As I report the activities of The Mulloon Institute (TMI), Mulloon Consulting (MC) and Mulloon Creek Natural Farms (MCNF) for this summer edition of Resilience, I do so having just finished reading Gabe Brown’s book ‘Dirt to Soil’. As his by-line says ‘One Family’s Journey into Regenerative Agriculture’ and what a journey it has been. Gabe commenced his journey following four disastrous years that were dominated by drought and hail. He realised he had to do something different.
That ‘light bulb’ moment of his is reminiscent of a much repeated observation of Charlie Massy’s, that it is more often a crisis that changes a farmer’s approach to agriculture. In Charlie’s case it was predominantly drought, similar to David Marsh’s experience of drought and increasing input costs and in the case of Col Seis it was a bushfire.
2020 has been a year of crises, commencing with much of the country in drought, followed by bushfires, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic and then more recently at Mulloon, a 1-in-50 year flood. I suspect many farmers and landholders have had their own light bulb moment during one of these crises.
In our circumstances, these various crises have given us the opportunity to reinforce and demonstrate the value of our work and how it has been a contributing factor to our resilience.
[Image: Westview Farm, September 2020]
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2020 Annual General Meeting |
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The Mulloon Institute held its Annual General Meeting in November 2020 at the Barn on Mulloon Creek Natural Farms, and it was great to do something face-to-face again. It also gave us the opportunity to connect with many of our members and supporters and to thank our long-serving Director, Richard Allsopp.
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Showcasing our landscape rehydration work |
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The Mulloon Institute has recently showcased its work to a variety of influential people, including the Governor General of Australia the Hon David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), the new National Soils Advocate the Hon Penny Wensley AC, and Secretary of the Australian Government's Department of Agriculture, Water & and the Environment Andrew Metcalfe AO and his Deputy Secretary for the Environment James Larsen, as well as Menzies Research Centre Chairman Paul Espie AO and CEO Nick Cater.
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Parliamentary friends groups |
The Mulloon Institute has attended the launches of two ‘Parliamentary Friends of Groups’ recently – one for Regenerative Agriculture, and the other for Soils.
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National Heritage Trust Awards winners! |
We’re thrilled to announce that we are the winners of the 2020 National Heritage Trust (NSW) Awards in the 'Landscape Conservation' category and the President’s Award, both for our 'Mulloon Rehydration Initiative - Stage 1'.
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Mulloon Rehydration Initiative |
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With over 35 new leaky weirs now installed in the Mulloon Creek system as part of the Mulloon Rehydration Initiative, now that the rains have arrived it’s time to plant, plant, plant.
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Stream gauge installation |
A new stream gauge and housing has now been installed on the ‘Landtasia’ property as part of the Mulloon Rehydration Initiative, in the upper section of Mulloon Creek and the project area.
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ANU Environmental Field School |
The Australian National University’s Environmental Science Field School allowed students to apply their Landscape Function Analysis skills on brush packs previously installed as part of the Mulloon Rehydration Initiative.
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Mulloon Creek Natural Farms |
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New General Manager Jim Steele |
Jim Steele has had over 40 years’ experience in the agricultural industry including managing large agricultural enterprises in NSW and Victoria. Jim spent 15 years consulting for McMichael & Associates to a number of corporate and private clients. Over the last 12 years he established and ran a successful pasture raised organic poultry business applying regenerative principles, producing and selling high quality eggs and meat birds online. Jim attributes his success to having an holistic approach with extensive knowledge and skills in a broad range of agribusiness, organics and regenerative agriculture practices. |
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Interim Farm Manager's Report |
While taking on over 50 staff in three fields (production, research and construction) and 40,000 chooks was not how TMI Board Member Martin Royds had intended to spend 2020, we are very thankful that he did, taking on the Interim Farm Manager's role when Michael Fitzgerald left for a new role further afield.
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Biodynamics educator Hamish McKay continues to work closely with Mulloon Creek Natural Farms and recently provided an inspiring and simple overview and explanation of biodynamics to staff.
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Wamboin & Bellmount Forest landscape rehydration works |
Mulloon Consulting has now completed on-ground landscape rehydration works at properties in Wamboin and Bellmount Forest in New South Wales.
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Working with farmers in northern Queensland |
Mulloon Consulting's Sam Skeat has been presenting at several field days in northern Queensland with the message that rehydrated landscapes are more resilient to fire and drought, and can help mitigate some flooding effects.
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Developing regenerative agriculture curriculum |
The Mulloon Institute is partnering with The Scots College to integrate regenerative agriculture principles into its curriculum.
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NOW HIRING - Landscape Planner |
Do you know someone who wants to make a change in 2021?
We're seeking a Landscape Planner who shares our passion to influence change in regenerative, environmental and agricultural practices and brings with them great technical and consulting skills. Must thrive working in rural locations!
Closes: Sunday 13 December 2020.
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Workshops + presentations |
Mulloon Institute staff have been presenting to a variety of audiences recently, from arts students to farmers, and people who care about how their food is produced.
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Tarwyn Park Training, 12-15 April 2020, Mulloon NSW. More details soon.
* These are privately organised workshops and tours. If your Landcare group, organisation or school is interested in a similar workshop or a tour of Mulloon Creek, please contact us via info@themullooninstitute.org
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You will have seen how diverse our activities have been over the past three months and with further easing of COVID-19 restrictions we see many exciting opportunities for 2021.
In particular, we will be expanding our work in Western Australian and northern Queensland following successful grants and we certainly hope that we will be a participant in a number of the Drought Resilience Research Hubs that the Federal Government is backing. Applications for the eight regional hubs close just prior to Christmas and this program is a strong example of the government’s intent in shifting focus to assisting farmers be more resilient.
In closing, I wish all of our supporters and partners a safe and enjoyable festive period and thank you all for your continuing interest and involvement in our work. All the very best for a much more ‘normal’ 2021!
Cheers,
Gary Nairn AO
The Mulloon Institute, Chairman
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