Talkin' After Hours with the Lower Blackwood LCDC
Talkin After Hours with the Lower Blackwood LCDC is hosted by Jo Wren and Kate Tarrant from the Lower Blackwood LCDC who, each month, will be talking all things Sustainable Ag, bringing you an interesting and informative interview with an expert on a particular farming or landcare topic. The Lower Blackwood LCDC are a not-for-profit, community managed, independent Landcare and sustainable Ag organisation located in the South West of Western Australia.
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Talkin' Biodiversity & Farm Productivity
06/24/2026
Talkin' Biodiversity & Farm Productivity
In this podcast episode we explore a topic that's becoming increasingly important for the future of Australian agriculture: how trees on farms can support grazing livestock, improve productivity, strengthen biodiversity, build climate resilience, and create new opportunities for farmers. To help us unpack this fascinating topic Kate chats to one of Australia's leading voices in agroforestry and farm forestry, Rowan Reid. Rowan makes the case that, when thoughtfully integrated into grazing systems, trees & shrubs can improve livestock welfare, boost biodiversity, strengthen climate and fire resilience, and even support long-term profitability. With decades of practical experience and research-backed insight, Rowan explains why the best approach is not a one-size-fits-all formula, but a patient, place-based strategy that starts small, builds confidence, and helps farmers create a more productive and resilient landscape for the future.
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Talkin' Dairying to be Different
05/27/2026
Talkin' Dairying to be Different
In this Talkin' After Hours episode Jo & Kate chat to West Australian dairy farmers, Neville and Elaine Haddon. Together with their son Garry, Neville & Elaine run a major dairy operation in Busselton, milking around 1,300 cows and supplying more than 12 million litres of milk to Harvey Fresh every year. But despite operating at that scale, the Haddons are still asking questions. How do you grow better pasture with fewer inputs? How do you improve soil health while staying productive and profitable? And how do you build resilience into a farming system facing rising costs and increasingly dry seasons? Their farm in Warner Glen in the Lower Blackwood has become the place where they explore those questions — trialling multi-species pastures, experimenting with perennial systems, protecting creeklines and encouraging biodiversity, all while looking for lessons that could potentially reshape the way they farm back in Busselton. In our conversation, Neville and Elaine reflect on their remarkable journey — from Neville partnering with his brother to buy his first farm at just 16 years old, through decades of hard work in the dairy industry, to becoming passionate advocates for healthier soils and more resilient farming systems. Tune in to hear about the pressures facing dairy farmers today, the realities of running a large-scale operation, and why curiosity and a willingness to try things differently still drives them after all these years. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Haddons' Dairy Journey 01:51 Challenges and Motivations in Dairy Farming 05:58 Current Pressures in the Dairy Industry 08:03 Operational Insights from Busselton 10:44 Exploring Regenerative Agriculture Practices 12:27 Innovative Farming Techniques and Sustainability 17:08 The Importance of Soil Health 19:08 Future of Agriculture and Sustainable Practices 23:30 Innovative Weed Control Strategies 26:49 Environmental Stewardship in Farming 28:30 Enhancing Farm Biodiversity 29:59 Soil Health and Crop Establishment 32:15 Grazing Management and Pasture Diversity 36:05 Nutritional Management for Livestock 39:46 Future Vision for Blackwood Springs 42:50 Challenges and Support in Regenerative Agriculture 45:10 Encouragement for New Farmers
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Growing Smarter: Soil Health, Nutrition & Farming for Profit with Jason Jarvis
04/28/2026
Growing Smarter: Soil Health, Nutrition & Farming for Profit with Jason Jarvis
In this Talkin' After Hours Podcast we chat to orchardist and Nuffield Scholar Jason Jarvis of Prime Organics. Jason is known for pioneering biological farming techniques that boost soil health and crop nutrition. His expertise in soil microbiology and sustainable practices make this conversation a must-hear for anyone committed to farming that’s profitable, planet-friendly, and nutrient-rich. In the podcast Jason reveals how building healthy, resilient ecosystems leads to nutrient-dense, tastier, and more resilient food, all while reducing reliance on chemicals. His journey from conventional practices to biological farming offers lessons you can apply, whether you're a home gardener or managing a large-scale farm. You'll hear about the science behind soil microbes and their role in nutrient uptake—why healthy plants are naturally pest and disease resistant. Jason shares practical tactics like soil testing protocols, compost brewing techniques, and the use of biochar and compost extracts to supercharge soil life. We break down the importance of testing, observation, and making data-driven decisions that improve crop health and farm profitability. You'll also hear about how market trends influence farming decisions, the current challenges with imported inputs, and why focusing on biological health is more important than ever amid climate stress and rising fertilizer costs.
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Biological Planting Treatments for Pasture & Livestock Systems with Mark Tupman
03/27/2026
Biological Planting Treatments for Pasture & Livestock Systems with Mark Tupman
Imagine sharp early seedling development, resilient plants, and richer soils—all sparked by a tiny biological boost right at the seed stage. That’s the promise of biological planting treatments, a probiotic approach that works with, not against, nature to supercharge your farm’s productivity. In this podcast episode Jo and Kate chat to Regenerative Agriculture Coach Mark Tupman and uncover the science behind biological planting treatments—what they are, how they differ from traditional methods, and why they might be the secret weapon for pasture and livestock farmers as a low-cost way to improve pasture establishment and soil vitality. This podcast forms part of a collaborative project with RegenWA called 'Make Your Hectare Count'. The project is supported by funding from the Western Australian Government's State NRM Program. This podcast also forms part of the Regenerative Agriculture in Practice Program 2026. This project is supported by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River's Environmental Management fund.
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Not Just Dirt with Kevin Elmy
02/24/2026
Not Just Dirt with Kevin Elmy
In this podcast episode we chat to Kevin Elmy from Cover Cropping Canada on the science of soil health, revealing how to enhance water storage, carbon sequestration, and biological activity beyond standard tests. Hear about practical strategies like using cover crops and understanding the legacy microbiome effect to boost resilience and crop performance. Kevin also shares actionable insights for farmers and landholders to save money, increase profits, and connect with nature. Tune in to rethink farming as a partnership with nature, unlocking your farm's potential for healthier soils and more sustainable practices. This podcast forms part of a collaborative project with RegenWA called ‘Make Your Hectares Count’. The project is supported by funding from the Western Australian Government’s State NRM Program.
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Beyond Pastures: Perennial Shrubs in Grazing Systems
09/30/2025
Beyond Pastures: Perennial Shrubs in Grazing Systems
In this episode of Talking After Hours, we chat with agricultural scientist Dr Dean Revell. Our conversation explores the why, what, where & how of integrating perennial shrubs into grazing systems, the nutritional benefits for livestock, and the management practices necessary for successful establishment and utilization. Our conversation also touches on the economic implications of shrub integration, the training of livestock to utilize new forage types, and the potential for carbon farming and biodiversity credits in enhancing farm profitability. This podcast forms part of a collaborative project with RegenWA called ‘Make Your Hectare Count’. The project is supported by funding from the Western Australian Government’s State NRM Program. This podcast also forms part of the Regenerative Agriculture in Project Program 2025. This project is supported through funding from the Shire of Augusta Margaret River’s Environmental Management.
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Getting to the root of it with David Hardwick and Soil Hash
08/14/2025
Getting to the root of it with David Hardwick and Soil Hash
In this episode of Talkin' After Hours we chat to David Hardwick, agroecologist and partner at Soil Land Food on getting to the root of your soil issues with the aid of the newly developed Soil HASH tool. Our conversation covers the key functions of healthy soil, the development and purpose of the Soil HASH tool, practical applications for farmers, and the significance of monitoring soil constraints. David emphasizes the need for farmers to understand their soil's condition and the benefits of using the Soil HASH tool for effective soil management. Key takeaways include: Soil health involves physical, biological, and biochemical properties. Understanding soil constraints is crucial for productivity. Regular monitoring can lead to better soil management decisions. Regular monitoring can lead to better soil management decisions. Soil HASH helps farmers identify soil constraints and monitor soil health effectively. Soil HASH is designed to be user-friendly for farmers. The Soil HASH tool is open source and adaptable. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Soil Health and the Soil HASH Tool 04:55 Understanding Soil Health: Key Functions and Indicators 09:47 The Development and Purpose of the Soil HASH Tool 14:59 Core Indicators of Soil Health 19:40 Diagnosing Soil Constraints and Tracking Improvements 23:53 Understanding Soil Composition and Health 29:49 Tools for Soil Monitoring 33:19 Identifying Soil Constraints 38:00 Using Soil HASH for Diagnosis 43:08 The Future of Soil Health Monitoring The Soil HASH tool can be accessed at This podcast forms part of a collaborative project with RegenWA called ‘Make Your Hectare Count’. The project is supported by funding from the Western Australian Government’s State NRM Program () This podcast also forms part of the Regenerative Agriculture in Project Program 2025. This project is supported through funding from the Shire of Augusta Margaret River’s Environmental Management Fund.
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Talkin' Trees for Farm Resilience with Bob Hingston
07/31/2025
Talkin' Trees for Farm Resilience with Bob Hingston
In this podcast episode, we explore the importance of trees in farming, focusing on windbreaks and shelter belts. South West forester Bob Hingston shares his extensive knowledge on tree planting, site preparation, and the benefits of agroforestry. He discusses the planning process, common mistakes, and the significance of choosing the right species for effective windbreaks. The conversation also highlights the role of trees in creating wildlife corridors and the necessary post-planting maintenance to ensure tree survival. Some key takeaways from the podcast include: Windbreaks can significantly reduce wind speed and improve farm productivity. Effective planning is crucial for successful tree planting. Site preparation and weed control are essential for tree survival. Choosing the right tree species is vital for achieving desired outcomes. Windbreaks can help remediate water logging in paddocks. Creating wildlife corridors can enhance biodiversity on farms. Post-planting maintenance is necessary to manage pests and ensure tree health. Farmers should consider their long-term objectives when planting trees. For further information on this topic go to: - Bob Hingston This podcast forms part of a collaborative project with RegenWA called ‘Make Your Hectare Count’. The project is supported by funding from the Western Australian Government’s State NRM Program. This podcast also forms part of the Regenerative Agriculture in Project Program 2025. This project is supported through funding from the Shire of Augusta Margaret River’s Environmental Management.
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Talkin' Using Bugs to Manage Bugs
05/29/2025
Talkin' Using Bugs to Manage Bugs
In this episode of Talkin' After Hours, we delve into the world of integrated pest management (IPM) and the alarming decline of insect populations, referred to by some as the 'insect apocalypse.' Entomologist Dr. Anthony Rice discusses the significant role insects play in ecosystems and agriculture, the detrimental effects of pesticides, especially neonicotinoids, and the importance of finding alternatives to these harmful chemicals. Dr Rice emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to pest management that harnesses the power of beneficial insects and promotes biodiversity. Our conversation also explored the complexities and historical context of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), including the barriers to its adoption among farmers, the influence of consumer demand for chemical-free food, and the practical steps necessary for implementing effective IPM systems. Highlighted was the role of beneficial insects, plant communication in pest defense, and the importance of farmers having a broad understanding of how ecosystems operate. Correction: At 14:17 there is an error in the dialog saying that 50 seeds per ha was a common planting rate and it should have been 50 000. Additional Information: the APVMA is currently reviewing its registration for use for neonicotinoids in Australia. There will be a period for public consultation once they have released their review. It may be a good opportunity for us all to have a say in the future of these chemicals. For a timeline you can see here This podcast forms part of a collaborative project with RegenWA called ‘Make Your Hectares Count’. The project is supported by funding from the Western Australian Government’s State NRM Program and you can find out more about it on the RegenWA website at regenwa.com.
