Changing practices
Bruce Ward, from Clunes NSW, has committed to changing several practices on his farm to align with regenerative agriculture principles. He has introduced winter multicrop techniques and improved his rotational grazing practices. These changes were inspired by observing the successful implementations of these strategies by others, demonstrating the value of peer influence and shared knowledge in driving agricultural innovation.
Bruce has an impressive and comprehensive knowledge base regarding various aspects of regenerative agriculture. He rates his understanding of regenerative agriculture practices and principles, as well as strategies to maintain ground cover to minimise erosion and soil loss, at the highest level. Additionally, he is well-versed in new cropping techniques such as multi-species cover cropping, the role of soil carbon in maintaining soil health, and the impacts of set stocking and rotational grazing.
Bruce’s expertise extends to understanding the effects of artificial fertiliser application on native grasses and waterways, the benefits of increasing species diversity, and the processes leading to soil structure decline in his area. He also possesses detailed knowledge about supporting a mix of improved and native grasses, the biological activities in soils on his property, and the production benefits of applying biological soil supplements. Furthermore, he is knowledgeable about time-controlled and holistic grazing strategies, self-herding, and stress-free stockmanship.
Bruce’s understanding of the impacts of constructing landscape interventions, such as leaky weirs, to slow water flow, as well as the effects of stock on waterways health and native vegetation, is robust. Ward is equally informed about the role of remnant vegetation in supporting the natural ecosystem, building soil organic matter, and the benefits of natural biological cycles and nutrient transfer. His knowledge of the extent and type of biological activity in his soils, the benefits of stubble retention, and cover cropping rounds out his extensive expertise in regenerative agriculture.
