Beyond the Weather Forecast: A decision making Tool for Farmers

What if farmers could better understand what's happening beneath their feet? And could that information help them make better decisions when seasons don't go to plan? In this episode, we explore Farming Forecaster, a free online tool that combines soil moisture, pasture growth and seasonal information to help farmers make more informed management decisions. We visit Mattana Farm near Milton on the NSW South Coast, where Bec and Adam share how a local soil moisture probe has helped them navigate drought, fire, flooding rains and difficult livestock decisions. Whether you're a data enthusiast or simply looking for another tool to support decision-making, this episode offers practical insights into using information alongside experience and intuition on farm.   Featured Guests Bec and Adam – Mattana Farm, Milton NSW Matt Lieschke – Agricultural Extension Officer, Local Land Services Phil Graham – Agricultural Consultant  Episode Guide (00:00) Farming through drought, fires and changing seasons (06:00) Why soil moisture and temperature matter (07:30) Using data to make tough stocking decisions (08:30) How Farming Forecaster helps manage climate variability (11:30) Exploring the website, probes and pasture forecasts (16:00) Setting trigger points before conditions deteriorate (24:30) Back on the farm: confidence, confirmation and practical advice Useful Links Farming Forecaster NSW Local Land Services The Big Shift for Small Farms is proudly produced by Grow Love Project and hosted by NSW Local Land Services, supported through the Climate Smart Agriculture Program.