The Andersons have transitioned to a regenerative approach over the last 5 years, focusing on key regenerative principles to move away from synthetic fertilisers and toward a more biological system.

The Whitings were drawn to regenerative farming after the collapse of the conventional approach on their farm: pastures not persistent, significant re-sowing of pastures each year (approx. 30%), soil becoming compacted and increasing fert use.

They describe their farming system as rejuvenated.

The motivation for Willie to transition to regen organic dairying was the economics. The philosophy then takes care of itself. He could see for himself and being able to envision that this was the answer to all the challenges facing the wider dairy industry, whether they be economic, environmental or social.

Whilst Sam and Pete are responsible for the day to day running of the farm, this is a family affair with parents Sam Senior and Carol plus wives Belinda and Bonnie also involved.

The trigger for shifting to regenerative farming was Murray Goulburn dropping the milk price 20% in 2016 plus the claw back, and then there was exposure to new educators.

The Leggs were drawn to regenerative farming as it fitted with previous generations’ farming ethos, philosophies and values. It made sense to them. They have been building on the solid foundations established by those previous generations and undertaking a range of different farming practices.

This is a third generation family farm that has been in the family for 84 years. 

It is managed as regenerative-organic. The shift to regenerative farming was driven by a wish to simplify the farming system. In comparison to the previous conventional system this is a more profitable, less complicated system.

In the family for 4 generations, Kenneth & Rachel have run the farm for the past 20 years. Having just brought on contract milkers, they will both continue doing certain roles around the farm, with plans to plant and maintain many more trees.

Peter and Kate farm on the deep alluvial floodplain soils of the Macalister River in Gippsland. The farm is irrigated with 600mm average annual rainfall and approx. 40 frosts per year.

Their home property at Newry is where they milk 320 cows

Melissa Scarlett and Deane Parker and have been operating Melissa’s family farm at Hororata for 12 years, currently as 50/50 sharemilkers.

The farm is a self contained (excluding bought in hay and baleage) low input dairy farm with an emphasis on soil health through a focus of biological and regenerative practices.

Simon Schulz is third generation on the farm which was established in 1972 (53 years). It has been organic since the very beginning with a farm cheese factory built in 1984.

They describe their system as regenerative organic with a key focus on biodiversity in pasture species but also in shelterbelts. They have other diverse income streams such as branded meat sales, honey production and of course on farm dairy products.

Russ and Charlotte have owned their farm since 2013. They had come to a point in their business where something had to change as they were just treading water running a conventional system.

The thing that has most surprised them throughout their transition was just how quickly things started to turn around after making changes

It all begins with an idea.

It all begins with an idea.