Regenerative farming by its very nature is about renewal and the nourishment of the land. ERLE LEVEY looks at the forthcoming 2024 Agvention field day at Kandanga to discover what changes are in store.
“Focusing on what you do want, rather than what you don’t, is so deeply profound it may just change your life.’’
Regenerative agriculture is, by its nature, about pushing the boundaries of farming.
It encourages change – even though it has its genesis in traditional farming methods.
Today it is making conservation and rehabilitation a priority as those adapting to change strive for better practices in regard to farming and food production.
Agvention 2024 at Kandanga Farm Store on Friday, 6 September, is a field day like no other in that it focuses on regenerative farming practices.
Started in 2019, the event is continually changing and adapting to new ideas and a fresh line-up of guest speakers.
Pushing Paradigms – exposing people to things they wouldn’t normally come across in day-to-day farming – is the theme for Agvention 2024.
As such, the format of this event will adapt from year to year to accomodate the changes that are going on in regenerative farming.
The format will now change every second year.
This year there will be a range of speakers and activities that bring different ideas, theories and concepts.
There will still be a trade show but more emphasis is to be placed on the information side, with speakers and a farm walk as part of the program.
“We want to keep the event relevant and fresh,’’ organiser Amber Scott said. “Innovation and ideas are always evolving.’’
The speakers will discuss topics as varied as weed appreciation to new horizons in carbon, from energy resonance plus the unequivocal link between animal and landscape health, and human health.
Break-out sessions will include a farm walk through the certified organic and regenerative Kandanga Farm.
Of course there will be food – sourced from local and organic regen farms.
As always, there is a high emphasis on explaining where the food has been produced.
All the food at Agvention will have a provenance story.
Speakers will include Brian Wehlburg of Inside Outside holistic management, and Mick Alexander from CQ Organics in Central Queensland, who has a passion for best practice grazing and cropping management.
Naturopath and medical herbalist Heidi Merika from Eumundi will take participants on a weed appreciation walk.
The author of From the Wild herbal medicine cookbook, will be talking about the different properties of weeds and why they’re useful.
Ruby Earsman of Terra Firma Fertilisers is to discuss how do you interpret a soil test and improve soil health by using methods and products that are regenerative and sustainable. That means relying less on chemical or synthetic inputs to deliver great produce and plants.
Erik Tighe of Heal with Ease will bring his knowledge of bio-resonance and quantum healing.
STRENGTHENING OUTCOMES
Regenerative farming focuses on topsoil regeneration, increasing biodiversity, improving the water cycle, enhancing ecosystem services, supporting biosequestration, increasing resilience to climate change, and strengthening the health and vitality of farm soil.
Regenerative agriculture is not a specific practice. It combines a variety of sustainable agriculture techniques.
Practices include maximal recycling of farm waste and adding composted material from non-farm sources.
As soil health improves, input requirements may decrease. In turn, crop yields may increase as soils are more resilient to extreme weather and harbour fewer pests and pathogens.
Regenerative agriculture looks to mitigate climate change through carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere and sequestration.
Along with reduction of carbon emissions, carbon sequestration is gaining popularity in agriculture.
Amber Scott said the change to the format was due to the increased interest in regenerative farming.
Instead of expanding the program to two days, it was considered better to maintain focus on those ideas and issues that most impact regen farming.
“Focusing on what you do want, rather than what you don’t, is so deeply profound it may just change your life,’’ Amber said.
“It is why we have asked Brian Wehlburg from Inside Outside Management to be our first speaker.
“Brian will set the foundation for this year’s speaker-focussed Agvention by challenging problem-focussed paradigms and inspiring you instead to create your unique vision for your life, your family, your landscape.
“The rest is just using your creativity and finding the tools that help you realise your vision.
“Brian is one of the happiest and kindest people we know and has made a positive impact on so many people, so we are grateful and excited he will be sharing his wisdom.’’
CELEBRATING WILD PLANTS
What are the ’weeds’ in your paddock telling you about your landscape. Are they any use at all? Are their benefits for livestock, soil and even human health?
Local author Heidi Merika will be one of the presenters at Agvention 2024, and will take participants on a weed appreciation walk.
The author of From the Wild herbal medicine cookbook, will be talking about the different properties of weeds and why they’re useful.
Heidi will speak about using weeds for medicine and cooking.
EVOLUTION OF IDEAS
“Regenerative farming is evolving … just like life,’’ Amber Scott said.
“That’s why we have gone away from the combined program this year and separated it.
“Last year people were talking about carbon credits … but we have gone beyond that.
“Carbon is just part of the jigsaw of what makes up a living landscape. Increased biodiversity leads to more sustainability.
“Regen farming is about seeking outcomes in terms of better water quality and building soil – which carbon is a part of but it’s not the only part.
“There will be more of those things that actually impact more, particularly with the health of ecosystems and the sustainability of our lives.
“We need to look at all the different things that constitute environmental health and then let’s put a value on that.
“It makes you more resilient in the long-term and ultimately the more fertile your land becomes then the more productive it becomes.’’
Agvention is designed for the conscious consumer. The person who cares about where their food comes from. Who is interested in supporting Aussie farmers and small businesses. Who understands that good food is worth paying for because good food underpins physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. The person that finds nourishment in embracing the simple life and understands that some of life’s best moments are spent around the kitchen table.
The question people need to ask is: What can we do today to create the future we want for ourself, our family and our community?
Agvention starts 9am on Friday, 6 September, and is to be ticketed through the website: agvention.com.au
