Improved decision making for climate-smart flock management

WHY THIS PROJECT IS NEEDED

Australian sheep producers are on the frontline of climate challenges - from managing pasture through droughts to maintaining flock productivity under variable conditions. With support from the Australian Government’s Climate-Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust, this new $2 million project will support farmers to trial and adopt flock management strategies that boost resilience, productivity, and sustainability.

In short: This project empowers farmers to adopt climate-smart flock management practices that boost productivity, improve soil and water health and reduce emissions. Through hands-on demonstrations, workshops and decision-support tools, farmers gain practical skills, knowledge and confidence to make informed, sustainable choices for their flocks and the broader agricultural landscape.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Led by Central West Farming Systems (CWFS), in collaboration with Riverine Plains, Holbrook Landcare Network, Monaro Farming Systems, Tablelands Farming Systems, Local Land Services, Birchip Cropping Group, and Agriculture Victoria, the three-year initiative will engage more than 500 sheep producers across NSW and Victoria. 
 
The project will establish a network of farmer-led demonstration sites, backed by training, workshops, and locally relevant communications. These sites will showcase the latest in precision livestock technologies and climate-smart grazing practices, giving producers the confidence to adapt strategies on their own farms. 

WHY IT MATTERS 

Sheep producers play a vital role in Australia’s agricultural economy, and the sector is actively working to reduce its environmental footprint while remaining globally competitive. This project is designed to deliver practical benefits on-farm, while also contributing to broader climate and sustainability goals. 
 
By integrating tools such as in-paddock livestock weighing systems and satellite-based pasture monitoring service - producers will gain real-time insights into flock performance and feed availability. This enables timely decisions on stocking rates, feed allocation, and grazing rotations, supporting both profitability and sustainability. 

EXPECTED OUTCOMES 

Through the project, producers will have opportunities to:

• Explore strategies such as rotational grazing, containment feeding, and the use of cover crops to improve both animal nutrition and soil health. 

• Learn from case studies that track the impact of these approaches on productivity, animal welfare, and greenhouse gas emissions. 

• Participate in workshops and field days where new tools and techniques are explained, demonstrated, and adapted to local conditions. 

• Contribute data collection and feedback, helping ensure outcomes are farmer-driven and relevant.

The expected benefits include:

• Improved soil health and water retention 

• Increased carbon sequestration and biodiversity gains 

• Enhanced animal welfare and productivity 

• Reduced methane emissions through better feeding and stocking strategies 

• Strengthened collaboration between producers, researchers, and industry

A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH

This project is a collaboration with farming system groups across diverse regions of NSW and Victoria. Each partner will establish a demonstration site and contribute to knowledge-sharing, ensuring that farmers in different landscapes can learn from locally relevant examples. 
 
This collaborative model also strengthens the connection between producers and policymakers, helping ensure that the lessons learned on-farm can inform broader climate and agricultural strategies.

LOOKING AHEAD

Running from Oct 2025 to June 2028, the project will provide sheep producers with the skills, tools, and confidence to make climate-smart decisions. By supporting innovation and adoption at the farm gate, it will contribute to a more resilient, productive, and sustainable sheep industry for the future.

For further information about this project, please contact Riverine Plains Sustainable Practices & Farmer Engagement Manager, Sayra Samudio sayra@riverineplains.org.au.