Beyond The Shed

The Beyond the Shed project started as a pilot several years ago with former Great Lakes Council, Hunter Local Land Services and seven local poultry farms.

Our focus was on improving nutrient management (such as from litter stock piles or high nutrient paddocks) while improving the farm’s business – specifically the ancillary grazing business that most poultry farms operate on the side… or in other words, focusing on those areas beyond the shed.

As part of the project, soil samples were taken from paddocks on participating farms to create a nutrient profile. Results were analysed and discussed on-farm in conjunction with an agronomist, to determine how to make the most of what each farm has in their soil.

Funding is available to undertake on-ground works, such as stock fencing, water troughs or upgraded composting facilities – all aimed at reducing the impact of these high-nutrient areas on the river.

In 2019 funding from the NSW Environmental Trust allowed us to extend the project to other farms in the Karuah River catchment, as well as those in the Myall River and Wallis Lake catchment areas. The initial 7 farms expanded to 21 farms across the region, and 20 projects. This funding was matched with Council and Farmer contributions and to almost $800,000 has been spent on ground in our area to reduce these farm’s impact on the surrounding environment.  

There is still funding available until early 2023 for intensive poultry farms to become involved in the project.

Further information is available in the attached newsletter or check out the video below.