Ata Regenerative recently conducted a two-day workshop introducing attendees to Holistic Management, the concept of a Regenerative System, and the details of Ecological Outcome Verification (EOV).
The Kaipara Regenerative Farming Group and Northland Diversity organised the event in Waipu, Northland, which was well attended by around 70 farmers. Representatives from Quorum Sense and Fonterra also joined.
Photo credits: Mark Lapwood.
Understanding the current context for NZ farmers
Following a warm welcome and social time, I explored the context facing New Zealand farmers today, focusing on macro geopolitical, resource, and social trends affecting them.
NZ Inc. does not operate in a vacuum but within the constraints and opportunities created by the wider global system. These have a direct impact on the decisions NZ farmers make regarding their own enterprises.
In a world of rising costs, flat prices, increased credit costs, and regulatory pressure, NZ farming businesses are really feeling the strain.
I believe there has never been a better time to reevaluate the farming business while considering these pressures. We can create an enterprise that better serves the health of the farmer, the farm—including the plants, animals, soils, and natural systems that support it—and the consumers who benefit from farm produce.
Rethinking farm management through regenerative agriculture
I also advocated for redesigning the farm enterprise through the lens of regenerative agriculture principles. I described this as increasing the regenerative potential and health of the system to support all those who depend on it rather than continuing to maintain a high input extractive system of production that is not regenerative.
Deep dive into EOV with Dr Hugh Jellie
After I had described the context, Dr Hugh Jellie unpacked EOV and its application. Hugh has a vast (40+ year) background as a veterinarian specialising in ruminant nutrition, and this experience was evident as Hugh took the group through not only the EOV indicators of ecological health but also the impact on soil, animal and human health by adopting a more natural systems approach to farming.
The session was punctuated by a practical visit to Simon Couper’s farm to examine variations in EOV indicators at flat and rolling hill sites. The audience was engaged, and numerous questions prompted the opportunity for many discussions in the relatively informal workshop setting. At the conclusion of the day, many stayed on for dinner and drinks at a local restaurant, where conversation carried on into the night.
You can watch Simon Couper’s presentation at the Waipu Field Day here.
Day two: Unpacking the Ecological Health Index (EHI) and Practical Applications
After a brief recap of Day One, Hugh led the group deeper into how the Ecological Health Index (EHI) was derived for each farm. We again headed out to Simon’s farm to dig some holes and run through the indicators Hugh had covered earlier.
Once again, there was engaged questioning and lively discussion about the meaning and application of the EOV indicators. The group was fortunate to have compost expert Steve Erickson from Chaos Springs present, and he led a short discussion on the benefits of making compost (in this case, from a wintering barn) and applying it to pasture.
Moving forward with regenerative farming in the north
Overall, the two days were a great success, with great engagement from farmers. Frequently, questioning led to meaningful discussions, and the feedback received was overwhelmingly positive.
Ata Regenerative intends to introduce EOV to an initial group of ten or so farmers in the North as a base from which to grow and, therefore, increase regenerating farmland under management to provide overall increases in system health. With the assistance of local leaders, the Waipu regenerative workshop and field day have certainly provided this opportunity.
Thank you to those who attended this well-received event.
Are you interested in transitioning your farm to regenerative practices? Contact Ata Regenerative today to learn how you can positively impact your farm’s health and productivity.
