Southern New England Landcare’s new ‘Cuppa Chat’ groups are bringing together local farmers and graziers for informal, on-farm discussions about sustainable and regenerative agriculture.
These groups provide a relaxed environment where participants can share experiences, learn from one another, and explore practical approaches to land management.
“The aim of the groups are to provide a safe space for farmers to have in-depth discussions on sustainable land practices and regenerative agriculture,” said Elizabeth Rosser, Local Landcare Coordinator with Southern New England Landcare.
The Guyra group held its inaugural meeting with a paddock walk and discussion on the property of Ben and Emily Evans at Wongwibinda.
The group explored key topics such as grazing management, water use, supplementation, and composting.
A highlight of the day was a look at Ben’s compost and vermicast, including his applications of the Johnson-Su composting method.
The Guyra group will continue to meet a few times a year, with new members always welcome.
An Armidale group, which formed last year, also had a successful meeting in late 2024 at the home of Jane Pickard.
Participants explored Jane’s food forest and her work in syntropic agriculture, sparking valuable discussions on integrating trees, crops, and livestock for a more resilient food system.
“By having these on-farm visits, we are able to get right into the details and see first-hand the practices each farm has adopted and how they have put them into practice,” said Elizabeth.
“This peer-to-peer learfning is a valuable tool for everyone to help understand the practical components and implementation of different sustainable agriculture techniques,” she said.
The format of the Cuppa Chat groups is simple yet effective—farm walks, discussion, and a shared cuppa to foster an open and supportive environment.
Interest is growing in forming additional groups in Walcha and Uralla, reflecting a strong appetite among farmers for peer-to-peer learning in sustainable agriculture.
If you’re interested in joining a Cuppa Chat group or learning more, please contact Southern New England Landcare or call 02 6772 9123.
