An opportunity to think outside the square, challenge our perspectives, and open dialogues

On the 15th of October 2020, the first of two Agri-Innovation Forums was held at the Moulamein Bowling Club. This event was held as a part of the Wakool Agri-Innovation Program, undertaken by WMLIG to assist local area farmers and businesses to explore diversification opportunities, innovate, and value-add to their existing businesses. The event was facilitated by Regionality and funded by the Australian Government as part of the Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program.

With over 70 attendees, the all-day event hosted a line-up of innovative and thought-provoking speakers on the theme of innovative farming practices. The forum also showcased a menu of some of the area's best local produce. 

Keynote speaker, farmer, and award-winning author Bruce Pascoe provided insights into traditional indigenous farming methods, native plant and grass species, and the significance of intergenerational farming. 

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Keynote speaker Bruce Pascoe delivering a presentation on Aboriginal Australian farming methods, intergenerational farming, and native plant and grass species.

Olympia Yarger delivering a presentation on waste reduction in Agriculture.

Photography by Zowie Crump.

The art of Zowie Photography

Olympia Yarger from Goterra spoke about rising to the challenge of reducing waste in agriculture and how this can be done by producing alternative high-protein insect-based feed for stock. Ros and Daimien Vodusek from Rich Glen Olive Estate highlighted the power of value adding. They shared their first-hand experience of how to pivot and think outside the square in times of adversity. Vince Heffernan from Moorlands Biodynamic Lamb spoke about implementing a direct-to-market approach, the inevitable challenges as well as the successes of cutting out the middleman.
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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 spoke about the importance of finding the root causes of issues when it comes to diseases and pests, as well as the challenge water management in low rain fall environment.

​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.

Resources

Media Release

Wakool Agri-Innovation Program

Speakers

The following buttons will link you to either a speaker profile, or the speakers' business page if a profile was not available.

Olympia Yarger

Bruce Pascoe

Craig Carter

Grant Sims

Vince Heffernan

Ros and Daimien Vodusek

Video highlights

​Catch up with some of these highlights below from our guest speakers of the day. 

Ros Vodusek from Rich Glen Olive Estate on how to approach the legalities when setting up a manufactured product"Be brave, come up with it [the concept and do it. We google everything"

Craig Carter from Upper Mooki Rehydration Project on approaching drought " It goes back to that vision. Have a plan. Now is when we should be planning for that next drought."

Bruce Pascoe, renowned author and farmer on what inspires him to get out of bed every morning. His dogs, the sun, the earth and his acknowledgement of life itself.

Grant Sims, regenerative farmer from North central Victoria shares his insights into how to control weeds in companion crops and provides a real-life of example of his practices. PART 1

Grant Sims, regenerative farmer from North central Victoria shares his insights into how to control weeds in companion crops and provides a real-life of example of his practices. PART 2

Event Partners:

This event was a WMLIG initiative, facilitated by Regionality and made possible through funding from the Australian Government as part of the Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program.