Nature on Farms

Nature on Farms demonstrates the power of natural ecosystems to contribute to healthy, productive farms that can adapt to a changing climate.

This six-year project will establish demonstration farms on Taungurung, Dja Dja Wurrung and Berengi Gadjin country to model evidence-based approaches to nature-integrated farming. Working with communities across two key farming systems across Central Victoria, the project will show how protecting and restoring nature on farms can improve productivity and strengthen climate resilience, while enhancing biodiversity.

Drawing on a strong foundation in ecology and community engagement, Biolinks Alliance secured funding in 2025 through the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund to deliver this ambitious program.

Joining us in partnership is a consortium of expert partners comprised of the City of Greater Bendigo, Macedon Range Shire Council, Dja Dja Wurrung, Cassina Environmental, North Central CMA, Landcare Victoria and the Landcare Networks of Buloke and Northern Grampians, South West Goulburn, Loddon Plains, Upper Goulburn (???), Upper Campaspe and Project Platypus with support from Drewtech Consulting and Regrarians. Joining the consortium as founding demonstration farmers are Jason Hagen (McIvor Farms), Sue and Neil Davis (NM and ES Davis), Sam and Miranda White (Sidonia Beef) and Mary Fielding.

Linking nature into agriculture

Land clearing for agriculture is one of the primary drivers of nature loss and climate change, which in turn places unprecedented stress on the food production systems on which we all depend. At the same time, the changing climate is placing more pressure on natural ecosystems, making and farms are becoming (CHECK GRAMMAR??) increasingly important as movement corridors and habitat for native species.

Nature on Farms seeks to help farmers across Central Victoria adopt proven farming methods that harness the ecosystem services nature provides to improve farm productivity and resilience.

When natural systems are functioning well, they can provide protection for human-designed systems like farms by providing shelter, increased moisture retention, pollinator services and other benefits. By enhancing ecosystem function on their land, farmers can minimise the risks and losses associated with climatic extremes made worse by climate change.

Demonstration farms selected for the project are established working farms at various stages in their adoption of nature-integrated farming principles. Together with the landholders, we will design and implement interventions to enhance and protect natural assets using techniques that have been shown to benefit farms and nature alike.

Empowering the farming community

Nature on Farms Symposium
The 2026 Nature on Farms Symposium is a key event in this program for sharing knowledge and building the capacity of farmers and farming contractors, consultants and local groups. The 2029 Natural Capital on Farms Symposium will share expertise, grounded in our project work, on building and monetising natural capital in farming landscapes.

Demonstration farm tours, field days and workshops
Tours and demonstration field days will share the latest regionally tailored knowledge and practice around natural asset farming, bringing concepts to life. Our demonstration farmers will act as community advocates for a new way of farming, building trust and sharing first-hand experience backed by science.

Program monitoring
Monitoring of agricultural and ecological outcomes over the life of the program will upskill farmers and provide an evidence base to demonstrate changes to soil health, moisture, pollinator presence, erosion, overall productivity, livestock health and survival, crop recovery and bounceback from extreme weather events.

Online knowledge extension
An online knowledge hub will provide an accessible, user-friendly resource library for farmers, researchers and community members, enhancing expert knowledge and enabling wider adoption throughout the region.

A vision for the future of farming

Agriculture accounts for more than half of all land use in Australia, making paddock trees, farm dams and remnant vegetation on farmland essential habitat refuges for native species. Farms provide essential secondary habitat for woodland birds, native frogs and endemic invertebrates.

Sharing a new approach and building capability among the farming community, we can help to create agricultural landscapes that support food production, wellbeing and biodiversity alike.

This program received funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.