- Andrew Mosley - farmer, Etiwanda 100% Rangelands Ready, Cobar
For more information:
- On -Farm Carbon Advice project website https://bit.ly/Carbonfarming
- For those wanting to sign up to our expression of interest and receive communications from the On-farm Carbon Advice project please click the link and fill in the form bit.ly/3NZSwLD
- For further information about Natural Capital - https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/help-and-advice/natural-capital
- and access to the Natural Capital Service Finder: https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/help-and-advice/natural-capital/natural-capital-service-finder
- John Gavin NRM website - https://remarkablenrm.com.au/about-john/
- Andrew's farm, Etiwanda - https://soilsforlife.org.au/etiwanda/
Produced by growloveproject.com This podcast is supported by Local Land Services, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.
Welcome to a special two part edition of the Pastoral Poddy, focusing on carbon in the rangelands. Western Local Land Services recently held an event on this topic. And for those who couldn't make it, we've gathered a panel of speakers to jam pack all the best bits into the podcast. This episode looks at health in rangelands and holistic land management approaches. It explores the significance of soil organic matter, carbon levels, and practical tips from experts in regenerative agriculture. We learn about adaptive land management practices and observing natural patterns to prevent erosion, promote ground cover, and enhance landscape health for long-term rehydration and rehabilitation.
Thank you to our guests who featured in this episode:
- Karl Anderson - Research Officer – Soil Carbon, NSW Department of Primary Industries
- Sarah McDonald - Research Scientist Pastures, NSW Department of Primary Industries
- Paul Theakston - Rehydration and rehabilitation officer, Western Local Land Services
- Andrew Mosley - farmer, Etiwanda 100% Rangelands Ready, Cobar
For more information:
- Rangelands Living Skin Project - https://soilsforlife.org.au/rangelands-living-skin/
- Sarahs McDonald - https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/staff/profiles/sarah-mcdonald
- Andrew's farm, Etiwanda - https://soilsforlife.org.au/etiwanda/
- Previous episode with details about Rangelands Rehydration - https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pastoralpoddy/episodes/Rehydrating-the-rangelands-e1iackp/a-a7t82vv
Produced by growloveproject.com This podcast is supported by Local Land Services, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.
Throughout this special series on kangaroo management, we’ve unpacked a range of issues around this wicked challenge. From landowners, conservation groups and the indigenous community to wildlife advocates, industry and the general public, everyone has a different view and story to tell. With focuses varying from economics to morals to conservation issues, it can be challenging to find common ground.
In this episode, we’ll hear from an ecologist, the industry and the government about some new strategic initiatives that aim to give a voice to these diverse groups. We’ll see how education, consultation and innovation can be part of the solution. Tune in to hear how a predictive tool for kangaroo populations and new adaptive approaches could help advance kangaroo management in Australia.
Guests featured in this episode include:
- Fiona Garland, Team Leader - Kangaroo Management, Western Local Land Services
- Dr John Read, Ecologist and Author- johnlread.com
- Dennis King, Executive Officer, Kangaroo Industry Association of Australia
- Terry Brill , Senior Team Leader Kangaroo Management Program NSW Government
Other useful resources
Improving Kangaroo Management; A Joint Statement - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/emr.12467
Kangaroo Management Taskforce website has several resources including links to a wide range of published research on kangaroos
kangaroomanagementtaskforce.com.au/literature/
Kangaroo Management Taskforce Facebook page - facebook.com/kangarootaskforce
The Pastoral Poddy is brought to you by Western Local Land Services and the kangaroo series is supported through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
Kangaroos have a cultural and spiritual significance for Aboriginal people, being a totem for some and a source of food and clothing for many. Tune in to learn about the diversity of views that Aboriginal people have about kangaroo management. When caring for country, they use a holistic, sustainable approach. There are still challenges, as traditional methods can sometimes clash with legislation. In this episode, we’ll talk to indigenous community members about what kangaroo harvesting means to them and some of the challenges they face. Join us to hear some ideas of how the industry and government can help improve community access and involvement through the use of cultural tags as well as providing work opportunities for indigenous people.
