I have spent most of my life in agriculture focusing on regenerative farming practices and philosophies. I practice holistic management and implement a range of ecological practices, including natural sequence farming, bio-dynamics and permaculture.
I am a fifth generation farmer in the Braidwood district, and my father was one of the first to bring superphosphate, subclover and myxomatosis to the area. After studying applied science I developed a spraying and sowing business, perfecting the process of spray/grazing and direct sowing. Realising that prices were not covering the cost of production, I started researching how to increase production whilst reducing costs.
My aim is to develop and foster on-farm businesses that complement each other, with low inputs and productive, sustainable outputs. To this end I produce truffles, yabbies, organic fertilizers and bio-stimulants to support agriculture that can survive all seasons, but cattle are my principle tool to build biological diversity and soil carbon in the land.
My work has been recognised with the following awards:
I have a passion for learning and sharing what I know. My work with other farmers and organisations includes:
I am a fifth generation farmer in the Braidwood district, and my father was one of the first to bring superphosphate, subclover and myxomatosis to the area. After studying applied science I developed a spraying and sowing business, perfecting the process of spray/grazing and direct sowing. Realising that prices were not covering the cost of production, I started researching how to increase production whilst reducing costs.
My aim is to develop and foster on-farm businesses that complement each other, with low inputs and productive, sustainable outputs. To this end I produce truffles, yabbies, organic fertilizers and bio-stimulants to support agriculture that can survive all seasons, but cattle are my principle tool to build biological diversity and soil carbon in the land.
My work has been recognised with the following awards:
- 2014 Regional Landcare Awards: Champion of the Catchments
- 2011 Carbon Cocky Awards: Winner for Outstanding Best Practice
- 2010 National Farmer of the Year: Finalist - "knows a thing or two about raising cattle"
- 2007 Carbon Cocky of the Year
I have a passion for learning and sharing what I know. My work with other farmers and organisations includes:
- Advisory Council member of the Mulloon Institute for environment, farming and society
- Founding member of the Natural Sequence Farming Association
- One of the first case studies for the Soils for Life initiative
- Reference Group member of the Land to Market Australia initiative for holistic farmers
- Council Member of Landcare NSW, plus extensive involvement in Landcare local and regional groups
Many people have helped form my depth of knowledge and understanding of the landscape. I'd like to thank and acknowledge their wisdom and generosity:
- Alan Savory, Holistic Management
- Dr Elaine Ingham, Soil Food Web
- Dr Christine Jones, Amazing Carbon
- Dr Maartin Stapper, Biologic AgFood
- Peter Andrews, OA, Natural Sequence Farming
- David Marsh, Regenerative Farmer
