Regenerative farming systems
Regenerative farming is a recent and relatively broad term for practices that focus on restoring degraded farmlands and improving the nutritional content of our produce. Regenerative practices include a mix of age-old and newer farming techniques, many of which overlap with and complement techniques from other systems.
Regenerative practices range from targeted fast fixes to longer-term all-of-farm strategies. Here are some examples:
- Applying natural inputs such as biochar and composts helps accelerate plant nutrient uptake and overall soil health in the short term.
- Cover cropping and time-controlled grazing often yield productivity gains and increase drought and flood resilience within a few seasons.
- Re-establishing natural assets such as shelter belts and leaky weirs improves soil health, water-holding capacity and biodiversity in the long run.
Organic & biodynamic farming
In recent years, organic and biodynamic farming philosophies have shaken off much of the fringe stigma as the sector becomes more open to alternative approaches. While the principles applied across these two fields may be similar, some characteristics set them apart. Organic farming exercises zero tolerance for synthetic chemicals and only grows chemical-free produce. In contrast, organic systems focus on enhancing food quality and animal welfare while employing practices committed to reducing environmental impacts. While most regenerative farming systems often employ aspects of organic farming (such as the use of natural fertilisers), acquiring organic farming certification can be difficult, and farmers must adhere to strict guidelines to meet industry standards.
Often, organic farming systems focus solely on either crop production or livestock. Biodynamic farming, however, attempts to integrate these two elements to create a harmonious ecosystem that organically produces and recycles all materials on the farm. These systems are generally high in biodiversity, comprise a variety of domestic animals, and use farming methods such as cover cropping, crop rotation and enhanced composting. While biodynamic farming seeks to uphold the values of organic agriculture, farmers are not required to follow any strict certification guidelines.
Syntropic farming
Syntropic farming is a regenerative agriculture method that replicates natural forest ecosystems. It focuses on creating diverse, multilayered plant communities. By planting a mix of crops, trees and shrubs, farmers can enhance their soil fertility and biodiversity. Syntropic farming promotes soil health, reduces input reliance and increases crop yields and quality over time. It aims to harmonise agricultural practices with nature's principles for sustainable and resilient farming systems.
Permaculture
Permaculture is a broadscale management approach to pre-established rural and urban landscapes. It incorporates many principles - including ecology, agriculture, architecture and social sciences - to design a closed-loop (no-waste) system. Permaculture mimics natural habitats in a way that allows people to contribute to land restoration in their urban and peri-urban environments. This farming system integrates human practices with land management, creating a balanced relationship between humanity and nature.
Natural sequence farming
Developed by Australian farmer Peter Andrews, natural sequence farming (NSF) is a unique land management practice that seeks to re-establish natural water flow while improving degraded land. NSF aims to restore the natural hydrology of rural landscapes, especially those that are prone to drought. This technique enhances farm resilience by increasing water-holding capacity, reducing reliance on water extraction from nearby streams and encouraging biodiversity. The system often utilises rotational grazing practices, allowing livestock to integrate with the natural processes of the landscape more effectively.
As holistic farming gains traction, regenerative methods are increasingly being embraced worldwide. At Growing Country, our mission is to offer you cutting-edge farming techniques that work in harmony with the land. Explore this page to learn from farmers who have implemented practices from the systems outlined above, proving both their viability and profitability.
