Regen Farming: System or Outcome?

I’ve been involved in the regen farming space for quite some time now, and when I first named my business Re-Gen Farming, I had never even heard of the phrase before. Back then, it was all about biological farming or natural farming. But for me, regen farming is so much more than just a system – it’s an outcome.

My goal with Re-Gen Farming has always been to regenerate not only farming soils but also farming families and communities. To me, true regeneration means that all three of these aspects are moving forward, even if it’s just in small increments. It’s about seeing progress and positive change across the board.

When we see regen farming as an outcome rather than a rigid system, our options expand exponentially. We’re not limited to a fixed set of tools like grazing or compost teas (although those can certainly be valuable). Instead, we have the freedom to explore different approaches and use whatever tools are most effective at any given time.

Unfortunately, I sometimes come across individuals who criticise others for not adhering strictly to their own preferred methods. It reminds me of conversations with agronomists from years ago when there was only one “right” way of doing things. We must avoid falling into this closed-minded mindset within the regen community because we should be here to support each other on this journey.

In Australia on average, a farmer takes their own life every ten days. This statistic is far too high, we need to ensure the regen community continues to one of a supportive nature where we listen to each other’s ideas and strategies, mould them or tweak to fit into our own system and most importantly encourage each other.

For me personally, bringing all farmers along on the regen journey means meeting them where they currently stand in their practices. If they still need fertilisers and herbicides right now, that’s where we start. Even by reducing fertiliser use by 20-30% and stimulating native Indigenous Microorganisms (IMO’s) it is a great step forward, that’s perfectly fine by me because every step towards soil health matters.

I’ve witnessed firsthand how even making small changes like reducing damaging inputs can lead to significant improvements in soil health over time. Water infiltration gets better; gas exchange starts working properly; suddenly less urea is needed; fungicides and insecticides

become unnecessary after a couple of years! These wins build confidence, and farmers become more open to experimenting with cover crops and further reducing chemical use.

I cannot express how incredible it feels to be in the middle of a paddock with a 65-year-old farmer who is dancing because they’ve just spotted the first earthworm on their property in three decades. That moment of joy reduces stress, brings happiness to the family unit, and keeps the kids from yearning for city life. All of a sudden, the family has a more disposable income to spend in the community and everyone benefits.

So, let’s shift our perspective on regen farming – see it not just as a system but primarily as an outcome. This mindset will unlock countless opportunities for us and the entire agriculture community. Let’s support one another, celebrate every step forward, and together create a future where regenerative practices flourish.