Regeneration: The young academic focused on farming’s future

Regenerative agriculture isn’t just about the environment, it’s also smart thinking for a farming business according to Elmore’s Jessica Conlan.

Tailoring farming practices to your individual operation instead of following traditional methods is one way this young producer is making her mark on the lamb industry.

Jessica Conlan, alongside her mother Jo, is working to move their 2000-strong sheep operation Tumbywood in Elmore towards regenerative agriculture.

The Nuffield Scholar is also working to research better ways to finish lambs on grass as part of her studies.

This is a move the 32 year-old said not only benefits the soils and pastures, but the health of their lambs and their bottom dollar.

“A big thing moving forward is looking at your own farm, and tailoring everything specifically to what’s happening on your own property,” Jess said, who this season is making her own mineral loose mixture for their stock based on this principle.

“Moving away from generic strategies and inputs, and moving towards customised, bespoke interventions on your own farm, rather than sowing at a certain time, spraying, drenching and weaning at a certain time.”

Sheep farmer and Nuffield scholar Jess Conlan is focusing her farming practice and her academic studies on harnessing the power of grass for her livestock. Picture: Zoe Phillips

Measures implemented on farm include the planting of about 3500 trees last year, adopting a no-till sowing system, and planting multi-species cover crops for rotational grazing.

“We’re just trying to move into a more sustainable system that can withstand tough times,” she said.

One aim of the regenerative system was to provide a more reliable pattern of feed availability for stock, “so that we have green grass for 12 months of the year”.

“We realised going down this path that it’s also future proofing your farm. And you’re making the soil and the plants work for you, while reducing inputs,” Jess said.

“While there is a bit of a transition period, where production might drop or your input costs are higher, over time it’s really clear that it pays for itself.”

Consumer connection to producers and the food they eat was also a motivator for Jess.

“We feel a responsibility to produce the healthiest product you can for the consumer, and not just because it can make more money, or make a bigger lamb.”