Big Shift For Small Farms - Australian Agriculture and Regenerative Farming

Episode Title: Ecological Weed ManagementHost: Edgars GresteGuest: Kim Deans, Agro-ecologist (with special contributions from Alexia Martinez & Kym Green)In this episode of The Big Shift for Small Farms, Edgars Greste takes a deep dive into the often-overlooked subject of weeds — and how thinking differently about them can transform your small farm. Joining him is agro-ecologist Kim Deans, who challenges traditional chemical-based weed control, and instead advocates for a holistic weed-management strategy grounded in soil health, biodiversity and sustainable farm practices.You’ll also hear from farmers Alexia Martinez and Kym Green as they share firsthand experiences of integrating compost, cover-crops and natural remedies into their weed-control practices — showing how a small-farm operator can manage weeds and build a healthier ecosystem at the same time.Why weeds aren’t just pests — they are indicators of underlying soil, pasture or ecosystem health issues.How to shift from a reactive “spray-and-pray” mindset to a proactive system-based approach focusing on soil biology, cover crops, grazing and pasture competition.Practical strategies for small farms in Australia: implementing cover crops, compost, rotational grazing and non-chemical weed suppression methods.Real-world farm stories: how Alexia Martinez and Kym Green are balancing weed control with regenerative practices on their properties.00:00 – 05:00 → Introduction: why weed management needs a rethink in small-scale agriculture05:01 – 15:00 → Guest segment: Kim Deans’ journey from traditional farming to agro-ecology15:01 – 30:00 → Core principles: ecosystem thinking, soil health and weeds as signals30:01 – 45:00 → Practical tactics for small farms: cover crops, compost, grazing, and timing45:01 – 55:00 → Farmer voices: Alexia Martinez & Kym Green share their storiesBiodynamic Agriculture Australia Ltd: https://biodynamics.net.au/Kym Green: https://www.facebook.com/Kymgreenlenswood/Free Guide: Weeds as Indicators of Soil Health (via Reinventing Agriculture) Reinventing AgricultureWhere to from here?Walk a paddock, and document which weeds are present, how dense they are — and ask: What might they be signalling about soil health or pasture competition?Choose a paddock to trial a cover-crop (or increased ground cover) this season. Compare weed pressure at the end of the season with a part of the paddock left under current management.Talk to a neighbour/mentor/agribusiness about integrating grazing or compost strategies to suppress a particular persistent weed species you face.Then, set a reminder: revisit the same paddock in 3 months, note changes and score weed pressure on a scale of 1-10. Reflect: What changed? What still needs adjusting?On smaller farms, conventional large-scale weed-control methods (heavy chemical sprays, large machinery) may be less economical or sustainable. By adopting an ecological approach, you gain:Improved soil health that supports your desired plants & crops, not just suppression of weeds.Reduced reliance on chemical inputs and lowered costs — especially relevant in tight-margin scenarios.More resilient systems: healthier soils and beneficial plant cover help your farm bounce back from droughts, floods or other extreme conditions.As Kim Deans reminds us: “Weeds are not just your enemy — they’re nature’s message.” When you begin to listen, to interpret what those weeds are telling you about your soil, pasture and farm system, you shift from reacting to guiding your system. This isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress, one paddock and one season at a time.—Thank you for tuning in. If this episode resonated, please subscribe, leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts, and share it with a fellow small-farm operator or land manager who might benefit. Until next time — keep observing, adapting and growing.

In this episode of the Big Shift for Small Farms Podcast, host Edgars Greste chats with dairy farmer Andy Hanna, whose farm is located in the heart of greater Sydney, amidst the growing impact of suburban sprawl. With farming pressures like unpredictable climate conditions and tight financial margins, Andy’s story is a powerful example of adapting and thriving against the odds.Edgars recently had the chance to visit Andy’s farm and was impressed by the work and evolution of his farming practices. Andy’s approach to low-input, ecological farming focusing on rotational grazing, boosting pasture biodiversity, and working with natural nutrient cycles, offers valuable, practical examples of how to make a big shift toward sustainability. This conversation is full of insights on building resilience into farming systems while supporting the environment and the community.Thank you to our guest, Andy Hanna, featured in this episode.For more information: AG360 Rotational Grazing Planner - https://ag360.com.au/#!/out Multispecies pastures podcast episode - https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/the-big-shift/episodes/Multispecies-Pastures-e2i8dgtSoil Amendments podcast episode (featuring Dairy farmer Gavin Chittick) - https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/the-big-shift/episodes/Understanding-Soil-Amendments-to-Boost-Soil-Fertility-e2go7l2 Produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by NSW Local Land Services. Supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program. Views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Greater Sydney Local Land Services or the Australian Government.

In this episode of the Big Shift for Small Farms podcast, we explore the idea of natural capital—the economic and environmental value of nature. Joined by natural capital advisor Madeleine Florin and farmers Ned Long and Rhiannon Phillips, the conversation highlights regenerative land management practices, the advantages of enhancing natural capital, and new market opportunities. The episode includes practical examples and discusses the impacts on farming, communities, and personal well-being, underscoring the link between environmental stewardship and economic resilience. Thank you to our guests featured in this episode: Madeleine Florin Ned Long Rhiannon Phillips  For more information:  NSW LLS - Natural Capital: https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/help-and-advice/natural-capital  NSW LLS - Natural Capital Service Finder: Natural Capital service finder - Local Land Services (nsw.gov.au) Mountains Gourmet (Rhiannon’s market garden and services): https://www.mountainsgourmet.com/  Farming for the Future: https://farmingforthefuture.org.au/  Produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by NSW Local Land Services

Welcome to an insightful podcast episode uncovering the intricate world of Southeast New South Wales' diverse soils. Come on a journey with Di and Steven in their transition from dairy to beef production by focusing on soil health and the impact of soil quality on farming practices. We’ll hear from Roy Lawrie, a seasoned soil expert, and Andrew Britton, former Small Farms Coordinator for the South Coast region, as they demystify the complexities of soil management. We’ll learn about crucial topics such as the significance of topsoil and subsoil tests, the variability in soil profiles across landscapes, the persistent challenges of weed management, and the presence of acid sulfate soils.  This episode equips you with invaluable tips on soil and weed management, aimed at elevating farmers' ability to enhance land health and embrace regenerative farming practices.  Thank you to our guests featured in this episode: Diana Ferguson and Stephen Shipton Roy Lawrie Wayne Brown Andrew Britton For more information:  NSW Soils Knowledge Network - https://www.nswskn.com/  Produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by NSW Local Land Services

Ever wondered about regenerative agriculture and the impacts it can have on farmers? Join us as we learn about real life experiences shared by seasoned farmers at the recent Soil Stewardship Summit near Yass, NSW. Over two enlightening days, participants explored the concept of regenerative agriculture, discussing key topics such as tapping into indigenous wisdom, enhancing drought resilience, transitioning from high production to natural methods, and prioritizing soil health for improved yields and healthier societies. The stories embody values of patience, gratitude, and deep respect for nature, offering valuable inspiration for those considering or embarking on the journey towards sustainable farming practices. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that encapsulates the transformative power of regenerative agriculture and a return to natural processes. Thank you to our guests featured in this episode: Eli Court (Soils for Life) Paul Girrawah House  Rhonda Daly  Colin Seis  Garry Kadwell David Marsh  For more information:  Previous Big Shift episode on regenerative farmers - tiny.cc/bigshiftregen Soils for Life  - https://soilsforlife.org.au  Paul Girrawah House - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-house-57055860/?originalSubdomain=au Produced by growloveproject.com and hosted by NSW Local Land Services