Regenerative Farming Action Group

As part of the nationwide Red Meat Profit Partnership (RMPP) initiative, we hosted a wide-ranging series of farm-based workshops, field days, and expert-led discussions from late 2020 through 2021. The aim was to support local farmers in exploring regenerative agriculture approaches, building resilience, and sharing practical tools for transitioning toward more diverse, ecological and profitable farming systems in Taranaki.

The community connections were growing in region for regenerative farming, through events that helped bring together the core crew of farmers and facilitators for this RMPP Action Group and the Curious Minds Project that came alongside.

Key Activities and Highlights:

• Regenerative Mindset and Principles - Jules Matthews (Integrity Soils)

• Soil Health & Pasture Management
  Workshops and Zoom calls with Cherryle Prew (Soil Food Web NZ) and Jules Matthews (Integrity Soils) guided farmers through soil biology principles, diverse pasture management, and interpreting soil test results.

• Differed Grazing with Katherine Tozer (AgResearch).

• Carbon Management and Opportunities with JP Pratt (Ground Truth)

• Integrating Trees & Shrubs for resilience, profit, & animal health with Kama Burwell (GreenBridge).

• Grazing Workshops with Siobhan Griffin (Next Level Grazing)

• Webinar: Regen in Hill country with guest speaker, Josh Bradfield, (Otago Sheep & Beef Farmer).

• Webinar: Market opportunities and perspectives with Julia Jones (NZX)

• Water way monitoring field day with Taranaki Regional Council (TRC).

• Regen Marketplace Opportunities with guest speaker Shane McDonald from Taranaki Prime.

• On-Farm Field Days
  Hands-on visits took place across the region, including:

  • Makahu, Tarata, Norfolk, Ratapiko, Patea, Inglewood, Waitoriki, as well as sessions in Stratford / Whakaahurangi and online.

  • These sessions enabled peer-to-peer learning and tailored expert advice in context.

• This series was grounded in farmer-led learning, peer support, and grounded experimentation. It provided a strong foundation for future collaboration in regenerative agriculture across the region.