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Talkin' Nutrient Dense Food Production with Dan Kittredge
03/11/2025
Talkin' Nutrient Dense Food Production with Dan Kittredge
In this episode of Talkin' After Hours, the LCDC’s Kate Tarrant and guest host Mark Tupman chat to Dan Kittredge, farmer, educator, and founder of the Bionutrient Association. Dan has become one of the leading proponents of “nutrient density,” with ground breaking research to measure and define food quality, and linking it directly to how it’s grown. Our conversation delves into the significance of nutrient density in food, the challenges of defining it, and the critical role of soil health in achieving high nutritional quality. Dan also shares his journey in sustainable agriculture, the establishment of the Bionutrient Institute, and the ongoing quest to understand and improve nutrient density in food systems. Dan is spreading the word globally, and is currently on an epic world tour, bringing his Certificate-Level Masterclass in Nutrient-Dense Food to Australia and New Zealand this April & May. For more information on Dan and the course head to This podcast forms part of a collaborative project with RegenWA called ‘Make Your Hectares Count’. The project is supported by funding from the Western Australian Government’s State NRM Program and you can find out more about it on the RegenWA website at regenwa.com.
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Talkin' Ferals with Shane Franklin & Les Dunnet
02/25/2025
Talkin' Ferals with Shane Franklin & Les Dunnet
In this episode we chat to trappers Shane Franklin and Les Dunnet. Our conversation delves into the world of feral management management and control, the issues, challenges and what we are doing about it in the Lower Blackwood catchment of the south west of Western Australia. Our discussion highlights the successful outcomes of recent feral pig control projects, the importance of landholder collaboration, and the challenges faced in managing feral cats and foxes.
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Syntropic Farming with Charles Otway and Jasper Harvey
01/28/2025
Syntropic Farming with Charles Otway and Jasper Harvey
In this episode of Talking After Hours, Jo and Kate chat to south west educators, and permaculturalists, Charles Otway and Jasper Harvey. Our conversation explores the principles and practices of syntropic farming, a method that emphasizes biodiversity, succession, and ecological balance. Also discussed are the benefits & challenges of this farming style, including resilience to climate extremes, soil health, and commercial viability, plus some of the resources available for those interested in this innovative approach to agriculture.
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Water on Farms with Lance Mudgway
11/27/2024
Water on Farms with Lance Mudgway
In this Talkin’ After Hours Podcast we chat to Hydrologist Lance Mudgway from the Mulloon Institute on the importance of effective water management in WA's agricultural landscapes, particularly in the context of climate change and land degradation. Our conversation explores the need for a shift towards more natural systems that enhance resilience and productivity and uses the Scott River region in the south west of Western Australia as a case study, highlighting the challenges and potential solutions for sustainable agriculture. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hydrology and Landscape Management 12:04 The Role of the Mulloon Institute 23:58 Surface Water Management in WA 35:48 Case Study: Scott River Region 42:55 Conclusion and Future Directions
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Spring Summer Grazing in a Mediterranean Climate
10/29/2024
Spring Summer Grazing in a Mediterranean Climate
In this episode we chat to agroecologist Mark Tupman and cattle farmer & Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development Technical Officer Eric Dobbe. Our conversation covers the intricacies of grazing management in Mediterranean environments, focusing on the transition of annual pastures from vegetative to reproductive growth in spring. We also explore strategies for maintaining pasture quality, the importance of species selection, and effective livestock management techniques to optimize nutrition and recovery, delving into pasture recovery, stockpiling, and adaptive grazing practices.
