Genuine interest

Pete was already interested in the principles and practices of regenerative agriculture, and had read widely about progress over in the eastern states. He intrinsically felt that it would be a better way of farming - both ethically and commercially - and was keen to work with a proactive group of local farmers to find out more.

Perennials v annuals

In WA, there's a strong focus on annual species, but Pete felt that there could be some significant benefits to introducing perennials to improve pastures. The chance to discuss these practices with visiting experts of Dr. Judi Earl's calibre was way was too good an opportunity to miss.

Reduced reliance on chemicals

As a former dairy farmer, Pete knew how much farmers relied on chemicals for fertilisers, pest management, treating animals and as feed additives. He was looking for a farming system that would be gentler on both his stock and his land and based on the reading and research he'd done, he felt that the Regenerative Agriculture Program could offer some alternatives.

Soil Health Improvements

As a former dairy farmer Pete already had a feel for soil health, but regular soil testing was a practice that he's now taken on board as a vital part of his farm management campaign.

Anthony Quinlan is a local agronomist and specialist in organic agriculture, horticulture and soil health in WA. His shared insights into ways to improve soil health have had a significant impact on Pete's farming practices.

"Having Anthony's advice early in the program was a huge help in improving soil health straight away."

The program kicked off with participants providing soil samples which were analysed by a laboratory to give all participants a detailed breakdown of their soil profiles, outlining both positives and negatives. Anthony reviewed all the samples and analysis, giving detailed advice about how to mitigate issues, and potentially improve soils ready for the growing season.

Even though Pete admits that his paddocks were a bit 'out of whack' for a seeding this season, the advice from Anthony has helped with building his soil health ready for next season.

Whole Farm Planning

David Hardwick, an agroecologist with over 20 years' experience in rural landscapes led a four-day course on planning a healthy, resilient and productive farm business. The hands-on workshops helped Pete look at the whole property, strip the layers back, and break the entire project into manageable, bite-sized pieces. A run-down farm, a new baby and a big dream meant a huge amount of work, which could have been overwhelming, but the practical guide to planning the farm in a way that fit with the other demands on Pete's time was incredibly valuable. He now has a workable, flexible 10 year plan.

"I've already implemented a heap of David Hardwick's information. I learned so much in those four days!"

Regenerative Grazing Practices

"Judi was an amazing source of knowledge."

This year, Pete has introduced rotational grazing to maximise the positive impact of his stock on the pasture and help with controlling parasites.

Dr. Judi Earl (a leader in the practice of using livestock to improve soil depth and health, water retention increased biodiversity and animal production) spent time at Pete's farm and together they developed a bespoke grazing program to revitalise the pastures.

"I've really taken note of her advice on what feed I have on hand, what I need to put away and what to leave standing for summer. I probably haven't done as much as she'd like, but Probably not to the level she'd like, but I've definitely taken her advice on board."

Multi-seeding pastures

The three trial sites in the program showed what worked, and what didn't, based on different seeding times and seed mixes.

Pete could see how a more diverse and perennial pasture mix could have a very positive impact on his land. Realising that WA farmers could challenge the notion that we are an annual based pasture system was 'super-exciting'.

Pete wasn't ready to seed this year, but he hopes that seeding multispecies mixes in spring and autumn could have a significant impact on the development of biological soils, as well as improving the quantity and quality of forage for his stock.

"It looks like this could be a way to improve pastures and nutrition, as well as increase feed capacity throughout the year, which is a great option with the steep rises in fertiliser costs."