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RegenWA Newsletter
Welcome to the February edition of the RegenWA newsletter. We are entering Bunuru, known as the 'second summer'. Bunuru marks the hottest time of year, characterised by the blooming of Jarrah and Marri trees, and Zamia pods.
In this edition, we share news from the RegenWA team, project 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
Regenerative Food Systems Conference secures Dan Kittredge as key speaker
RegenWA are excited to share that Dan Kittredge, founder of The Bionutrient Food Association and internationally renowned for his expertise in nutrient density and regenerative agriculture, will be participating at the upcoming conference in September. Dan will add immense value to the conference's conversations around transforming our food systems by enhancing soil health, improving ecosystem function, and ensuring food security whilst supporting human health. RegenWA are seeking further partnership and sponsorship opportunities to strengthen and support the conference. To obtain a copy of the sponsorship prospectus or to discuss other possible collaborations, contact Shay Duncan at conference@regenwa.com.
Conference website is now LIVE: https://regenwapresents.com/
Tickets coming soon!
Collective Impact project concludes, but collaboration remains more crucial than ever
A final, celebratory event will be held in February to signal the conclusion of Perth NRM's project 'A Collective Impact Approach to Restoring On-Farm Natural Capital' in its current form. Throughout the project, an overarching approach to restoring on-farm natural capital was established, and key indicators for change and aligned monitoring approaches were identified. This work will be utilised to demonstrate impact at scale and establish a business case for government and philanthropic investment, but requires ongoing investment and collaboration beyond the life of this initial project. As key partners, RegenWA looks forward to continuing the momentum gained to enable a more cohesive, strategic, and investable approach to supporting landscape scale restoration of natural capital.
This project is supported by funding through Lotterywest.
2025 Australians of the Year for WA
Congratulations to Dianne and Ian Haggerty, who been named the WA 2025 Joint Australians of the Year at the Auspire Australian of the Year Awards held at Government House Ballroom. This prestigious recognition highlights their incredible work in regenerative farming and landscape restoration. Following this achievement, Dianne and Ian were also finalists in the Australian of the Year Awards and were invited to the awards ceremony in Canberra this January, further highlighting their positive impact on food systems. Dianne and Ian Haggerty are passionate about restoring landscape ecology, producing optimum health promoting food, fibre and beverage while supporting planetary health outcomes. Their regenerative practices focus on supporting diverse microbiomes in soil, plant, and animals – boosting immune system function, nutrient diversity and resilience. Managing 26,000 hectares, Dianne and Ian’s Natural Intelligence Farming (NIF) methods have gained global recognition and continue to inspire farmers worldwide in their regenerative journeys. It’s a great honour to see Western Australian farmers being celebrated for their groundbreaking contributions to regenerative agriculture.
Webinar Recording: Preparing for a Productive and Profitable Year with Nic Kentish
We set out each year full of optimism that rains will fall at the right time (but not too much), livestock, wool and grain prices will hold good or even rise (unless we intend to buy stock) and that all of our business matters just fall into place (because the office is suddenly a nice place to work in). All of us want for different things from the farm so what we need to do is be prepared for whatever hand of cards we are dealt. If we are prepared with climatic scenarios, trigger dates and profitability measures, as well as the right people in the right seats – we have a good chance of making good this year.
Nic shares tips and tricks on how to stay organised to simplify your operations, optimize productivity, manage resources effectively, and maximise profitability. Gain valuable insights to help you achieve your goals in the year ahead.
This Regenerative Agriculture event is made possible thanks to funding from Lotterywest.
Letting nature lead the way yields success for Oranje Tractor Wine
RegenWA recently published a case study on Oranje Tractor Wine. The property, located near Albany and owned by Murray Gomm and Pam Lincoln, operates under the ethos of 'getting out of the way of nature to let the experts - a diversity of plants and microbes - get on with nutrient cycling, pest control, and disease control.' Championing regenerative agriculture since 2002, Oranje Tractor has long implemented a suite of innovative practices; Pam and Murray rotate sheep through their vineyards, flail mow canes to provide ground cover, and avoid tractor use and synthetic inputs, just to name a few! The folks at Oranje Tractor are big believers in making evidence-based decisions and tracking progress, which you can read more about in the case study.
