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RegenWA Newsletter
Welcome to the April edition of the RegenWA newsletter. We are entering the Noongar season of Djeran, which sees a break to the hot weather (hopefully!), bringing cooler nights and dewy mornings. During Djeran, look out for the red flowering gum (Corymbia ficifolia) and banksias beginning to flower.
In this edition, we share news from the RegenWA team, a case study, exciting conference updates, opportunities, and upcoming events in the regenerative agriculture space.
Have an upcoming event? Want to share your story or find out more information? Contact us at info@regenwa.com, @regenwa on Twitter/X, @regenwa on Instagram, Regen WA on Facebook or visit our website.
REGENWA NEWS
Joc Dwyer named Perth Region Soil Health Champion
Joc Dwyer was recently announced as the very deserving Perth NRM Soil Health Champion, during the Talkin' Soil Health conference in York. Joc's passion for sustainable agriculture is evident in both his advocacy and on-ground action. Joc produces chemical-free pastured beef, managing his stock in a manner that reduces bare ground and maximises groundcover - cultivating healthy soils, pastures, and cattle. The addition of chicken litter and vermicast from Joc’s own cattle onto his pastures exemplifies his commitment to building a system that is increasingly supported by on-farm resources rather than synthetic inputs. Joc's practices are informed by regular observations of soil texture and earthworm presence, along with soil and leaf testing. These practices address local challenges like soil compaction and aluminium-affected soils, ensuring a resilient and productive farm ecosystem. Congratulations to all the Soil Health Champions: Brendon Savage (Wheatbelt NRM), Warren Pensini (South West NRM), Brady Green (NACC), Graeme Birch (PHCC), Robin Pensini (Rangelands NRM), and Eric Dobble (SCNRM).
RegenWA Conference welcomes further speakers and CBH as Bronze Sponsor
RegenWA’s Regenerative Food Systems Conference, scheduled for September 17/18 2025, has welcomed a suite of innovate figures in agriculture and beyond to the bill. Anthony James has been confirmed as the conference’s MC, while Felice Jacka, Matthew Evans, Nic Kentish, Margaret Stuart, Dan Kittredge, Ronnie Duncan, and Lance Mudgway have come on board as presenters. We are also thrilled that CBH, one of the world’s largest and most efficient grain supply chains, are supporting the conference as a Bronze Sponsor. Keep an eye on our socials and the conference website over the coming weeks as we properly introduce you to speakers and sponsors, and reveal program details. You can also find further details about the conference in the latest edition of Farm Weekly.
Low inputs mean no worries on Royce Taylor's Hakuna Matata Farms
Royce Taylor, who farms in Lake Grace, is three years into transitioning to a soil-health focused system developed with Australian Soil Planners. Royce is optimistic about early indicators of more cost-efficient crop establishment, healthier livestock, improved root health and root mass, and significantly higher pest and disease resistance in his crops. Royce's decision to shift his practices was catalysed by a desire to increase profitability, access premium markets, reduce risk, and increase soil health to support long-term business sustainability. Read the case study to understand the practice changes that are moving him closer to these goals!
This project is supported by funding through the Western Australian Government's State NRM Program.
Joel Williams workshop empowers farmers to unlock their plant nutrition
On March 10, 40 farmers gathered in Toodyay for the full-day workshop 'Unlocking Plant Nutrition'. The event provided science-based strategies to improve productivity by exploring the mechanisms behind plant nutrition and nitrogen management, while offering valuable opportunities for networking and peer to peer learning. Joel was commended for his ability to synthesise and communicate complex concepts, making them accessible and actionable. 86% of attendees reported feeling more confident in applying new practices, and 100% said they were likely to try something new following the workshop.
This event was delivered through the Soils for Life x RegenWA Cropping Resilience Project, partly funded through the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund.