Guests featured in this episode include:
- Joshua Clarke, Land Services Officer, Aboriginal Communities, Western Local Land Services
- Lawrence Clarke, community elder and Chair of the Western Local Land Services Aboriginal Community Advisory Group
- Garry Trindall, indigenous professional kangaroo harvester
- Dennis King, Executive Officer, Kangaroo Industry Association of Australia
Other useful resources
The Kangaroo Management Taskforce website has several resources including several films made with Aboriginal communities
Kangaroos as a Food Source video - https://youtu.be/EOt3lvpTEaI
Our Country Our Food - https://youtu.be/HBZ2ak8w7Kw
Mark Olive cooks kangaroo at the national symposium - facebook.com/kangarootaskforce/videos/541806303049059/
Kangaroo Management Taskforce Facebook page - facebook.com/kangarootaskforce
The Pastoral Poddy is brought to you by Western Local Land Services and this the kangaroo series is supported through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
Drought is a stressful time for any farmer trying to balance competing business, livestock and landscape demands. In this episode, we’ll hear from a farmer about his experience living through the latest drought with unmanaged, overabundant kangaroos on his property. Kangaroos also struggle in drought with inevitable dehydration and starvation from lack of food and water.
So what can be done about it? We’ll hear from an animal welfare expert about the different ways kangaroos are managed on agricultural properties, the impact on animals and what the general public thinks. Join us to see how the use of new tools and how being proactive instead of reactive, will help both landholders and kangaroos in this challenging situation.
Guests featured in this episode include:
- Leon Zanker – Pastoralist from Western NSW
- Dr. Trudy Sharp - Research Scientist, Vertebrate pest research unit, NSW DPI
- Dr. Steve McLeod - Manager Vertebrate Pest Research | Invasive Species Biosecurity
Other useful resources
The National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies for Commercial Purposes (the Code)
https://www.agrifutures.com.au/product/national-code-of-practice-for-the-humane-shooting-of-kangaroos-and-wallabies-for-commercial-purposes
The National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies for Non-Commercial Purposes
https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/wildlife-trade/publications/national-code-practice-humane-shooting-kangaroos-and-wallabies-non-commercial
The Kangaroo Management Taskforce website has several resources including a page on Animal Welfare
https://kangaroomanagementtaskforce.com.au/animal-welfare/
KMT film launched in 2022 - A Million Dead Icons - https://youtu.be/HsWcYWiOrTM
Kangaroo Management Taskforce Facebook page - facebook.com/kangarootaskforce
Read Leon Zanker’s story in Ecological Management and Restoration - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/emr.12441
The Pastoral Poddy is brought to you by Western Local Land Services and the kangaroo series is supported through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
Do you struggle with managing Total Grazing Pressure on your property, particularly from unmanaged animals? You're not alone. It can be overwhelming for many landowners in Western NSW to manage their livestock and deal with the challenges of other animals like goats and kangaroos. Kangaroo numbers can fluctuate very quickly across individual properties, uprooting and damaging plants and negatively impacting the land. But there's hope. Research is addressing this challenge, focusing on a positive outcome for both production and biodiversity. Join us in this episode as we talk to a farmer and see how he is better managing kangaroo numbers on his property using this new research.
