“Farmers should not be afraid to respectfully ask ‘why’.”
We are proud to introduce you to some of the amazing farm mentors working with other farmers through the Regenerative Agriculture Mentoring Program.
They are helping to increase awareness of regenerative agriculture and the principles and practices that are available to better manage landscapes.
Meet Craig Carter…
1. Tell us a bit about your background.
I started in the regen space in 2001, but I have been grazing generally according to Holistic Principles over the past 20-plus years.
I completed Holistic Management studies, including a diploma in 2015, and became a certified Field Professional in 2016.
For most of the time, I have been a beef cattle breeder and trader.
My focus is on climatically adapted, early maturing cattle that are disease and pest resistant and environmentally suited to my landscape.
I’m located on the northern foothills of the Liverpool ranges, between Willow Tree and Blackville.
2. Why did you become a RAMP mentor?
Mentoring is a great way to reinforce my own learnings and I’m sure that I will learn something from my mentees.
Over the past 10-15 years I have been involved in trying to assist community groups to form, and this is a by-product of the programme.
3. What support do you think farmers need into the future?
Probably the best long-term support is the formation of an inclusive community within their own region and an openness of mind to go and see what other like-minded folks are doing.
Farmers should not be afraid to respectfully ask “why”, and if it works, to implement it.
4. What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
Ask questions and challenge paradigms.
5. What are your top three tips for regenerative farmers?
Ask questions, challenge paradigms and don’t fear change.
The subsidised delivery of RAMP has been possible through the Australian Government’s Agricultural Innovation Hubs Program. The SQNNSW Innovation Hub receives funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
Read our RAMP case studies to see the real changes being implemented on-farm:
- Farming regeneratively and productively
- Macadamia farmer’s journey to regen practices
- Family’s vision for Blue Marble Farm
- ‘Confronting’ experience sharpens regen farmer’s mission
Read more about Craig Carter and his farm, Tallawang, on the Soils For Life page.