In the latest episode of “Secrets of the Soil,” host Regen Ray Milidoni chats with the inspiring Teale Simmons, a 5th generation farmer from the Hawkesbury area who’s making waves with regenerative farming and innovative approaches to agriculture. From growing up on a traditional farm to running a successful YouTube channel called “Agriculture Explained,” Teale is a pioneer in integrating technology, education, and sustainability into farming practices.
🎧 Tune in to Episode 18 to hear how young farmers like Teale are changing the way we think about farming and soil health.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
– Interconnected Farming Systems: Teale emphasizes that every element on a farm is connected. Understanding these connections can significantly improve farming practices and environmental outcomes.
– Embracing Technology: The episode discusses the role technology plays in attracting young talent to agriculture and making data-driven decisions in farm management.
– Educational Outreach: Teale’s YouTube channel provides both classroom-style learning and real-life demonstrations, highlighting the importance of financial literacy, soil health, and regenerative farming.
📣 Don’t miss this engaging discussion that underscores the importance of conscious consumerism, the value of mentoring, and the potential of young farmers to transform agriculture for the better.
Who is Teale Simmons?
Teale Simmons, is the creator of Agriculture Explained, where we explain all things Agriculture. We aim to grow students, hobbyists and farmers for a more sustainable future in agriculture. From animal production to soil management, Agriculture Explained aims to provide quality educational resources to further develop your understanding of Agriculture.
In the latest episode of “Secrets of the Soil,” host Regen Ray Milidoni sits down with Teale Simmons, a 5th generation farmer and forward-thinking regenerative agriculture advocate. Together, they delve into the evolving world of farming, shedding light on why young farmers are crucial in transforming agricultural practices and embracing a holistic, sustainable approach to farming.
Conscious Consumerism and the Role of Certification
Regen Ray emphasizes an important trend in modern agriculture: the rise of the conscious consumer. Consumers today are more invested in understanding the origins of their food, prioritizing high-quality produce, and supporting local or Australian farmers. This shift has only intensified during the COVID-19 lockdowns, which led to increased interest in direct ordering from farmers and the adoption of subscription models for farm-fresh produce. However, Rey argues that to truly support sustainable farming, consumers must be vigilant about certifications that guarantee ethical and regenerative practices.
Challenges and Solutions for Farmers
Teale Simmons highlights a significant challenge faced by farmers—finding the time to package and distribute products directly to consumers. With the lockdowns increasing demand for direct-from-farm produce, farmers were often overwhelmed. Teale suggests that co-ops could be a viable solution to address this challenge by providing shared resources for packaging and distribution. Another promising approach is the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model, which further strengthens the bond between consumers and local farms by offering a direct stake in farm operations.
Interconnectedness in Farming
A pivotal point in the discussion is the interconnectedness of farming practices. Teale stresses that success in farming revolves around understanding how different elements on the farm impact each other. For instance, Teale shares a relatable example of moving cows to improve pasture productivity and redistribute nutrients naturally across the landscape. Regen Ray and Teale underscore the importance of visual representation and paradigm shifts to better comprehend and implement regenerative farming practices.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Despite farming being one of the world’s oldest professions, there is a concerning lack of young talent entering the field. Teale points out that integrating new technology could make agriculture more appealing to younger generations. The incorporation of data-driven decisions, automation, and technological advancements can revolutionize traditional farming, making it more efficient and attractive to digital-savvy youth.
Moreover, Teale combines her formal education—studying soil science, hydrology, and plant production at the University of Sydney—with her YouTube channel, “Agriculture Explained.” By offering educational resources and engaging content, Teale hopes to inspire and educate the next generation of farmers, showcasing farming not only as a viable career but as an essential and innovative industry.
Holistic and Regenerative Approaches to Farming
Regenerative farming is about more than just sustainable practices; it’s about managing natural processes to enhance the entire ecosystem within a farming enterprise. Teale defines regenerative farming as a holistic approach that encompasses economic and community impacts in addition to environmental benefits. By focusing on soil health, Teale’s methods aim to improve natural systems within the farm, setting a strong foundation for long-term sustainability.
Financial literacy also plays a crucial role in this approach. Teale underscores the importance of self-education via easily accessible resources like YouTube. In her own journey, Teale learned much of her literacy skills through online educational content, warding off traditional education’s shortcomings. She encourages farmers to adopt a growth mindset, continually adapting and learning new methodologies to enhance their practices.
The Value of Learning from Mistakes
Both Regen Ray and Teale highlight the value of experiential learning over traditional methods. Regen Ray likens the nature of running a farming business to natural selection—where making mistakes and learning from them is an inherent part of growth and success. This mindset fosters a supportive ecosystem for learning and improving farming practices.
Teale advocates for self-improvement through continual education and specialization in scientific subjects, emphasizing that every day presents an opportunity to learn and grow. By reframing failure as a lesson learned, farmers can build resilience and a deeper understanding of their work.
The Value of Learning from Mistakes
Both Regen Ray and Teale highlight the value of experiential learning over traditional methods. Regen Ray likens the nature of running a farming business to natural selection—where making mistakes and learning from them is an inherent part of growth and success. This mindset fosters a supportive ecosystem for learning and improving farming practices.
Teale advocates for self-improvement through continual education and specialization in scientific subjects, emphasizing that every day presents an opportunity to learn and grow. By reframing failure as a lesson learned, farmers can build resilience and a deeper understanding of their work.
Embracing a Sustainable Future
Both Teale Simmons and Regen Ray Milidoni underscore the importance of supporting farms that employ sustainable and regenerative practices. By fostering collaboration, embracing modern technology, and nurturing a growth mindset, both consumers and farmers can contribute to a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future.
Listeners are encouraged to watch Teale’s videos on her YouTube channel, engage with her content, and apply the invaluable insights shared in this thought-provoking episode. The future of farming lies in the hands of those willing to innovate, regenerate, and respect the interconnectedness of natural systems.
