Strategies for Success 2021
Strategies for Success 2021
A one-day workshop was held in Boorowa to explore the economics of improving soil health and achieving better environmental outcomes in agricultural businesses.
Collaborations -
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The issue
In 2020 a consortium of Landcare groups partnered with NSW Farmers and Local Land Services to host a discussion to explore what and how decisions will need to be made in drought recovery.
This opened discussions about how successful businesses are supported by frameworks for clear thinking and making timely decisions.
People want to hear more about soils, microbes and biodiversity in an effort to mainstream regenerative farming.
The solution
Now as we emerge from the drought, it’s a great time to explore what’s possible when environmental outcomes are considered in a profitable business, with significant increases in yield as well as improvements in soil quality and water retention.
In designing the day, it was important to allow for plenty of opportunities for discussion with the panel and reflection on participants own business planning.
It was also important to the organisers to include elders of the Ngunnawal people in conversations about land management. Onerwal elder Brad Bell Welcomed us to Country & opened the day with an invitation for Landcare groups and traditional owners to share and learn together.
The impact
Dr Susan Orgill is a Soil Scientist, NSW Department of Primary Industries, who is passionate about delivering farm-ready research focusing on strategies to increase soil carbon and nutrient cycling in agricultural soil. Susan’s positive energy & informed scientific detail set the scene for case study farmers Brad and Katie Collins from Wagga, who talked about practical applications and their transition from conventional to holistic agriculture and the wonderful world of regenerative agriculture. Chris Hall talked in detail about minerals and microbes in the soil & how he has applied regenerative principles to his horticulture enterprise on a cherry orchard near Young.
The day was facilitated by Michael Gooden (Resource Consulting Services) and the afternoon allowed for interactive discussion and lots of questions. Participants were asked to consider what barriers they had in their business and what they are thinking to do differently as a result of the day.
Key facts
- The partnership of Landcare & NSW Farmers has been a very popular way to deliver a scientific anchor with ‘real farmers’ stories.
- Participants want to hear more about regenerative agriculture, finance, soil and carbon.