Welcome to 2020!! It goes without saying now that the world is coming to face the harsh realities of a global pandemic that is COVID-19. I hope you are all following the protocols that are out there and are doing your best to stay safe, no matter where you are. Currently I get a chance to update the website and catch up on writing a blog as we have gone into a self imposed isolation thanks to a case of COVID-19 at one of my kids schools. Purely precautionary…thanks 2019 😦
Organic Farm Systems has had a few large changes over the busy summer months, primarily a move to Dunedin as a new operating base. You will also note a new email address for contact.
Before COVID-19 started to cause the cancellation of major events, I was able to attend the Regenerative Soil Solution Conference 2020 at Lincoln University, run by the Organic Dairy and Pastoral Group of New Zealand. Nearly 250 people attended over the two day conference.
We heard from many excellent and engaging speakers, including Dr Walter Jehne, Dr Mike Joy, Dr Jack Heinemann, and farmer practitioners such as Hamish Bielski and Simon Osborne. We also visited a couple of interesting properties and ate lots of fantastic foods, with a beer or 7 thrown in for good measure.
As part of the retiring Organic Dairy and Pastoral Group executive I was able to provide some on the ground support for those who flew in from the North Island. (see below)
Overall it was a great conference and well done to the organising committee. On the way home I was able to go inland and traveled through the picturesque Mackenzie basin, an area that could well do with some regenerative farming practice.
Undoubtedly it will be an interesting year globally, but good luck to all, keep your spirits up and Covid 19 out. Cheers, Glenn.
Organic Farm Systems 