Talkin' After Hours with the Lower Blackwood LCDC

How do you turn everything you're hearing about soil health into practical decisions on your own farm?

In this episode of Talkin' After Hours, Jo chats with soil and plant health educator and consultant Joel Williams about moving from soil knowledge to farm strategy.

They explore how to identify what might be limiting your farming system, what soil tests can — and can't — tell you, and why simple observations in the paddock can be just as valuable as numbers on a page. Joel also shares his approach to making small, incremental changes, using simple on-farm trials to test what works, and looking beyond product claims to ask a more useful question: what constraint are you actually trying to address?

It's a practical conversation about making sense of soil and plant health information, building confidence in your own observations, and working out what makes sense for your farm.

In this episode we talk about:

• translating soil health principles into practical on-farm decisions
• simple ways to assess soil health in the paddock
• making sense of soil test results
• identifying limiting factors and deciding what to tackle first
• using small on-farm trials before making bigger changes
• assessing soil and plant health products beyond the marketing
• why observation remains one of a farmer's most useful tools.

Plus: Joel will be joining Lower Blackwood in October for the Talkin' After Hours Masterclass: Your Farm in Focus, where a small group of farmers will have the opportunity to work through their own farm questions, soil and plant test results and practical next steps with Joel.

In this episode of Talkin After Hours Kate chats to agroecologists David Hardwick and Mark Tupman on sustainable land management and introduces a comprehensive online course designed to demystify regenerative practices. Discover what regenerative agriculture truly means, its ecological foundations, and how farmers of all scales can implement its principles.

In this episode we discuss:

• The definition and core principles of regenerative agriculture
• How regenerative farming works with ecological systems to enhance resilience
• The importance of soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem functioning
• Practical practices: soil management, grazing, and horticulture
• The role of ecology in reducing input costs and environmental impact
• Scaling regenerative practices from small farms to large operations
• The evolution of regenerative agriculture from organic and agro-ecology roots
• Th structure and modules of the new online course in regenerative farming
• The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing regenerative systems

Sign up for the course here: https://lowerblackwood.com.au/register/

In this podcast episode we explore a topic that's becoming increasingly important for the future of Australian agriculture: how trees on farms can support grazing livestock, improve productivity, strengthen biodiversity, build climate resilience, and create new opportunities for farmers. To help us unpack this fascinating topic Kate chats to one of Australia's leading voices in agroforestry and farm forestry, Rowan Reid.

Rowan makes the case that, when thoughtfully integrated into grazing systems, trees & shrubs can improve livestock welfare, boost biodiversity, strengthen climate and fire resilience, and even support long-term profitability. With decades of practical experience and research-backed insight, Rowan explains why the best approach is not a one-size-fits-all formula, but a patient, place-based strategy that starts small, builds confidence, and helps farmers create a more productive and resilient landscape for the future.

In this Talkin' After Hours episode Jo & Kate chat to West Australian dairy farmers, Neville and Elaine Haddon. Together with their son Garry, Neville & Elaine run a major dairy operation in Busselton, milking around 1,300 cows and supplying more than 12 million litres of milk to Harvey Fresh every year.

But despite operating at that scale, the Haddons are still asking questions. How do you grow better pasture with fewer inputs? How do you improve soil health while staying productive and profitable? And how do you build resilience into a farming system facing rising costs and increasingly dry seasons?

Their farm in Warner Glen in the Lower Blackwood has become the place where they explore those questions — trialling multi-species pastures, experimenting with perennial systems, protecting creeklines and encouraging biodiversity, all while looking for lessons that could potentially reshape the way they farm back in Busselton.

In our conversation, Neville and Elaine reflect on their remarkable journey — from Neville partnering with his brother to buy his first farm at just 16 years old, through decades of hard work in the dairy industry, to becoming passionate advocates for healthier soils and more resilient farming systems.

Tune in to hear about the pressures facing dairy farmers today, the realities of running a large-scale operation, and why curiosity and a willingness to try things differently still drives them after all these years.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Haddons' Dairy Journey 01:51 Challenges and Motivations in Dairy Farming 05:58 Current Pressures in the Dairy Industry 08:03 Operational Insights from Busselton 10:44 Exploring Regenerative Agriculture Practices 12:27 Innovative Farming Techniques and Sustainability 17:08 The Importance of Soil Health 19:08 Future of Agriculture and Sustainable Practices 23:30 Innovative Weed Control Strategies 26:49 Environmental Stewardship in Farming 28:30 Enhancing Farm Biodiversity 29:59 Soil Health and Crop Establishment 32:15 Grazing Management and Pasture Diversity 36:05 Nutritional Management for Livestock 39:46 Future Vision for Blackwood Springs 42:50 Challenges and Support in Regenerative Agriculture 45:10 Encouragement for New Farmers

In this Talkin' After Hours Podcast we chat to orchardist and Nuffield Scholar Jason Jarvis of Prime Organics. Jason is known for pioneering biological farming techniques that boost soil health and crop nutrition. His expertise in soil microbiology and sustainable practices make this conversation a must-hear for anyone committed to farming that's profitable, planet-friendly, and nutrient-rich.

In the podcast Jason reveals how building healthy, resilient ecosystems leads to nutrient-dense, tastier, and more resilient food, all while reducing reliance on chemicals. His journey from conventional practices to biological farming offers lessons you can apply, whether you're a home gardener or managing a large-scale farm.

