From our largest animals to tiny micro-organisms, biodiversity encompasses all species on earth and the ecosystems they call home. Biodiversity is constantly in flux, making it hard to measure. It can be altered by things like evolution, genetics and habitat changes and can exist at various scales.
As custodians of the land, we hear a lot about the importance of building biodiversity. However, much information is still emerging on what it truly means, how we can achieve it and why it’s worth the energy.
Although many technical descriptions of biodiversity exist, not all know the realities of being on biodiverse land. When we find a wide variety of species of flora and fauna in a landscape through all seasons, our grazing and farming productivity is high. Nature responds to opportunity and takes breaks in patterns, doing what it needs to do at exactly the right time. It’s a good feeling knowing it’s all in harmony and you’ve played a role in building land that thrives.
The first step in increasing biodiversity is having the intention to do it. Once you decide to manage your land to increase biodiversity, the process often happens naturally. Allow your country to repair by implementing the RCS Grazing Principles, and Soil Health Principles taught in our courses.
Ensure you manage for a high ground cover of litter and living green plants and have your land ready to respond to the next rainfall. Observe the results of your management over time and be prepared to adjust management quickly. It’s essential to accept that nature most often knows best and is giving your land the diversity it can handle at that time, appropriate to the situation. Remain attuned and observant. When you actively listen to the country and notice how it responds to you, biodiversity will follow.
The developing Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) policies of some businesses and banks require reporting of the environmental health of their country on their loan books, with many banks requiring borrowers to report this. RCS is developing the Farm Portrait as part of FarmEye, which will assist land managers and stewards in measuring, recording and verifying their operations’ people, business, production and land components.
Biodiversity credits are an arrangement whereby the impacts of development in one place are offset by the purchase of credits in another.
Stay up to date with the Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water for Biodiversity Stewardship programs and markets that are developing with the potential to generate income from your own biodiversity and sustainable farming.
Healthy biodiversity is a functioning landscape that retains rainfall and nutrients, maximising photosynthesis and creating carbon compounds to feed life above and below ground. As farmers, creating greater biodiversity provides many benefits, including:
The developing Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) policies of some businesses and banks require reporting of the environmental health of their country on their loan books, with many banks requiring borrowers to report this. RCS is developing the Farm Portrait as part of FarmEye that will assist land managers and stewards in measuring, recording and verifying their operations’ people, business, production and land components.
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The season in SA and Tassie is particularly tight right now with little or no useful rain since early January and a generally failed 2023 spring prior to that. Right now, across southern Australia and much of the eastern NSW, you won’t need to drive far out into the countryside to see cattle and sheep grazing (and lying on) hay and silage trails lined across paddocks.
Martha Lindstad and partner Robert James are farm managers on ‘Karalee’, Enngonia NSW. Both have travelled different paths to being where they are. Martha is originally from Norway, growing up on a three hectare farm before travelling to New Zealand and eventually the Pilbara in Western Australia. It was here that she saw the benefits of sustainable farming for the country and livestock.
The Prince’s RCS mentor, Raymond Stacey, sees a strong future ahead for Simon and Laura. “The Drought Resilient Soils and Landscapes project is about supporting graziers to manage their country and businesses better,” Raymond said. “I see an operation here where they’re working hard on their planning and putting their plans into action to leave their country, business and people in better shape.”
John Kempf, a visionary in regenerative agriculture, founded Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA) to revolutionise farming practices. A respected expert in biological and regenerative systems, John's mission is to empower farmers worldwide with the knowledge and tools for a healthier, more sustainable food system. AEA's impact extends from healthier soils to thriving communities. John hosts the acclaimed Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, sharing cutting-edge insights from scientists and leading growers on implementing these transformative practices. Prepare to be inspired as John delves into the profound connections between soil health, human health, energy, and economics.
Unlock the Secrets to a Thriving, Sustainable Grazing Operation! In this video and blog post, David McLean, RCS's Chief of Delivery, spills the tea on building a successful grazing business. It's not just about cows and grass (although those are important!). Discover how to find the perfect balance between practical skills, smart choices, and a long-term vision. We'll dive deep into the foundational principles and strategies that can make your grazing operation both profitable and environmentally responsible. Learn how to: Maximise your profits (without sacrificing your land!) Make sound decisions for a healthy herd and ecosystem. Plan for a thriving future in the grazing industry. Ready to take your grazing operation to the next level? Watch now!
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