Transforming pastures: 55 years as a district agronomist

Bob Freebairn runs a busy agricultural consultancy business — Robert Freebairn Agriculture — while also running his own farm with his wife Sue at Coonabarabran. Bob has a wealth of knowledge on managing light soils, tropical grasses, and dual-purpose cereals — and has been credited with transforming agriculture in the Central West of NSW, particularly around Coonabarabran.

In this episode, Bob shares some valuable lessons from his long career, including his work with the Department of Ag, and how he’s worked with farmers to help them make productive changes on-farm. He also shares his vision for the future of agriculture and how he believes there’s an untapped commercial potential in native grasses.

Local Land Service Mixed Farming Officer Callen Thompson sat down with Bob as he shared his 55 years of experience and his hopes for the future of agriculture.

Special thanks:

This episode is supported by Central West Local Land Services, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

Resources and links:

• Link to Central West LLS Dual Purpose Crop trials
• Central West LLS Tropical Grass demonstrations

Connect:

• Central West LLS website
• Central West LLS on Facebook
• Central West LLS on Twitter
• Central West LLS on YouTube

The views contained in this podcast series are not necessarily endorsed by Central West Local Land Services. Listeners are advised to contact their local office to discuss their individual situation.

This show is produced in collaboration with Wavelength Creative. Visit wavelengthcreative.com for more information.