Jono Forrest spoke with Ray Milidoni for the Secrets of the Soil podcast, sharing his unique perspective on working with landholders to understand their values and goals, and the motivations behind landscape rehydration (July, 2023)
On this episode of Secrets of the Soil, our guest Jono Forrest shares his insights on regenerative agriculture and working with landholders to understand their values and goals. He discusses the various motivations behind landscape rehydration, such as erosion or waterlogging, and how some landholders are looking to improve their farms and build natural capital.
Jono highlights how visual aspects of waterways often overshadow other factors like grazing management that impact landscape function. Unlike prescriptive industrial farming, the approach discussed in this episode considers the unique aspects of each place. The conversation also delves into the historical perspective and mindset of farmers who prioritize clearing land and draining water for farming purposes, acknowledging the criticism while recognizing the need for feeding the world and utilizing land.
The younger mindset and innovative approaches of individuals, including children showcasing business ideas on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, are shaping problem-solving in agriculture. The episode addresses misconceptions about farmers and emphasizes that they are doing their best with the knowledge they had, evolving and learning about soil health and innovation.
The use of farm automation, such as drones, is explored as a way to save time and redirect efforts into marketing and business growth.
Jono discusses the concept of “living labs” where research is derived from farms, bridging the gap between theory and practice. The empowerment of farmers to treat their farms as research labs and experiment with different methods is highlighted, along with the sense of community and shared values that come with engaging in this process.
The episode also stresses the importance of considering the broader community when making changes or taking actions, using the example of a farmer’s impact on others in terms of water usage and environmental factors within a catchment. Involving the community is seen as challenging but necessary for achieving the best outcomes.
Who is Jono Forrest
General Manager of Mulloon Consulting, working with a team of Landscape Planners to restore landscape function, with a particular focus on landscape rehydration. I have a long-held interest in more holistic and ecological approaches to agriculture, … and that lead me to my current position with Mulloon. I’m also studying Grad Diploma in Regen Ag through SCU.
