Kia ora Subscriber First Name,

Say hello to the May newsletter from Quorum Sense.

This month features the details of the 2023 Quorum Exchange (North and South) events, podcast xx and information about an upcoming field day in Kaipara

ANNOUNCING: Quorum Exchanges 2023

WHY: Connecting - People - Soil - Plants - Animals - People - Creating Connections

WHO: for farmers, growers, interested others

These one-day events are great opportunities to grow connections with other people and help build our regenerative community here in Aotearoa New Zealand. The days will include presentations, a farm visit, Q&A session and a chance to talk over lunch and dinner.

Thursday 22 June - Feilding, Manawatū, North Island

Wednesday 28 June - Darfield, Canterbury, South Island

For more information, click the button to go to the registration page

Awhitu Peninsula Field Day report

We had a great field day on the Awhitu Peninsula on 12 May with 30 attendees, mostly farmers interested in how to prevent erosion on their vulnerable soils. It was an opportunity to hear about how good soil health contributes to water resilience and water quality

We were joined by the local kaumatua George Flavell who had committed much of the last 50 years highlighting the environmental vulnerabilities of the area and protecting the local environment. After a welcome on to the site, he gave a fascinating insight into the cultural significance of the area and how the local hāpu used the land.

We were very impressed by the farmer hosts Mark and Emilie Muir and their passion for protecting their land in their role as temporary guardians. Thanks to our partners Auckland Council’s Healthy Water Team for making the day a real success.

Podcast #30 - ‘Boots and all’ with Cherryle Prew

Cherryle Prew’s journey progressed from city office worker through organic horticulture to BioGro auditing. But her “aha!” moment and passion for soil biology was born during a talk by Elaine Ingham, founder of Soil Food Web worldwide.

Boots and all, Cherryle set up NZ’s only Soil Food Web lab 20 years ago.

From discussing compost teas, to the need for auditing and regulation being more educational and less ‘stick’, to commentary on past and present ways of growing food, this is a ‘grab a cup of tea, a biscuit, and tell a few stories’ kind of conversation.

Avalon Genetics seeking experienced shepherd / head shepherd (West Otago)

We are looking for an experienced shepherd or head shepherd who is ready to take the next step in their farming career,to join our team

Avalon is a 800 ha sheep and beef property situated 7km from Heriot in West Otago running 7500 su consisting of 4,000 Ultimate ewes and 130 Angus cows plus replacements. Included in the sheep numbers is a 450 ewe recorded stud flock with Ultimate ,Texel and fine wool breeds.

Events

Our events page features field days, workshops and conferences with a regen focus or aspect from around the country.

• Kaipara - Next Level Grazing Field Day, Thursday, 6 July 10am-2pm in Matakana. Hosted by Kaipara Regenerative Farming Group supported by Quorum Sense with guest speaker Siobhan Griffin Register here - FREE

For more details of these events and others, go to: https://www.quorumsense.org.nz/network-events

Please contact us if you have an event, field day or workshop you would like publicised or if you would like to organise something local with our support.

Ngā mihi,

The Quorum Sense Extension Team