Salt of the Earth Farm Stories
Welcome to "Salt of the Earth - Farm Stories". Host Darren Grigg invites you to step into the world of farmers from diverse backgrounds across Australia. Through intimate interviews, he delves into their farming practices, traditions, and the challenges they face in nurturing the land. From generations-old family farms to innovative sustainable practices, each episode offers a glimpse into the resilience, passion, and dedication of Australian farmers and explores the profound connection between people and the land. Be inspired by the stories of those who sow the seeds of the future.
Salt of the Earth Farm Stories
Ep 96: Serradella for new environments
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In this episode, I’m on a property just south of Yass in NSW, joining a research project funded by Meat & Livestock Australia and led by Dr Rebecca Haling from CSIRO.
We’re taking a closer look at serradella — a self-regenerating legume that’s drought resilient, fixes nitrogen, handles acidic soils, runs on low nutrients, and carries a low bloat risk. It’s already proven in WA and north-west NSW, and now researchers are exploring its fit in the higher rainfall pasture zones of south-eastern Australia.
I speak with Dr Richard Hayes from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development about where serradella works and how to establish it with confidence. We also hear from Ed, a local Merino producer seeing strong results — with one key lesson: get that first year of grazing right.
If pasture resilience is on your radar, this episode’s for you.