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Talkin' Farmers Doing it Differently: Nutritional Wisdom, Shepherding, and Wool with Nan Bray
09/25/2024
Talkin' Farmers Doing it Differently: Nutritional Wisdom, Shepherding, and Wool with Nan Bray
In this episode we chat to Nan Bray of White Gum Wool, located in the highlands of Tasmania. Nan farms a flock of 600 Saxon Merino on 330ha of high country, and with occasional snow in winter, summers reaching up to 35C, and an average of only 550cm of rainfall, it can be challenging. Nan is no ordinary farmer however, about 15 years ago she decided to move away from conventional farming methods and make some radical changes to the way she does things. Her wool growing production system now relies on three main commitments: excellence in nutrition, a conservation land ethic, and thoughtful animal welfare. These commitments are expressed through cherishing the biodiversity of the landscape, a conservative stocking rate and shepherding to link the two. Nan’s journey has not been without challenges, particularly when you want to do it differently - our conversation is a dive into Nan’s motivation, what she has done, and how she has managed to become a sought after supplier of ethical, sustainable & traceable superfine wool, not only supplying to fashion houses internationally, but also running her own yarn business and achieving almost unheard of prices in the process.
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Talkin' Biochar with Professor Stephen Joseph
07/25/2024
Talkin' Biochar with Professor Stephen Joseph
In this Talking After Hours podcast Kate chats to Professor Stephen Joseph about biochar and its applications in renewable energy and agriculture. Biochar is the result of thermal decomposition of biomass in an oxygen-starved environment. It can be made from various feedstocks, including grasses, manures, and wood. Different biochars have different effects on soil and plant growth, and their application rates need to be optimized. Biochar can increase yields, improve water holding capacity, and enhance soil health. Biochar has the potential to improve soil health and agricultural productivity. It can be made from various biomass sources, including woody weeds and crop residues. Biochar can be produced in a trench or using a portable pyrolyzer. It can be mixed with manure or compost to enhance its effectiveness. Biochar can improve water holding capacity, nutrient retention, and microbial activity in sandy soils. It can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and leaching of nutrients like phosphorus. Farmers can purchase biochar from suppliers or make their own using DIY methods like the kontiki technique. Key Takeaways Biochar is the result of thermal decomposition of biomass in an oxygen-starved environment. Different biochars have different effects on soil and plant growth, and their application rates need to be optimized. Biochar can increase yields, improve water holding capacity, and enhance soil health. Biochar can be made from various feedstocks, including grasses, manures, and wood, woody weeds and crop residues. It can be produced in a trench or using a portable pyrolyzer. Mixing biochar with manure or compost can enhance its effectiveness. Biochar improves water holding capacity, nutrient retention, and microbial activity in sandy soils. It can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and leaching of nutrients like phosphorus. Farmers can purchase biochar from suppliers or make their own using DIY methods like the kontiki technique. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Professor Stephen Joseph and his expertise in renewable energy and biochar 02:31 The journey from working as an engineer to becoming a biochar expert 10:21 Understanding what biochar is and its various applications 14:08 The historical use of biochar by Indigenous peoples and its potential benefits in modern agriculture 17:08 Exploring the use of biochar in combination with solar panels to improve farmland 21:37 The different types of biochar and their effects on soil and plant growth 23:50 Optimizing biochar application rates for maximum benefits 29:53 Introduction to Biochar and its Benefits 34:39 Making Biochar: DIY Options and Considerations 40:31 Impact of Biochar on Soil and Plants 42:38 Biochar in Pasture Scenarios 48:22 Biochar and its Relationship to Humic and Fulvic Acids 50:53 Advantages of Biochar in Sandy Soils 53:24 Purchasing Biochar and Determining Quality 57:45 Conclusion and Resources
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Talkin' Regenerative Chickens with Sam & Steph Hondema
06/26/2024
Talkin' Regenerative Chickens with Sam & Steph Hondema
In this episode of Talkin' After Hours we chat to Sam & Steph Hondema of Rosas Ridge based near Margaret River in the South West of Western Australia. These first generation farmers have been building a successful pasture raised chicken enterprise since 2019, with a vision to supply superior meats, both in nutritional density and rich flavour to their customers table whilst at the same time improving the health of their soils & pasture through regenerative practices Like all start ups their journey has not been without challenges, particularly when you want to do it differently from the conventional approach - our conversation is a warts and all dive into how they have managed to become the leading suppliers of pasture raised chicken.
