Grounds for growth

This March, Dairy Australia is launching its first-ever soil and pasture biodiversity event to help red meat and dairy producers adopt multi-species pastures and enhance soil health and function.

The three-day event, held in Warrnambool, Victoria, offers attendees the chance to:

• gain insights from local and international biodiversity experts
• hear from producers successfully implementing multi-species pastures and other practices
• visit biodiverse farms – both in person and by virtual tour – to see the latest developments in action.

MLA Board Director and former General Manager of Sustainability for Fonterra’s APAC region, Jack Holden, will take the stage on day two alongside Greenham sustainability and engagement specialist Laura Grubb.

Here, Jack shares insight into his presentation and the value of events like this for red meat and dairy producers alike.

Understanding market drivers

Jack’s presentation will focus on the market drivers behind adopting practices that support soil diversity and health. He aims to highlight what customers are truly looking for.

“Customers will often share a general message of wanting more sustainable products, but they are often not across the specifics of what this includes,” Jack said.

“Studies show that very few customers are willing to pay a premium for sustainability. However, incorporating sustainability into the overall package can help get out products into the hands of higher-value customers.

“We have an opportunity to stay ahead of customer expectations and define sustainability in ways that work for our farm businesses.

“We want to identify the practices that make money for producers while improving their sustainability story.”

Jack said win-win activities such as better breeding, feeding and fertiliser management not only enhance profitability but also reduce greenhouse gas intensity. 

“This improvements in margins make farm businesses more resilient to climate and market volatility.”

According to Jack, if science confirms that soil and pasture biodiversity improves farm profitability, it should naturally be included in efforts to create more sustainable, pasture-based products.

“Customers want to see continuous improvements,” Jack said.

“For now, I think they are largely happy to be advised by producers on what are the most relevant practice changes to them and accept that as part of the continuous improvement.

“However, if we as an industry can show some a good set of actions then it prevents customers requesting additional changes that don’t really make sense on a commercial farm.  

“Because, if we can’t show progress, then there is a real risk that customers and markets will require actions that don’t really make commercial, or scientific sense,” he said.

“In the end, we can’t survive without customers who we need to proactively help them to understand what makes senses and be responsive to their interest in more sustainable supply chains.”

Beyond the presentations

While presentations at Grounds for Growth will provide valuable insights, Jack believes attendees can gain even more from the event.

“The practical components of the science shared at these events aim offer great ideas for attendees to review and potentially improve their businesses,” Jack said.

“Whether you’re looking to make your business more competitive, reduce costs, improve returns on investment, or simply stay updated on the latest innovations, events like this are invaluable.

“Beyond the science and presentations, there’s great opportunity for some peer-based learning through informal chats,” he said.

“You could find yourself speaking to the person next to you and there’s often a lot of value to be gained from a casual conversation about what they’re doing on-farm or something they’re considering trialling.

“You can’t underestimate the value of industry events,” he said.

“Sometimes, a single conversation sparks an idea that could transform your business for the better.”