Talkin' After Hours with the Lower Blackwood LCDC

In this episode, Jo and Kate are joined by Mark Tupman from Productive Ecology. For over two decades Mark has been active in the fields of organic/biodynamic production, permaculture, sustainability, agro-ecology and holistic management and in between times managed an orchard, animals and food gardens on his own property. In this conversation, Mark shares some of his extensive knowledge on the interplay between the soil environment, soil biology and nutrient availability.

In this episode, Jo and Kate are joined by Michelle McManus from Southampton Homestead in Balingup. Michelle, together with her husband Jeff Pow, run WA's first pasture-raised poultry farm. Michelle and Jeff manage their poultry as part of a planned grazing program, following a small herd of cows and moved every day onto fresh, biodiverse and mostly perennial pasture. The birds are harvested by hand in their on-farm poultry micro-abattoir. In this conversation, Jo and Kate take a closer look at the ins and outs of direct marketing farm produce.

In this episode, Jo and Kate are joined by agroecologist & partner in the rural change management company Soil Land Food, David Hardwick. With over 20 years' experience in rural landscapes, farming and food systems, David & his company have developed and delivered many extension projects that focus on providing farmers with the knowledge & skills they need to move towards a more regenerative, ecological future. In this conversation, Jo and Kate take a closer look into the topic of landscape function and the key elements to consider when planning a regenerative farming enterprise.

In this episode, Jo and Kate are joined by local South West viticulturalist & regenerative agriculture management specialist Matt Dermody. Matt began working in the vineyards from the age of 17 & over the last 20 years Matt has amassed a wealth of knowledge and skills through work & travel in the viticulture business, also completing a Bachelor in Agribusiness along the way. More recently Matt has developed a strong passion to focus on studying and implementing regenerative agricultural methods. In this conversation, Jo and Kate delve into Matt's extensive experience in planning for biodiversity in a farming operation.

In this episode, Jo and Kate are joined by internationally renowned agro-ecologist, educator & systems thinker Nicole Masters. Nicole has spent over 20 years working throughout Australasia & North America, coaching, consulting & advising producers on the approaches, tools & thinking required to build soil & ecosystem health, food quality & profitability. Nicole has recently added 'author' to her list of accomplishments, publishing her first book "For the Love of Soil" last year. In this conversation Jo, Kate and Nicole chat all things soil compaction.

In this episode, Jo and Kate are joined by internationally renowned and highly respected groundcover and soils ecologist Dr Christine Jones. Christine has a wealth of experience working with innovative landholders to implement regenerative land management practices that enhance biodiversity, increase biological activity, sequester carbon, activate soil nutrient cycles, restore water balance, improve productivity and create new topsoil. In her long career Christine has published more than 50 scientific papers on soil science, and has organised and participated in workshops, field days, seminars and conferences throughout Australia, and around the world. www.lowerblackwood.com.au Don't forget to subscribe to the show!

In this episode, Jo and Kate are joined by the founder and owner of Soil Dynamics, Anthony Quinlan to share his view on the issues, challenges & rewards of developing a closed loop farm system and discuss the keys steps for getting started. Through his business Soil Dynamics, Anthony performs land capability assessments and consults to many organic growers, from vineyards to vegetables. He has also been making compost for over 20 years and was a pioneer in the development of compost extracts. In recent years, Anthony has developed a range of bio-stimulant based fertiliser products and a custom blending facility that produces prescription mineral blends for individual client needs. www.lowerblackwood.com.au Don't forget to subscribe to the show!

In this episode, Jo and Kate are joined by Agronomist and Western Dairy Dairycare project officer Dan Parnell to explore what the key factors are in establishing a perennial pasture in our climate, & what is required for ongoing successful perennial pasture management. Dan operates his own South West agronomy business Agsure where he works with farmers on their pasture and soil management and his role with Western Dairy sees him delivering the Feeding Pastures for profit workshops, supporting the dairy farm monitor program and also working on effluent system improvements that deliver on-farm benefits as well as improved water quality outcomes. www.lowerblackwood.com.au Don't forget to subscribe to the show!

In this episode, Jo and Kate talk to consultant Graeme Hand and focus on a key element of Regen Ag which is Regenerative Grazing Management, a structured way of using animals to regenerate pasture, improve soil health and soil carbon storage of soils. The LCDC were able to bring Graeme over from beautiful Tasmania to run a workshop for their farmers and undertake some individual farm consults to assist them in developing their own regenerative grazing program. www.lowerblackwood.com.au Don't forget to subscribe to the show!