In March 2020, we held our 2-day Conference – ‘The Regenerative Soil Solution’ – at Lincoln University, with many speakers from the world of farming, environment and climate change.
Many thanks to Sylvia Smyth from Quorum Sense who kindly filmed the presentations over the weekend.
WALTER JEHNE
Explaining the Soil Carbon Sponge
Walter Jehne is an internationally-renowned scientist specialising in the role of soil microbes’ symbiotic processes in the ecology of diseases, plant health, nutrient and waste cycling, soil pedogenesis and the regeneration of bio-systems. Decades of research have made him an expert in plant root ecology, mycorrhizal fungi, glomalin, and soil carbon formation.
At the ODPG Conference he explains the Soil Carbon Sponge and its role in climate change. The presentation in split into three parts:
NIGEL GREENWOOD
Plant Health for both Disease Supression and Human Health
Nigel, a regenerative cropping farmer who likes a challenge, talks about how his own experience with phosphate poisoning encouraged him to find a better way of farming, and the methods he is exploring. During his presentation, Nigel takes some interesting questions from the audience.
Prof. JACK HEINEMANN
How Agrichemicals Cause Antibiotic Resistance in Disease-Causing Bacteria
Prof. Heinemann starts his presentation talking about two pandemics – Covid-19 and the decades-old rise of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria. The full impact of the latter is unknown and there is no system in place to track antibiotic resistance globally. Jack delves into the Canterbury rivers to show just how prevalent the problem is and looks at the causes.
PETER BARRETT
Cover Crops: Don’t Overthink It!
Peter Barrett combined his financial entreprenerial background with his love of regenerative farming to turn Linnburn Station into a success. Here he discusses the subject of Cover Crops – keeping something green growing in the ground all year round – and all the benefits that come with them.
PETER FRASER
Economics, Ethics and Animal Agriculture
In this presentation, Peter Fraser, who was also our conference MC, tackles the challenging subject of the future of animal agriculture with his economic analyst’s hat on. He looks at key implications of the recent Food and Agriculture report by RethinkX, which examines the possibility that food engineering will one day replace the demand for animal products.
JONO FREW
The Transition from Conventional to Regenerative Farming Practices
Jono Frew from Quorum Sense is off to a flying start as he cartwheels into his presentation! He talks about his journey into regenerative farming and the social and mental benefits that come with it.
PHYLLIS TICHININ
Soil Aggregation Made Sexy: Biology vs Water Power
Phyllis Tichinin, soils consultant, eco-nutritionist and former organic dairy support farmer, takes a look at soil aggregation, using an interesting demonstration to prove her point.
Dr ALISTAIR HUMPHREY
Drinking Water: Colorectal Cancer & Nitrates
Investigating the correlation between high rates of nitrates found in the water supply and the incidence of bowel cancer, and looking at the role of commercial dairy farming.
HAMISH BIELSKI
The Importance of Regeneratively-Managed Livestock to our Planet
See how Hamish and Amy turned their South Island farm around for the better in this fascinating presentaion on Regenerative Farming.
DR MIKE JOY
National Water Standards: Why Change is Crucial
Part One and Part Two, with presentation slides available separately.
