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Late March news

Hello everyone.

Sorry this newsletter is later in the month than normal, but of course there is a very good reason! apart from me being slack. 

I wanted to give you a date for the rescheduled Carbon farming and regenerative agriculture workshop and farm walk. 

We will be holding it on the weekend of the 22st of April which is not too far away. Regenerative agriculture is something that all farmers should be aware of. Not only as a means of increasing farm productivity and biodiversity on our farms, but also a part of our social licence to continue to do what we do without punitive legislation and barriers to trade. Carbon markets are definitely a thing that is here to play an important role in the transition to a low carbon economy. We should be aware and able to take advantage of any opportunity. See below for details. 

Memberships are (over)due now!

Remember how we said we were going to use the membership portal because it was automated and easier for all of us???

Seems it isn’t. 

You were supposed to be sent an automated email when your dues were due, and that didn’t happen. When Meryl and I tried to send the reminders manually - none of you got them either. Meryl and I didn’t get them, so we knew we had a problem. We asked them to fix it, although we have not heard back from them. 

So.

Please log onto the portal and pay your yearly membership which is $20 for the year. https://landcare.wgcma.vic.gov.au/dashboard 

If you have trouble (likely) please phone me and we will sort it out together. 

All of last year’s financial members have been entered into the portal database, and previously you should have been sent an email to set your password. If this didn’t happen, or if you have forgotten yours, or you have changed your email or any other thing, please get in contact with us. You can also direct credit our bank account just the same as previous years, or pay cash. We do not care, whatever works for you. Just let us know by email. BTW our bank account details are BSB 633 000 ACC Number 109565267. Use your name as reference. (Jill’s phone 0419 382379 Always leave a message as I don’t often answer if you are not in my contact list. You know why.)

Rescheduled workshop 22/4/2023

On Saturday starting at 10.00am in Nerrena, we will be having a workshop hosted by Deane Belfield from Regenerative Farmers Australia, who will deliver a one day workshop. This workshop will deliver an overview of Regenerative Agriculture and its relevance to Australian farmers.

Covering such a large topic in just a few hours is a big ask, but hopefully the workshop will introduce regenerative agriculture to those that have heard about it, or want to explore it as a management system for their own property. By looking at case studies we will explore the ways that local landholders can get started. This will be an interactive discussion that uses the attendees goals and aspirations for their own properties and comes up with usable pathways for action. For those folk that are already practicing regenerative agriculture (whether that is what you label it or not), the workshop will give them the chance to refine the management of their properties.

Over a provided bbq lunch, the discussions are bound to be interesting.

In the afternoon we will be talking about carbon farming, what is it, commercial potential, supported by some case studies to offer examples and context. Deane will introduce some soil carbon projects and discuss how you might get involved.

Deane will discuss options going forward (individually and as a group) and look at relevant funding streams.

Friends of the Meeniyan Rec Reserve Bush

If you are interested in joining our Friends group our April working bees are on the second Tuesday 11 April 10 am and last Sunday 30 April at 10 am.

Followed by coffee at one of Meeniyan’s cafes.

We meet in the carpark behind the Meeniyan Football Club rooms.

Look forward to seeing anyone interested in joining our group and helping in removing Pittosporum, holly and other weeds from the Recreation Reserve Bush.

If you would like further information please contact Robert on 0401 839 229