Collective Impact final event a fitting celebration to close project
On Wednesday, 12 February 2025, participants from more than 30 different government departments, organisations and businesses attended the fifth and final Collective Impact project event. It was an opportunity to discuss the project’s key lessons and outcomes, explain the next steps, and to celebrate and strengthen community ties for those working to improve on-farm natural capital.
This project was funded by Lotterywest, with additional support from Commonland.
RegenWA registers second Accounting for Nature account
RegenWA has just become the manager of a new Accounting for Nature account – Rockcliffe, in Kojonup. Managed by James and Nina hope, this property integrates merino sheep production with a 500-hectare cropping program, using management practices that prioritise soil health, biodiversity, and long-term sustainability. Nina and James use few chemical inputs, have eliminated insecticides and fungicides, optimised nutrient management, and work to maintain groundcover to support resilient soils. The Accounting for Nature and Landcare Farming Native Vegetation Method (NV-06) was applied to this account, allowing managers to measure and track changes in native vegetation condition over time.
REGENWA EVENTS
Grounded Festival (Regenerative Food Systems Conference Satellite Event)
OTHER EVENTS
- Unlocking Opportunities in Carbon Farming & Natural Capital - Mingenew, 09/04/2025
- SJ Equine and Pasture Management Workshop - Serpentine, 12/04/2025
- Serpentine Jarrahdale Ag Show: Food and Farm Fest - Serpentine, 03/05/2025
- Slow Food and Wine Festival - Swan Valley, 03-04/05/2025
- Holistic Management Workshop Program - Albany and Margaret River, 19-20/05/2025, and 10-11/11/2025
- Gidgegannup Small Farm Field Day - Gidgegannup, 25/05/2025
- UWA Postgraduates Showcase: Frontiers in Agriculture - Crawley, 28/05/2025
If you have upcoming events, or see an event the RegenWA community would be interested in, hit us up at info@regenwa.com, @regenwa on Twitter, @regenwa on Instagram, Regen WA on Facebook or on our website.
OPPORTUNITIES & SUPPORT
EOIs open for regenerative agriculture transition series
The series aims to provide ongoing support for farmers transitioning to regenerative practices. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from both peers and consultants, share challenges and successes, and collaborate on practical solutions for individual farm contexts. Express interest here.
Video opportunity: Tim Thompson in WA!
RegenWA has funding available to shoot 12 x videos with well known YouTuber, Tim Thompson, and we want to showcase your farms! Get in touch if you have an idea that will help us increase the amount of accessible, high-quality guidance available for land managers on regenerative agriculture.
Survey: Help shape the future for hobby farmers and small producers!
This survey, has been developed in collaboration with Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and Integrity Systems Company (ISC). It aims to assess how well hobby farmers understand industry requirements and wheat support they require. Take the survey here.
Small Scale Abattoir Feasibility Voucher Program
Vouchers of up to $10,000 with a matched funding contribution will be available to eligible applicants to seek expert advice and planning from professional consultants. The program aims to help analyse and understand some of the feasibility factors around small scale abattoir operations. Apply before June 30.
RESOURCES
Listen to the latest episode of Lower Blackwood LCDC's podcast with Dan Kittredge.
Check out the recordings from Talkin' Soil Health.
Declutter the Natural Capital space with this helpful explainer from NRM Regions Australia.
Read this paper on assessing resilience on farms.
REGEN ONLINE
Watch a recording of RegenWA and DPIRD's recent Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer webinar.
Find out what Bonnie Jupp and Carolyn Hall's key takeaways from COP16 were.
Find an assortment of interviews and articles on the new 'Resources' section of our Collective Impact webpage.
RegenWA Network Membership
We ask all our members to share this newsletter with their contacts and community groups and invite growers to register (no cost) regardless of what type, size, location, interest, and knowledge level of biological farming.
A diverse community is a strong, healthy community.
RegenWA is supported by Perth NRM through funding from Lotterywest, Commonland, and the Western Australian Government’s State NRM Program.