Guests featured in this episode include:
- Graham Turner – Pastoralist, western NSW
- Dr. Steve McLeod - Manager Vertebrate Pest Research, NSW Department of Primary Industries
- Trudie Atkinson - Technical Specialist Grazing Systems, NSW Department of Primary Industries
- Russell Grant, Rangeland Ecologist
Other useful resources
The Rangeland Journal: Managing Total Grazing Pressure in Australia’s Southern Rangelands
https://www.publish.csiro.au/RJ/issue/9641
The National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies for Commercial Purposes (the Code)
https://www.agrifutures.com.au/product/national-code-of-practice-for-the-humane-shooting-of-kangaroos-and-wallabies-for-commercial-purposes
The National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies for Non-Commercial Purposes
https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/wildlife-trade/publications/national-code-practice-humane-shooting-kangaroos-and-wallabies-non-commercial
The Kangaroo Management Taskforce website has several resources including Integrated Options for Kangaroo Management in the Western Region
kangaroomanagementtaskforce.com.au/kangaroo-facts/best-practice-management/
Kangaroo Management Taskforce Facebook page - www.facebook.com/kangarootaskforce
The Pastoral Poddy is brought to you by Western Local Land Services and the kangaroo series is supported through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
Produced by Grow Love Project
Kangaroo management is a complicated, nationwide issue that involves many diverse stakeholders. From landholders to the kangaroo industry to animal welfare groups and everyone else in between, it impacts people across Australia. In this first episode, we’ll talk to an ecologist and an academic to better understand the complex issues surrounding kangaroo management, including diverse approaches such as translocation, fertility control, culling and commercial harvesting. Want to learn about options on how to help improve the management of kangaroos and the environment in your neck of the woods? Tune in and hear from a researcher who’s looking for solutions by developing a tool for land managers to forecast kangaroo numbers.
Guests featured in this episode include:
- Dr John Read - Ecologist and author - johnlread.com
- Dr. Steve McLeod - Manager Vertebrate Pest Research, NSW Department of Primary Industries
- Dr Graham Coulson - Kangaroo Ecologist
Other useful resources
-
Special Issue of Ecological Management & Restoration: Optimum management of overabundant macropods - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/14428903/2021/22/S1
-
Kangaroo management in NSW - https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/Topics/Animals-and-plants/Wildlife-management/Kangaroo-management
-
Kangaroo Management Taskforce website - kangaroomanagementtaskforce.com.au
-
Kangaroo Management Taskforce Facebook page - www.facebook.com/kangarootaskforce
-
Short film about the Future Drought Fund research project - https://youtu.be/6f6rBUTiTxE
The Pastoral Poddy is brought to you by Western Local Land Services and the Kangaroo Series is supported through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
Ground cover and stubble retention in cropping enterprises is really important for managing soil erosion in western NSW. Dust storms caused by wind erosion not only have a big impact on agricultural productivity but also on towns and cities where dust is quite literally a dirty word.
So in this episode we’ll talk to a soil conservationist about how to avoid those dust storms and we’ll hear from a farmer who’s trying a few innovative things like planting into a dry river bed to manage his groundcover and look after his soils.
Thank you to our guests
John Leys, Soil Conservationist
Darren O'Halloran, Farmer
Produced and hosted by Edgars Greste for NSW Local Land Services
For more information https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/western
To get in touch, call 1300 795 299
In western NSW, managing perennial grasses, trees and shrubs is key to maintaining healthy landscapes and resilience for your grazing operation. Perennials have deep root systems that help with soil health and stability. They can tap into available soil nutrients, enhance biodiversity and capture any available water. And for one farmer we talked to, perennials got him and his livestock through a few tough seasons. So, how do you increase perennials in a variable climate? Well, our guests in this episode all agree that the key is to know the plants on your patch so you can match them with the right grazing strategies.
Guests featured in this episode:
Trudy Atkinson, LLS technical specialist, grazing systems
James Leigo, landholder
Russell Grant, Former NSW Catchment Management Authorities, Operations Officer.
For a lot of farmers in Western NSW, the sheer scale of managing total grazing pressure in the rangelands can be really overwhelming, not to mention expensive. But it is really important to help maintain the proper functioning of ecosystems to maximise profitability and regeneration. And the experts all agree that, just like healthy food and exercise it might be hard to get started, but its good for you in the long run. So in this episode we’ll talk to some industry experts about the benefits and some strategies to get on top of total grazing pressure. And we’ll hear from a farmer about one strategy that was so successful it even got addictive.
Guests featured in this episode:
Trudy Atkinson, Technical Specialist (Grazing Systems) NSW Department of Primary Industries
James Leigo, landholder
Russell Grant, Former NSW Catchment Management Authorities, Operations Officer.
The rangelands of Western NSW can be a challenging place to farm in. Historical overgrazing has caused major dust storms and erosion and with farmers having just been through one of the toughest droughts in living memory, repairing landscapes to be rain ready is critical. From grading contours to constructing ponding banks, it's all about slowing the flow before the next rain comes to give the land a chance for a drink. But before you get out any tools, rehabilitating the rangelands starts with having an awareness of our impact on landscape function and prioritising what’s achievable. And today’s guests all agree that focusing on landscape rehabilitation is not only good for the land, its good for their own health too, especially during tough times.
Guests featured in this episode:
Hugh Pringle, co-founder Ecosystem Management Understanding (EMU program) - www.emulandrecovery.org.au
Paul Theakston, LLS rangeland rehabilitation officer
Luke Mashford, landholder Katalpa Station. Watch the video of restoration on Luke's property - https://youtu.be/Z78AYBbSOcc?t=2
Out Back Roads Manuel https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/895868/Outback-Roads-manual-WEB.pdf
Did you know that NSW has the largest rangeland goat population in Australia?
For part of Western NSW, they’re a key source of farm income. Goats are a hardy animal well suited to the rangelands and whilst the last drought was tough on everyone, goat numbers. have rebounded from 2.4 to 6.8 million and more goats are coming onto the market.
To take advantage of this growing opportunity, many producers are transitioning toward semi-managed or managed systems. So what lessons can be learned from other livestock sectors? Well if a farmer, a scientist and a geneticist walked into a pub this is what they’d say.
Guests featured in this episode
James Boland - bigampi.com.au
Dr. Gordon Refshauge - www.researchgate.net/profile/Gordon-Refshauge
Tom Granleese - www.researchgate.net/profile/Tom-Granleese
Have you ever thought about farming goats? Did you know Australia is globally the number 1 exporter of goat meat with export prices seeing almost uninterrupted growth over the last 4 years. So in this episode we’re going to explore the ins and outs of wild harvesting versus managed goats to help you take advantage of a growing opportunity.
Western Local land Services
https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/western
NSW DPI
https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/animals-and-livestock/goats
From the moment we’re born we’re constantly learning. The same goes for ewe weaners who have to get through birth, learn to walk and graze, drink milk, and avoid predators. There’s a lot of new things happening and plenty that can go wrong. And we’ll hear from a farming couple why a good quality feed cart is the key to a successful feeding operation and a happy marriage.
Western Local Land Services Sheep and Goat Farming
https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/help-and-advice/livestock-health-and-production/sheep-and-goats
Did you know that lamb mortality costs the sheep industry about half a billion dollars a year? Some of that is unavoidable. Its natural. But a big part of it comes down to managing the reproduction cycle. So in episode 3 we’re talking about the secrets to successful reproduction strategies.
Western Local Land Services Sheep and Goat management
https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/help-and-advice/livestock-health-and-production/sheep-and-goats
In episode 2 we’re looking at pre-lambing nutrition because a healthy ewe is going to give her lambs the best chance of survival. We’ll hear from industry experts with all the facts and figures and we’ll talk to a farmer who's experienced first hand when nutrition is out of balance.
Western Local land Services Sheep and Goat Farming
https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/help-and-advice/livestock-health-and-production/sheep-and-goats
Only about half of all ewes in Australia get pregnancy scanned. Why is that? In episode 1 we explore how scanning can help you make more informed management decisions to improve your lambing percentages to rebuild and maintain your flock numbers.
Western Local land Services Sheep and Goat Farming
https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/help-and-advice/livestock-health-and-production/sheep-and-goats
Podcast host Edgars Greste chats with Gemma Turnbull from Western LLS about what you can expect to hear from this new podcast.