You'll hear about the science behind soil microbes and their role in nutrient uptake—why healthy plants are naturally pest and disease resistant. Jason shares practical tactics like soil testing protocols, compost brewing techniques, and the use of biochar and compost extracts to supercharge soil life. We break down the importance of testing, observation, and making data-driven decisions that improve crop health and farm profitability. You'll also hear about how market trends influence farming decisions, the current challenges with imported inputs, and why focusing on biological health is more important than ever amid climate stress and rising fertilizer costs.

Imagine sharp early seedling development, resilient plants, and richer soils—all sparked by a tiny biological boost right at the seed stage. That's the promise of biological planting treatments, a probiotic approach that works with, not against, nature to supercharge your farm's productivity.

In this podcast episode Jo and Kate chat to Regenerative Agriculture Coach Mark Tupman and uncover the science behind biological planting treatments—what they are, how they differ from traditional methods, and why they might be the secret weapon for pasture and livestock farmers as a low-cost way to improve pasture establishment and soil vitality.

This podcast forms part of a collaborative project with RegenWA called 'Make Your Hectare Count'. The project is supported by funding from the Western Australian Government's State NRM Program. This podcast also forms part of the Regenerative Agriculture in Practice Program 2026. This project is supported by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River's Environmental Management fund.

In this podcast episode we chat to Kevin Elmy from Cover Cropping Canada on the science of soil health, revealing how to enhance water storage, carbon sequestration, and biological activity beyond standard tests. Hear about practical strategies like using cover crops and understanding the legacy microbiome effect to boost resilience and crop performance. Kevin also shares actionable insights for farmers and landholders to save money, increase profits, and connect with nature. Tune in to rethink farming as a partnership with nature, unlocking your farm's potential for healthier soils and more sustainable practices.

This podcast forms part of a collaborative project with RegenWA called 'Make Your Hectares Count'. The project is supported by funding from the Western Australian Government's State NRM Program.

In this episode of Talking After Hours, we chat with agricultural scientist Dr Dean Revell. Our conversation explores the why, what, where & how of integrating perennial shrubs into grazing systems, the nutritional benefits for livestock, and the management practices necessary for successful establishment and utilization.

Our conversation also touches on the economic implications of shrub integration, the training of livestock to utilize new forage types, and the potential for carbon farming and biodiversity credits in enhancing farm profitability.

This podcast forms part of a collaborative project with RegenWA called 'Make Your Hectare Count'. The project is supported by funding from the Western Australian Government's State NRM Program.

This podcast also forms part of the Regenerative Agriculture in Project Program 2025. This project is supported through funding from the Shire of Augusta Margaret River's Environmental Management.

In this episode of Talkin' After Hours we chat to David Hardwick, agroecologist and partner at Soil Land Food on getting to the root of your soil issues with the aid of the newly developed Soil HASH tool. Our conversation covers the key functions of healthy soil, the development and purpose of the Soil HASH tool, practical applications for farmers, and the significance of monitoring soil constraints. David emphasizes the need for farmers to understand their soil's condition and the benefits of using the Soil HASH tool for effective soil management.

Key takeaways include:

• Soil health involves physical, biological, and biochemical properties.
• Understanding soil constraints is crucial for productivity.
• Regular monitoring can lead to better soil management decisions.
• Regular monitoring can lead to better soil management decisions.
• Soil HASH helps farmers identify soil constraints and monitor soil health effectively.
• Soil HASH is designed to be user-friendly for farmers.
• The Soil HASH tool is open source and adaptable.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Soil Health and the Soil HASH Tool 04:55 Understanding Soil Health: Key Functions and Indicators 09:47 The Development and Purpose of the Soil HASH Tool 14:59 Core Indicators of Soil Health 19:40 Diagnosing Soil Constraints and Tracking Improvements 23:53 Understanding Soil Composition and Health 29:49 Tools for Soil Monitoring 33:19 Identifying Soil Constraints 38:00 Using Soil HASH for Diagnosis 43:08 The Future of Soil Health Monitoring

The Soil HASH tool can be accessed at www.soilskills.net.au

This podcast forms part of a collaborative project with RegenWA called 'Make Your Hectare Count'. The project is supported by funding from the Western Australian Government's State NRM Program (State Natural Resource Management Program)

This podcast also forms part of the Regenerative Agriculture in Project Program 2025. This project is supported through funding from the Shire of Augusta Margaret River's Environmental Management Fund.

In this podcast episode, we explore the importance of trees in farming, focusing on windbreaks and shelter belts. South West forester Bob Hingston shares his extensive knowledge on tree planting, site preparation, and the benefits of agroforestry. He discusses the planning process, common mistakes, and the significance of choosing the right species for effective windbreaks. The conversation also highlights the role of trees in creating wildlife corridors and the necessary post-planting maintenance to ensure tree survival.

Some key takeaways from the podcast include:

• Windbreaks can significantly reduce wind speed and improve farm productivity.
• Effective planning is crucial for successful tree planting.
• Site preparation and weed control are essential for tree survival.
• Choosing the right tree species is vital for achieving desired outcomes.
• Windbreaks can help remediate water logging in paddocks.
• Creating wildlife corridors can enhance biodiversity on farms.
• Post-planting maintenance is necessary to manage pests and ensure tree health.
• Farmers should consider their long-term objectives when planting trees.

For further information on this topic go to:

Windbreak Design & Management - Bob Hingston

For The Love Of Trees Podcast - with Rowan Reid

This podcast forms part of a collaborative project with RegenWA called 'Make Your Hectare Count'. The project is supported by funding from the Western Australian Government's State NRM Program.

This podcast also forms part of the Regenerative Agriculture in Project Program 2025. This project is supported through funding from the Shire of Augusta Margaret River's Environmental Management.