Designing a project that makes meaningful impact on the way farmers manage pasture landscapes takes teamwork. In this video, the team that delivered the Drought Resilient Pasture Landscapes project on the northern tablelands of NSW discuss how they made it happen. With the 2018-19 drought still fresh in farmers’ minds, the project used a combination of regular small-group coaching sessions held in the paddock, to develop knowledge and skills in pasture assessment, and how to incorporate localised climate forecasts from Ag360 into future stocking decisions to better prepare farmers for uncertain times ahead. A critical element of the project was the ongoing support, which is often responsible for practice management change. Bringing together the components of production and sustainability was vitally important, and the UNE Aquatic Ecology team supported the project through collection and analysis of water samples from local waterways to better understand the links with pasture management and the provision of public good. A coaching manual was developed to capture the toolbox of skills and knowledge around pasture assessment, feed budgeting and using climate forecasts that combine to feed into better decision making. This project was funded by the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund – Drought Resilient Soils and Landscapes (DRSL) Grants Program and hosted by the University of New England, with on-ground partners GLENRAC Inc, Southern New England Landcare Ltd, and Northern Tablelands Local Land Services.

In this video, Richard and Prue Post share insights into their farming operations at Outer Bald Blair, east of Guyra, NSW.

Through a coaching program led by the University of New England with Southern New England Landcare, supported by the Future Drought Fund, they gained essential skills in pasture measurement and budgeting, crucial for sustainable land management.

The program's group-based learning approach enabled them to benchmark progress and improve decision-making, including early destocking guided by Ag360, especially following the 2019 drought.

In this insightful case study, Andy and Jo Burwell, managers of Cobrabald—a 1,000-hectare property near Walcha—share their transformative experience in pasture management.Taking over what they describe as a "blank canvas" just three years ago, the Burwells embarked on a pasture coaching journey with Southern New England Landcare, in collaboration with the University of New England.

Through regular coaching sessions, workshops, and field days, they honed their skills in pasture measurement, enabling them to manage their cow/calf operation with enhanced precision.

This initiative not only equipped them with essential technical knowledge but also connected them with a supportive network of local farmers, creating a space for idea exchange and mutual learning.

A key component of their success has been the integration of Ag360, a management tool that provides detailed analysis of rainfall patterns, soil moisture, pasture availability, and other vital data.

This tool has allowed the Burwells to make more informed decisions about stocking rates and grazing plans, ensuring the long-term sustainability of their property.

Get inspired by Ian and Julie Firth’s story of their approach to building resilience in their grazing enterprise through the University of New England's Drought Resilient Pasture Landscapes project.

Ian and Julie have joined other producers across the Northern Tablelands, meeting in the paddock and at workshops since 2022.

Key focuses have been honing skills of pasture assessment, sharing knowledge about climate forecasts, and identifying impacts of their grazing and pasture management on pasture productivity and water quality in their local waterways.

Among the tools they're using is Ag360, helping them to incorporate climate forecasts into feed budgets to forecast pasture and livestock performance for the next 6 months.