Regenerative agriculture short course launched

During February and March 2022, a series of severe rain and flooding events severely impacted northern NSW. The effects of flooding were widespread; the dislocation of services affected more than 30 local government areas. Indeed, the disaster is now recognised as the fourth most expensive disaster in the nation’s history, with the total cost now estimated to be over $4 billion.

While the Australian and New South Wales governments committed direct and immediate financial support, Charles Sturt University began working with over 100 agricultural producers in the region to look at ways they could change their enterprises to become more resilient and sustainable in the longer term.

In partnership with the North Coast Landcare Network, we delivered an innovative online short course focused on regenerative agriculture.

Farmers were introduced to various approaches such as the use of cover crops, holistic management, the integration of livestock, and keyline farming as well as ways to improve soil health and increase biodiversity on the farm without affecting the viability of their enterprise.

This short regenerative agriculture course exemplifies how we partner with local organisations to deliver programs to regional communities focused on building their capacity to respond to disasters, implement sustainable farming practices, and be more resilient in the longer term.