Wrapping Up an Inspiring Field Day.
Sustainable Grazing - Enhancing Natural Capital
Hosted by Paringa Livestock Genetics | Murrindindi | 14th March 2025
We gathered at the stunning Paringa Livestock Genetics property with 140 passionate landholders, farmers, and soil enthusiasts who came together to learn, share, and get inspired about soil health, natural capital, and sustainable grazing. The energy was incredible, and the message of the day resonated with us: biodiversity, soil health, natural capital, and regenerative practices are essential for long term, sustainable farming. When we work with nature not against it we can achieve healthier soils, resilient plants, and thriving farms.
Image Description - Group exploring soil health and biodiversity mixes at Paringa Livestock Genetics
We had the privilege of learning from Joel Williams from Integrated Soils, who broke down the three pillars of soil health: physical, chemical, and biological. The big message? Biology drives the other two. All three pillars only work if they are working together. Microbes and minerals work together to create resilient, productive soils. Biodiversity is key by increasing plant diversity above, we fuel microbial diversity below. Joel’s approach to teaching is simple yet profound, bridging science with real world application. Root exudates are crucial, and carbon in soil comes from these exudates.
Grant Sims from Down Under Covers reinforced this message with his powerful insights on planting for biodiversity. If we didn’t all leave wanting to plant sunflowers, turnips, and multispecies blends, we must have been at the wrong field day! These plants create biomass above and below ground, feeding soil microbes and boosting organic matter. Grant shared his passion, drawing from his own experiences on his farm. It was incredibly refreshing to see his presentation slides filled with images of his kids a perfect reminder of why we do what we do.
Hamish Webb from Precision Pastures got us all revved up for carbon projects and did a fabulous job explaining the carbon project process, breaking down the costs, key principles, and what you can do. Even more amazing was that he shared his own personal carbon project on his farm.
A key theme throughout the day was natural capital recognising and leveraging the resources already present on our farms. Whether it was through soil structure assessments, biodiversity discussions, or microbial activity, the message was clear: we don’t always need to add more; first we need to work with what’s there. By fostering healthy soils, managing nutrients effectively, and increasing plant diversity, we can build resilience and productivity naturally.
Image Description - Courtney Young (Soils for Life) and Joel Williams (Intergrated Soils) soil test demonstration.
Image Description - Grant Sims, Tom Lawson and Stuart Austin discussing Multispecies cropping and soil health/biodiversity principes on Paringa Livestock Genetics property.
Despite the heat, our paddock walks were full of hands on learning. We divided in to two groups. We dug into the soil (literally) and explored its structure. Courtney Young and Joel Williams guided us in learning how to assess soil by simply looking at aggregation, porosity, and compaction. We also covered simple soil tests that anyone can do at home, including: Slaking and dispersion tests to reveal soil stability and water infiltration. No better way to understand your soil than by digging and observing things like root growth, colour, and biological activity.
The second paddock demonstration was led by Tom Lawson, Grant Sims, and Stuart Austin. Tom shared the journey of Paringa Livestock Genetics, explaining how biodiversity corridors were a key strategy when they first arrived. Working with the land and improving soil health has had a direct impact on livestock health and productivity. Grant showed us the diverse plant mix from Down Under Covers planted at Paringa seeing this first hand reinforced how plant diversity drives soil health and overall farm resilience.
Nothing brings people together like good food, and our lunch was no exception. Locally sourced beef steaks from Greenham Beef on fresh rolls. It was simple, delicious, and a perfect way to recharge us all before diving into more discussions.
After lunch we dived into a heartfelt talk by Dom Walker from RCS gave an engaging talk on sustainable grazing management principles. His message about the importance of support and accountability really hit home it’s clear that we can all achieve more when we're working together and holding each other accountable to our goals. Building ecological capital is a team effort.
Imogen Semler from Farming for the Future wrapped up the presentations on how on farm natural capital benefits translate directly to farm business performance. Sharing data from real life farms and what is driving landholder motivations for investing in natural capital.
Image Description - Farmer Panel From Left to Right Jo Bear (Bear and Twigg), David Allen (Boorook Parners) Olivia Lawson (Paringa Livestock Genetics) and MC Stuart Austin (Audacious Ag)
The farmer panel was a standout session, where we heard more in depth about the behind the scenes work at Paringa Livestock and the Lawson family. Jo Bear, Olivia Lawson, and David Allen led a conversation on joyfully giving back to the land, and the idea of natural capital investing in soil, biodiversity, and ecosystem health as key farm assets was a hot topic woven throughout the day. These discussions reinforced how we can build healthier farming systems by understanding and nurturing what we already have, rather than always relying on external inputs.
A heartfelt thank you to Tom, Olivia, Oscar, and Monty (from afar, currently in NT) for hosting us and sharing their commitment to healthy soil, biodiversity, genetics, and raising high quality Angus cattle. Their passion is inspiring!
And of course, a huge shout out to our MC Stuart Austin from Audacious Ag, who kept us engaged, thinking, and reflecting on what we’ll take home and implement. His energy and passion for agriculture made the day even more impactful. We can all make small impactful decisions to benefit all of us.
This Field Day was more than just learning it was about building a community of farmers and land stewards dedicated to improving soil health for the future. If this event proved anything, it’s that we’re all in this together, and the future of farming is regenerative, diverse, and full of life.
Image Description - Munash Organics setup along with CBA and Greenham Beef.
At Munash Organics, we’re deeply proud to have been a sponsor of this transformative field day. Walking away from the day, we felt energised and inspired by the power of natural systems and the incredible people who are making a difference in agriculture. As a company, we’re committed to fostering the biodiversity of minerals that work in harmony with soil health, plant growth, and the broader ecosystem.
Thank you to everyone who attended, and we look forward to continuing this journey together. Cultivating health, building resilience, and supporting the earth that supports us.
Image Description - Thank you to Paringa Livestock Genetics