Millie Nicholls – Australian Government Individual Landcarer Award

Project Profile

Issues

As a local farmer and founding member of volunteer based community group, the Mid North Grasslands Working Group (MNGWG), Millie Nicholls has championed the role of grasslands in sustainable agriculture and has been a leader of improved Grassland management for both production and conservation, disseminating and applying best practice native grassland management to the broader community.

Project Detail

Clare’s Millie Nicholls commitment as a leader of improved Grassland management for both production and conservation sees her in the running for a 2010 National Landcare Award.

As a local farmer and founding member of volunteer based community group, the Mid North Grasslands Working Group (MNGWG), Millie has championed the role of grasslands in sustainable agriculture and has been a leader of improved Grassland management for both production and conservation, disseminating and applying best practice native grassland management to the broader community. Following work as an extension officer for the World Wide Fund for Nature’s Native Grassland Project over ten years ago, Millie recognised the need to change grazing practices in the Mid North area and pursued education in Science, Holistic Management and Grazing Management, applying knowledge of these practices on her own family farm.

Formed in response to increased concerns for the future of the region’s native grasslands and grazing enterprises, the MNGWG was established in 1999 to provide farmers with practical information and support on the management of native pastures for increased productivity and biodiversity. The MNGWG communicates with more than 300 South Australian farmers in the Mid and Upper North area and government and non-government representatives. The projects have developed a range of resources including best practice grazing management guidelines for farmers, a native plant identification book, grassland fact sheets, newsletters, and have run many workshops, field days and a national grasslands conference.

Millie’s role has involved visits to many farmers in the area, providing support, knowledge and encouragement to improve land management. Millie has been an advocate of graziers and their role in the conservation of native grasslands. Millie’s practical farming background combined with her scientific knowledge has allowed her to bridge the gap between production and conservation. This has seen her become a mentor for many farmers who are trying to improve the health of their land.

Millie has strongly advocated the role of improved grazing management in allowing native pastures to be grazed for production and profitability, resulting in improved conservation of native grasslands. Millie was a key driver in the development of many on-farm projects that trialled alternative grazing strategies on native pastures and has spoken at numerous National Conferences outlining the work of the MNGWG and how the group’s work can aid both production and conservation. As the founding member of the Yacka Moorundie Landcare Group, participant in the Grassy Ecosystems Technical Advisory Group, and member of numerous committees where she has represented landowners, Millie is a well-respected member of her local community and the conservation sector.

Through the work undertaken by the MNGWG and led by Millie, native grasslands have become a valuable resource and conservation asset. In addition, many farmers have now changed their grazing management and have shown long-term benefits for their properties including improved native pasture biodiversity and production, a reduction in bare ground and increased water-use efficiency. The project results have also changed the way conservation organisations look at managing native grasslands.

Millie Nicholls is one of 88 finalists in the National Landcare Awards to be announced in Canberra on 24 June 2010. Commencing in 1991, the Awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and groups that make a valuable contribution to the land and coast where they live and work.�

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