From the field...

Kia ora <<First Name>>,

Welcome to the Quorum Sense Newsletter for August 2022. Let's dive in...

2022 Arable Awards of New Zealand

Congratulations to Dave Birkett who has been honoured in the inaugural 2022 Arable Awards of New Zealand as the Arable Farmer of the Year. Dave is a vital part of the QS arable case study and an inspiration to those focusing on improving soil health and decreasing synthetic inputs as well as a founding member of QS.
https://www.quorumsense.org.nz/.../regenerative-arable...

Congratulations also to Angela Clifford was awarded the title of 2022 Food Champion; she has featured in a QS webinar
https://www.quorumsense.org.nz/.../angela-clifford...
Also to Simon Osborne for runner-up in the Environment & Sustainability Award. He is one of our founding members.
https://www.quorumsense.org.nz/.../20-post-harvest-debrief

Great recognition to farmers and those aligned with regenerative farming. While smaller arable awards have been previously held by single organisations, last night's event was the inaugural combined ceremony and was backed by Federated Farmers, the Foundation for Arable Research, United Wheatgrowers and the Grain & Seed Trade Association in a great display of sector collaboration.

Podcast release this month

Michael Reilly shares the ups and downs of his journey from Sydney suburbia to Hawkes Bay regenerative farmer, and what's changed along the way. (episode #19)

Webinar: a biological approach to growing healthy crops

We had the pleasure of hosting Tim Parton, a leading biological arable farmer in the UK who gave a fully interactive presentation about his journey from conventional agronomy to a biological approach, and what that looks like in a practical sense on his cropping farm.

Although the webinar has been, you are able to view the recording at this link 

Regional Group Support

Sue Cumberworth recently joined us to better support farmer groups, and individuals wanting to establish groups, gather and share practical knowledge and ideas about regenerative farming systems/practice.

Sue says,  “I’ve seen the benefits for farmers working together in groups go far beyond their increase in technical and practical knowledge and skills. By sharing with other group members, farmers often gain a lot of confidence to make changes and try new ideas when they see that they’re not alone in their uncertainties and challenges. I see farmers develop their decision-making skills, their confidence and their general well-being by knowing they have the support of others to bounce ideas around with.”

During our recent work with the Regenerate South group, we fine-tuned the support we can offer to regional groups around the country. This includes activity/event organisation, facilitation, mentoring, resources, promotion, registration and evaluation as well as a financial contribution.

Events open to the public can be added to the QS calendar so that farmers can participate in activities locally and around the country.
 
Group facilitators have asked for help with their facilitation skills, resources and networks, so we’ll be offering training and support to them individually and as a group so they can learn from and support each other.
 
For further information contact sue@quorumsense.org.nz

QS New Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson

Nigel Greenwood is stepping down after nearly three years as Chair and will be a hard act to follow. As of 1st September, our Board will be led by Becks Smith who has been a mixed practice vet in Ranfurly, Central Otago for 12 years where she and her husband Jason also farm on their 700ha sheep, beef cattle and deer farm, Willowglen.

Becks will be supported by Michelle Barry in the new role of Vice-Chairperson; she works for the Bragato Research Institute which drives innovation in the NZ wine industry.

Finally, some insight into the QS team's own regenerative goings-on: