Join us for an enlightening conversation with our guest, Ryan Young, and your host, ‘Regen Ray’ Milidoni. Dive deep into the world of regenerative farming and discover the magic that happens under our feet.
🎧 Episode Highlights:
– Ryan shares his journey through regenerative farming and the essence of giving back more to the soil than what we take.
– Fascination with the microcosm within a teaspoon of soil – a universe teeming with life.
– The power of connecting farmers and consumers through genuine energy, vibration, and shared values.
đź’ˇ Key Takeaways:
– Feed the Soil, Not the Plant: Nourishing the soil promotes a healthy ecosystem of microbiology, earthworms, and grubs, enabling plants to access nutrients naturally and when needed.
– Weeds as Soil Indicators: Embrace weeds as they highlight and naturally correct underlying soil issues.
– Community and Connection: Support regenerative farmers in your locale, who are increasingly selling directly to consumers and fostering transparent, impactful relationships.
Ryan Young, with his unique blend of skills in music and landscape design, shares his holistic approach to soil care and sustainability. Let’s dig deep into these soil secrets together!
Listen now and stay connected with our guest, Ryan Young, for more insights into regenerative farming practices and how you can play a part in healing our planet.
Who is Ryan Young?
Ryan Young is one of the finest Landscape Designers in Melbourne and is now servicing most states in Australia.
A craftsman and artist he works closely with his clients to create their vision. Considered and resourceful, Ryan’s attention to the detail of landscape design creates enduring spaces. He creates inspirational landscapes for practical living, specializing in holistic gardens his designs are beautifully practical. If you would like to live in a garden that evolves over time, allow Ryan to design you and your family a truly inspirational outdoor space. Invest in a landscape design that adapts to the rhythms of family life.
In our latest episode of “Secrets of the Soil,” we had the pleasure of hosting Ryan Young, a landscape designer dedicated to regenerative farming and holistic landscape design. Ryan joined us to discuss his journey, the importance of nourishing the soil, and the promising future of regenerative practices.
The Core Principle: Give Back More Than You Take
Ryan Young’s fundamental philosophy is to give back more than what we take from the soil. He highlights how traditional agriculture often depletes the earth of its essential nutrients. “We need to shift our focus from merely feeding plants with chemicals to nurturing soil health,” Ryan explains. This approach creates sustainable ecosystems that thrive over time.
Composting is at the heart of this nourishment. By recycling organic waste, we return valuable nutrients to the earth, fostering an environment where microbiology, earthworms, and other beneficial organisms can flourish. Ryan stresses that a teaspoon of soil contains a multitude of life forms all working symbiotically to support plant health.
The Magic of Microbiology
One of the most astonishing facts shared by Ryan is the abundance of life in a single teaspoon of soil. This microcosm of bacteria, fungi, earthworms, and grubs is essential for breaking down organic material and making nutrients accessible to plants. “By feeding the soil, plants can take what they need, when they need it, instead of being force-fed chemicals,” Ryan elaborates.
Regenerative Farming: Going Beyond Organic
Ryan delved into the exciting world of regenerative farming, a practice that aims to do more than just reduce chemical inputs. Unlike organic farming, which primarily focuses on minimizing harmful substances, regenerative farming seeks to restore the land, leaving it better for future generations. This holistic approach considers not just the farm’s productivity but also its impact on ecosystems and communities.
Farm gate programs, where producers sell directly to consumers, are gaining traction. This method emphasizes local connections and aligns on values and energy. “It’s not just about the transaction; it’s about forming meaningful relationships,” Ryan notes. He and the host, Regen Ray Milidoni, expressed how regenerative and organic farmers are inviting and informative, welcoming consumers to visit and see their practices firsthand.
The Role of Dung Beetles
Dung beetles play an exciting role in Ryan’s regenerative practices. These industrious insects bury dung, enhancing soil fertility by aerating it and distributing organic material. Their actions improve the soil structure and promote nutrient cycling, making them indispensable in sustainable farming.
From Music to Foodscaping
Beyond soil health, Ryan shared his unique approach to landscape design influenced by his passion for music. He incorporates his love for instruments like the didgeridoo and gem bay into his creative process. These artistic influences extend to “foodscaping,” a trend where home produce is grown alongside ornamental plants. Incorporating chooks, bees, and fruit trees into garden designs allows families to reap the benefits of fresh, home-grown produce while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Involving kids in these activities can cultivate a love for nature and a better understanding of where food comes from. “Growing and preparing food is an education in itself,” says Ryan.
Life on the Road: Connecting Through Regenerative Practices
Ryan and his wife have been traveling around Australia for 19 months, offering holistic landscape design services to farms. Initially planning an overseas trip for their honeymoon, they adapted their journey due to the pandemic. Despite intermittent connectivity and limited tools, their travels allowed them to connect deeply with local communities.
“We’ve experienced immense hospitality in the towns we’ve visited,” Ryan remarks. The couple noticed a stark contrast between the warmth of these communities and their experiences in city life. People are eager to help, fostering a strong sense of community.
Moving Forward: A Call to Action
Regen Ray underscores the importance of supporting regenerative practices and spreading awareness about soil health. “It’s about being a regenerative human before you can have a regenerative farm,” he states.
For anyone passionate about this movement, Ryan encourages connecting through social media and his website to learn more and get involved. “By uniting communities and prioritizing soil health, we’re making a better world for future generations,” Ryan concludes.
This episode of “Secrets of the Soil” sheds light on the paradigm shift needed in agriculture and landscaping. By embracing practices that nourish the soil, we can create sustainable ecosystems and vibrant communities. Be sure to visit Soil Connect for more insights and services dedicated to the future of our soils.
