Missed it? You can watch some highlights from the day by clicking the below link
Media Release:
A day of innovation, inspiration, and local produce - 15th October 2020
Western Murray Land Improvement Group (WMLIG) held the first of its two planned forums as part of the Wakool Irrigation District Agri-Innovation Program at the Moulamein Bowling Club, recently. Facilitated by Regionality, the event was funded by the Australian Government as part of the Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program.
More than 70 people, ranging from local landholders and producers to business owners and agriculture teachers attended the all-day event to hear a line-up of innovative and thought-provoking speakers on the theme of innovative farming practices. It was a day of inspiration, sparking conversations, providing networking opportunities and showcasing a menu featuring some of the region’s best produce.
Farmer, and author of award-winning book, Dark Emu, Bruce Pascoe provided insights into traditional indigenous farming methods, native plant and grass species and a practical guide on the benefits of implementing controlled change. He also spoke personally of the significance and importance of intergeneration farming.
Goterra CEO Olympia Yarger discussed rising to the challenge of reducing waste in agriculture through producing alternative high-protein insect-based feed for stock. Rich Glen Olive Estate farmers Rosalind and Daimien Vodusek highlighted the power of value adding, sharing their first-hand experience of how to pivot and think outside the square in times of adversity. Moorlands Lamb biodynamic farmer Vince Heffernan spoke about the inevitable challenges, as well as the successes, of cutting out the middleman when implementing a direct-to-market approach.
Accountable Agriculture Australia’s Craig Carter provided insights into the diversity of plant species, and the correlation between below ground biology and plant and soil health, and stocking to land capability. Rochester Farmer and Down Under Covers business owner Grant Sims discussed finding the root causes of issues when it comes to diseases and pests, as well as the challenge of water management in a low rainfall environment. A common theme for all speakers was maintaining ground cover and protecting topsoil and the importance of soil biology for plant health.
A day of innovation, inspiration, and local produce - 15th October 2020
Western Murray Land Improvement Group (WMLIG) held the first of its two planned forums as part of the Wakool Irrigation District Agri-Innovation Program at the Moulamein Bowling Club, recently. Facilitated by Regionality, the event was funded by the Australian Government as part of the Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program.
More than 70 people, ranging from local landholders and producers to business owners and agriculture teachers attended the all-day event to hear a line-up of innovative and thought-provoking speakers on the theme of innovative farming practices. It was a day of inspiration, sparking conversations, providing networking opportunities and showcasing a menu featuring some of the region’s best produce.
Farmer, and author of award-winning book, Dark Emu, Bruce Pascoe provided insights into traditional indigenous farming methods, native plant and grass species and a practical guide on the benefits of implementing controlled change. He also spoke personally of the significance and importance of intergeneration farming.
Goterra CEO Olympia Yarger discussed rising to the challenge of reducing waste in agriculture through producing alternative high-protein insect-based feed for stock. Rich Glen Olive Estate farmers Rosalind and Daimien Vodusek highlighted the power of value adding, sharing their first-hand experience of how to pivot and think outside the square in times of adversity. Moorlands Lamb biodynamic farmer Vince Heffernan spoke about the inevitable challenges, as well as the successes, of cutting out the middleman when implementing a direct-to-market approach.
Accountable Agriculture Australia’s Craig Carter provided insights into the diversity of plant species, and the correlation between below ground biology and plant and soil health, and stocking to land capability. Rochester Farmer and Down Under Covers business owner Grant Sims discussed finding the root causes of issues when it comes to diseases and pests, as well as the challenge of water management in a low rainfall environment. A common theme for all speakers was maintaining ground cover and protecting topsoil and the importance of soil biology for plant health.
The general consensus regarding the forum was extremely positive.
Tom Smith, whose company was a finalist in the Victorian Innovation and Sustainability awards, said that he was impressed by the speakers at the Wakool [Agri-] Innovation forum.
“The selection of speakers gave different angles to the same subject which is imperative when researching for the best options for your scenario,” he said.
Bunnaloo landholder and farmer Graeme Dick thought the day was absolutely sensational.
“Six speakers delivered powerhouse presentations of inspiring, innovative, stimulating, refreshing and uplifting information,” he said.
WMLIG Executive Officer Roger Knight was impressed by the forum which gave participants a chance to think outside the square.“The forum was an opportunity to challenge our perspectives, and open dialogues strengthening our community's capacity to address change and remain resilient,” he said.
The Wakool Agri-Innovation program is a project undertaken by the WMLIG, designed to assist farmers and businesses in the region to explore opportunities to innovate, diversify or value add to their current business.
For more information about the Wakool Agri-innovation Forum and how you can get involved with the Business Development Program, please contact leigh.fletcher@wmlig.org or call 03 5453 1577.
Article published 29th October 2020 in The Bridge. Photography by Zowie Crump of The Art of Zowie Photography.
Tom Smith, whose company was a finalist in the Victorian Innovation and Sustainability awards, said that he was impressed by the speakers at the Wakool [Agri-] Innovation forum.
“The selection of speakers gave different angles to the same subject which is imperative when researching for the best options for your scenario,” he said.
Bunnaloo landholder and farmer Graeme Dick thought the day was absolutely sensational.
“Six speakers delivered powerhouse presentations of inspiring, innovative, stimulating, refreshing and uplifting information,” he said.
WMLIG Executive Officer Roger Knight was impressed by the forum which gave participants a chance to think outside the square.“The forum was an opportunity to challenge our perspectives, and open dialogues strengthening our community's capacity to address change and remain resilient,” he said.
The Wakool Agri-Innovation program is a project undertaken by the WMLIG, designed to assist farmers and businesses in the region to explore opportunities to innovate, diversify or value add to their current business.
For more information about the Wakool Agri-innovation Forum and how you can get involved with the Business Development Program, please contact leigh.fletcher@wmlig.org or call 03 5453 1577.
Article published 29th October 2020 in The Bridge. Photography by Zowie Crump of The Art of Zowie Photography.
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