Highlights from the Regenerative Agricultural Forums
As the Empowering Adaptive Graziers in the Burnett Mary forums came to a close, we were filled with gratitude for the remarkable community that came together over the two days. With over 600 attendees, the energy, enthusiasm, and engagement from everyone made these regenerative agricultural forums an inspiring and transformative experience.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our sponsors, AgForce and AgCarE, whose generous support was instrumental in bringing this event to life. We also extend our deep appreciation to the Queensland Government’s Queensland Reef Water Quality program for funding these forums, ensuring that the vital message of regenerative agriculture could be shared with such a wide audience.
Pictured (L to R): Tom Espinoza (CEO, BMRG), Cameron Leckie (SQNNSW Innovation Hub), Dr Terry McCosker OAM (RCS), Nicole Masters (Integrity Soils), Stuart Andrews (Tarwyn Park Training), and Charlie Arnott (The Regenerative Journey).
The insights shared by our speakers were nothing short of extraordinary. Their knowledge, passion, and vision for a future shaped by regenerative agricultural practices brought the event to life. Hosted by Charlie Arnott, a dedicated 8th generation farmer and the voice behind The Regenerative Journey podcast, the forums highlighted thought leaders who are pioneers in the field of regenerative agriculture. Nicole Masters, an acclaimed agroecologist and author from Montana, USA, captivated the audience with her deep understanding of soil health. Dr. Terry McCosker OAM, founder of RCS, shared his expertise on building resilient grazing systems and sustainable land management. Stuart Andrews, founder of Tarwyn Park Training, provided invaluable insights into landscape hydrology, showing how damaged landscapes can be restored to thriving ecosystems.
Cameron Leckie, Soil Specialist and Regional Coordinator for the SQNNSW Innovation Hub, shared valuable localised findings from the Burnett Mary region. We were also privileged to have Cyndi O’Meara, a renowned nutritionist, filmmaker, best-selling author, TEDx Speaker, and Founder of Changing Habits, join our speakers on stage at the Maryborough event and offer her invaluable insights.
A special highlight was the screening of Rachel's Farm, a powerful documentary by actress and director Rachel Ward, which chronicles her personal journey from traditional farming to regenerative practices in the aftermath of the devastating 2019 bushfires. Following the screening, attendees had the rare opportunity to participate in an interactive Q&A session with the forum speakers, with Rachel and Mick Green, her former farm manager, joining live via video link. This added a unique layer of connection and learning, leaving attendees inspired and motivated to make meaningful changes in their own practices.
We also want to take a moment to acknowledge the dedicated staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this event a reality. Their unwavering commitment, passion, and attention to detail were the driving force that made everything possible.
The forums were an unforgettable experience, filled with learning, meaningful connections, and a collective drive to shape a better future for our landscapes and communities. It was clear from the energy in the room that regenerative agriculture has the potential to transform not just individual farms, but entire ecosystems.
We are thrilled to continue this journey together, confident that the ideas and strategies shared during these forums will ripple through our communities, leading to lasting change.
The Empowering Adaptive Graziers in the Burnett Mary project, delivered by the Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG), is part of the $6 million Grazing Practice Change Program, funded by the Queensland Government’s Queensland Reef Water Quality program.
Once again, thank you for being an essential part of this incredible event. The momentum we’ve built together is just the beginning—let's continue to explore the potential of regenerative agriculture and unlock new possibilities for our grazing operations and landscapes.
For more information on the project behind the Regenerative Agricultural Forums, check out our Projects page: Empowering Adaptive Graziers in the Burnett Mary — BMRG
