We had incredibly positive feedback from our first bus trip for the ‘Over the Fence’ project on 4-5 August 2025. We toured seven progressive cropping and grazing farms across the Riverina.
On day one we visited four farms. Near Temora, we stopped in to see Andy Sinclair’s machinery set ups for a strip and disc cropping system to improve soil health. Then we headed to Mundarlo to visit Nick and Dea Austin’s holistically managed property with the use of electric fencing. After lunch and a yarn at the Junee Chocolate Factory we were inspired by Dan, David and Bun Fox at Marrar who are continuously challenging their operation to improve. Dan showed us his liquid fertiliser brewing setup to increase efficiencies and spoke aout the importance of trace elements, the C:N ration and crop varieties for healthy, resilient crops. Later in the day we visited Hugh and Libby Cruikshank near Coolamon and were impressed by their livestock handling facilities, droughtlot for preserving groundcover and multi-species, dual purpose crops for increased diversity, livestock health and soil health.Â
We paused overnight in Wagga where participants were able to talk more over dinner and drinks at the Wagga RSL – a great opportunity to learn more about each other and share thoughts on farming and land management.
On Day 2 we headed to Holbrook to see Michael, Anna and Isabelle Coughlan, who adopt very low input holistic grazing over huge areas with nothing but a side-by-side and ute. Michael talked about their incredible tree plantings and how they have recently signed up for a soil carbon project. After morning tea, we started to track back north, stopping in at Daniel and Stirling Moll’s property to look at how their dual purpose crops are maximising production on their mixed farm. Daniel shared his knowledge on crop rotations, legumes and species selections to feed the soil (and next crop) and provide diversity. After checking out an amazing set of covered sheep yards, complete with high-tech livestock handling equipment we grabbed a bite to eat at The Gerogery Hotel. Our last stop for the trip was at Michael Molloy’s family property near Yerong Creek, where we saw some more dual purpose crops and spoke more about their use in battling soil constraints. Â
It was really special to step away and see what’s happening elsewhere in the state. Everyone had a chance to be curious and exchange ideas. All of the participants indicated that they left inspired to implement something new on their farm back home.
A huge thank you to our host farmers for being so open with us and for letting us poke around your properties, machinery and sheds!
Planning for another bus trip north of Grenfell is in the works for 2026. If you have a property in mind that you’d love to go and see, get in touch with Melanie on 0493 416 442 or email weddinlandcare@outlook.com
This bus trip was supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust.