Snapshot of practice changes:
Thinking more in the long term and creating a farm plan.
What made you change?
‘Discussing it with the group and having a clearer mind on the direction I need to go.’
Making and using bio-stimulants and compost teas.
What made you change?
‘I had tried before but the work shop with David really gave me a recipe book and the skills to do it better.’
Planting more biodiversity on the farm.
What made you change?
‘Wanting to be less chemical dependent, wanting to increase yield wanting to improve the health of our water ways and not have a negative impact on the environment. ‘
Valuable information for farmers
Through the RAMP workbook, and advice provided by their mentor and fellow farmers, this participant was able to learn more about:
- The role of on-farm biodiversity for supporting soil and landscape health.
- The role of soil carbon in maintaining soil health.
Experience on the RAMP
When asked what they enjoyed most about the program, the participant noted ‘the face to face weekend’ and ‘the community formed’.
When asked ‘if you were going to share some advice to someone who is about to begin the RAMP program, what would it be?’ the participant gave the advice that future mentees need to:
‘Go all in and organise monthly farm visits to all members farm. Make a group chat’.
Increasing ground cover
The farmer has now rated their understanding of the seven principles of regenerative agriculture, as developed by Lorraine Gordon, as 34/35!
Additionally the participant felt they had very high knowledge when considering:
- The benefits of increasing species diversity.
- The processes leading to soil structure decline in your area.
- The role of remnant vegetation in supporting the natural ecosystem.
- The benefits of cover cropping.
- Controlled Traffic Farming.
Lastly, the mentee loved the ‘emails from Simone with all the opportunities coming up and information’.