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Leveraging Foliar Nutrition to Boost Fertility with Mark Tupman
04/30/2024
Leveraging Foliar Nutrition to Boost Fertility with Mark Tupman
In this Talkin' After Hours Episode Jo & Kate chat once again to local agroecologist Mark Tupman from Productive Ecology. This time we explore how to get a better band for your buck by including foliar nutrition to complement your soil fertility program.
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Talkin' Dung Beetles with Kathy Dawson & Kylie Cook
03/26/2024
Talkin' Dung Beetles with Kathy Dawson & Kylie Cook
In this month's episode Jo & Kate chat to two southwest WA landcarers who have been very active in working with livestock farmers to get some very handy ecosystem engineers working on their farms. We are talking about Dung Beetles and our local experts are Kathy Dawson from Southern Forests Community Landcare based in Manjimup and Kylie Cook from Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee, based in Denmark. Show notes available via , our online community & information hub.
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Talkin' Plant Diversity & Animal Nutrition with Fred Provenza.
02/29/2024
Talkin' Plant Diversity & Animal Nutrition with Fred Provenza.
In this Talkin After Hours Episode Jo & Kate chat to Fred Provenza, Professor Emeritus, Dept. Wildland Resources, Utah State University. For the past 30 years, Fred and his team have produced ground-breaking research that has laid the foundation for what is now known as behavior-based management of livestock, wildlife and landscapes. This research led to the creation in 2001 of a consortium of scientists and land managers from five continents called BEHAVE (Behavioral Education for Human, Animal, Vegetation and Ecosystem management). Fred has authored 3 books Foraging Behavior: Managing to Survive in a World of Change, The Science of Shepherding: Tapping the Wisdom of French Herder, and most recently published a book on his research titled Nourishment: What Animals Can Teach Us about Rediscovering Our Nutritional Wisdom. Our conversation delves into this fascinating research with a particular focus on the impact of plant diversity on livestock health.
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Talkin' Soil Function & Fertility with Mark Tupman
01/30/2024
Talkin' Soil Function & Fertility with Mark Tupman
In this months podcast Jo & Kate chat with Mark Tupman from Productive Ecology on a topic that is absolutely fundamental to agriculture – that of soil function & fertility. In our conversation we delve into what is actually meant by soil function, why and how it is so critical to soil fertility, and what are the most effective strategies we can implement to build soil fertility.
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Talkin' Nitrogen with Joel Williams
11/30/2023
Talkin' Nitrogen with Joel Williams
In this episode of Talkin’ After Hours Jo & Kate chat to Joel Williams on the hot topic of Nitrogen – how it works in the nutrient cycle and how can we best optimise its use – particularly in grazing systems.
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Talkin' On Farm Bugs & Brews with David Hardwick
10/31/2023
Talkin' On Farm Bugs & Brews with David Hardwick
In this months podcast we chat to agroecologist & partner in rural change management company Soil Land Food, David Hardwick on the hot topic of making your own biofertilisers .David learned the skills of making bugs and brews from the masters at Mas humas and has been passing on that information ever since. In the podcast David shares tips, tricks & recipes to make starter cultures, inoculants, bioferments and biofertilisers.
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Talkin' Ferals in the Frame - with Dr Heather Channon
09/29/2023
Talkin' Ferals in the Frame - with Dr Heather Channon
Feral Pigs are a major pest across a Australia and are in fact wreaking havoc right here in our backyard in the Lower Blackwood Catchment. Here at the LCDC we’ve been working with the Lower Blackwood Vertebrate Pest Management group for a number of years on controlling the local pig population and are coming into our third year of our State NRM funded project ‘Feral Pig Focus – Protecting the Scott Coastal Plain’. In this month's Talkin' Podcast we chat to Dr Heather Channon, the National Feral Pig Management Coordinator for the National Feral Pig Action Plan about the plan and how projects like ours fit in with her work on a National Scale. This podcast is supported by the Western Australian Government's State NRM Program.
