Regenerative Agriculture
Improves soil structure and biology, hydration, biodiversity, monitoring and managing stock
Community Participation - LP007-009
The issue
Prolonged years of drought followed by fire altered the topography, biodiversity and health of our landscape here in the New England. Investigating and educating local landholders and producers in regenerative agricultural practices will future proof us in future emergencies.
Traditional farming often requires heavy and costly inputs. Regenerative management practices focus on better pasture management practices, improvement in biodiversity, less tillage and a more natural approach to soil improvement
The solution
Through funding received from the Commonwealth and NSW Government's Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund a series of 12 workshops were held in venues across our Shire. They included field days on understanding and improving soil health, landscape hydration and regeneration, biodiversity, multi species cropping, grazing management, fire ecology and weed management. Attendance was high at every workshop reflecting the interest in the community for these topics.
The impact
Over 750 people attended the series of workshops, these included primary producers, smaller hobby farmers and conservationists. Five key principles of regenerative agriculture were communicated and focused upon; cover cropping (traditionally corn, beans and squash or the 3 sisters) plus the 4th sister sunflowers for pollination. They were taught that animals are a byproduct of proper pasture management, that graziers should think of themselves as grass croppers. Also that biodiversity was key and that the annual budget should include funds for seed purchase to increase diversity.
With each workshop attendance grew, participants were engaged and networked, questions and answers flowed and the feedback was very positive.
Key facts
- Plant diversity can be applied in any agricultural enterprise and is key to healthier soil.
- Compaction can be controlled with better biological function.
- If ripping, plant immediately to keep rip lines open
- Minimise soil disturbance where you can.