This project is supported by funding through the Western Australian Government's State NRM Program.
Representation at COP16 reinforces RegenWA's role in landscape scale restoration
RegenWA Program Manager, Bonnie Jupp was recently selected by the UN Presidency as one of 14 Frontline Leaders to attend United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP16 in Riyadh. In addition to appearing on two panels, Bonnie participated in a dialogue which served as the precursor to the Riyadh Action Agenda, wherein Frontline Leaders detailed what is required to deliver on UNCCD’s landscape restoration commitments and goals. These commitments hinge on collective effort, highlighted in Bonnie’s key takeaway that “we must ensure farmers, alongside Indigenous communities, are included at the decision-making tables so that we can have clear, genuine and effective action…policies and financing are the keys to unlock scaling-up.”
This opportunity was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Meridian Institute.
REGENWA EVENTS
Understanding, Detecting, and Combating Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (Webinar)
IN-PERSON Masterclass on foliar feeding and N Management with Joel Williams, Toodyay
This event kicks off an exciting week in the Wheatbelt soil-health sphere! Dive deep into foliar feeding and nutrition management in this one-day masterclass in Toodyay on Monday 10th March. You will then have the opportunity to capture your investment at the Talkin' Soil Health Conference in York on Thursday 13th March, followed with independent carbon farming updates at the FREE 'Carbon Farming in the Wheatbelt' workshop on Friday 14th March, also in York!
We hope to see you at some of the great offerings happening during this week.
Regenerative Farming Transition Workshops
SUPPORTED EVENTS
Don't miss the Talkin' Soil Health Conference 2025 on March 13 in York! Join Wheatbelt NRM for a day of expert talks, networking, and the latest in soil health practices, featuring keynote speaker Su McCluskey and MC Professor Josh Byrne AM. Details and registration link here.
Check out these other great events happening around the place!
- PHCC's Preparing for Feed Shortages and Adaptive Management - Coolup, 04/03/2025
- Wheatbelt NRM's Carbon Farming in the Wheatbelt - York, 14/03/2025
- Serpentine Jarrahdale Ag Show: Food and Farm Fest - Serpentine, 03/05/2025
- Gidgegannup Small Farm Field Day - 25/05/2025
If you have upcoming events, or see an event the RegenWA community would be interested in, make sure you hit us up on 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.
Support available for farmers looking to adopt regenerative agriculture practices
Are you a producer in the Perth region seeking guidance and advice on implementing regenerative agriculture principles on your property? We want to work with you! All enterprise types and land sizes welcome. Email info@regenwa.com to discuss opportunities.
Calling all farmers in Wagin and Woodanilling!
The local landcare group is keen to hear about possible fencing and revegetation projects and areas of remnant native vegetation for fencing on your properties. It's for a large funding application which could see farmers receive around $3,000 per km for fencing plus free native seedlings. To take part, please complete the Wagin Woodanilling Landcare survey by Sunday 16 February 2025.
Funding available for Red Card events
There are 16 grants available for up to $1000 to support feral pest management events from Geraldton to Esperance. Funding can cover community barbeques, trophies, administration time (10%) and more. Enquiries to: redcard@wheatbeltnrm.org.au
RESOURCES
From DJ to Full-Time Regenerative Farmer with Andy Cato: John Kempf and Andy Cato on transitioning to a regenerative system and transparent supply chains.
Economics of Drought: UNCCD's report on investing in nature-based solutions for drought resilience.
Decentralised Water Retention: Preventing wildfires, rehydrating landscapes, and reversing drought.
REGEN ONLINE
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.