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Talkin' Composting for Farms with Mark Tupman
08/23/2023
Talkin' Composting for Farms with Mark Tupman
In this episode Jo & Kate talk to Agroecologist Mark Tupman on all things composting for farms - what the options are, how to make them, and how to best utilise the compost on your farm. This podcast is supported though funding from Soil Wise. Soil Wise is funded by the National Landcare Program Smart Farms Small Grants – an Australian Government initiative. It is supported by Healthy Estuaries WA – a State Government program.
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Driving Plant Health through Nutrition with Grant Sims
07/31/2023
Driving Plant Health through Nutrition with Grant Sims
In this Talkin’ After Hours Podcast Jo & Kate chat once again to Victorian cropper, seed grower & beef farmer Grant Sims. Grant has driven farm health and productivity gains on his farm through adhering to a set of principles that have included the use of multi species cover crops, eliminating the use of 'icides' and largely replacing high input synthetic fertilisers with foliar fed biofertilisers. This is our second podcast with Grant, last time we focused on multispecies cover cropping, this time around we decided to pick his brains on his other passion – and that is driving plant health through nutrition. Listen in, we know you'll enjoy it! This podcast is supported though funding from Soil Wise. Soil Wise is funded by the National Landcare Program Smart Farms Small Grants – an Australian Government initiative. It is supported by Healthy Estuaries WA – a State Government program.
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Biodiverse Pastures - Challenges & Techniques with Jade Killoran
06/29/2023
Biodiverse Pastures - Challenges & Techniques with Jade Killoran
In this Talkin' podcast Jo & Kate chat to Jade Killoran, Victorian independent multispecies cover crop advisor, researcher and founder of Healthy Farming Systems. Although the Victorian climate is slightly different to ours, it is similar enough that so much of what Jade has researched is very applicable in our environment. In this episode we explore with Jade her research and trial findings and what strategies land managers can use to get diverse & perennial plants established in their annual grazing systems. This podcast is delivered in partnership with the Lower South West Growers Group and is supported though funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, the Augusta Margaret River Shire Environmental Management Fund, and Soil Wise. Soil Wise is funded by the National Landcare Program Smart Farms Small Grants – an Australian Government initiative. It is supported by Healthy Estuaries WA – a State Government program.
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A Regenerative Journey with Blythe Calnan
05/29/2023
A Regenerative Journey with Blythe Calnan
In this podcast episode Jo & Kate talk with South West farmer Blythe Calnan about her regenerative journey with her partner Greg Hooper - their motivations, the challenges and the opportunities in running 'Runnymede', a commercial regenerative farm. This podcast is supported by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development as part of a collaboration bringing Dr Christine Jones to Western Australia in February 2023.
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Talkin' Horses, Pastures & Soil with Belinda Taylor
05/25/2023
Talkin' Horses, Pastures & Soil with Belinda Taylor
In this episode Jo & Kate talk with South West equine agronomist Belinda Taylor on horses, pastures & soil - including how to get more diversity into equine systems and what that means for management of your horse or horses. This podcast is supported by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development as part of a collaboration bringing Dr Christine Jones to Western Australia in February 2023.
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Talkin' Soil Secrets with Dr Christine Jones
04/28/2023
Talkin' Soil Secrets with Dr Christine Jones
In this Talkin' episode Jo & Kate talk with internationally renowned soils ecologist Dr Christine on the secrets that make healthy soils tick and the soil as a living system - including a dive into the ‘liquid carbon pathway’ – what it is, why we need it, how to help it and how to avoid hindering it. This podcast is supported by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development as part of a collaboration bringing Dr Christine Jones to Western Australia in February 2023.
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