Eastwell Farms Welcomes Landholders for Insightful RCS KIT Day
The recent RCS Keep In Touch (KIT) Day held at Kin Kin was a resounding success, bringing together around 40 enthusiastic participants. The event was expertly facilitated by Andrew Zerner from RCS, who guided the day's activities and discussions.
The event was graciously hosted by Bryant, Susie, and their son Alex Ussher at Eastwell Farms. Bryant shared the rich history of their farm, detailing its evolution into a paddock-to-plate operation featuring grass-fed beef and a variety of mushrooms cultivated by Alex. Their dedication to sustainable farming practices was evident throughout the day.
Andrew Zerner provided valuable insights into the importance of grazing management, emphasising the growth phases of pasture and how these principles contribute to a successful and holistic farm business. His expertise sparked engaging discussions among the attending landholders, who eagerly shared their experiences and knowledge.
For lunch, attendees enjoyed an outstanding meal prepared by celebrity chef Matt Golinski. Using ultra-locally sourced produce, including Eastwell Farms' own grass-fed beef mince and oyster mushrooms, Matt crafted a memorable meal that concluded with a delectable Greek dessert. The meal was a testament to the quality and flavour of locally grown ingredients.
Later in the day, participants enjoyed a farm walk led by Bryant, who outlined the modifications and changes to their grazing management practices. These practices, initiated by his father in 1968, now follow the teachings of the RCS Grazing for Profit schools and regenerative agriculture. Bryant highlighted the benefits of these methods, including increased plant diversity, improved cattle health, and enhanced productivity. He also discussed the selection of the most adaptable cattle breed for their operation (Nguni cattle), as well as strategies for weed management, fencing, and infrastructure improvements.
The RCS KIT Day at Kin Kin was made possible due to the Empowering Adaptive Graziers in the Burnett Mary program, a project delivered by Burnett Mary Regional Group, which is part of the $6 million Grazing Practice Change Program funded through the Queensland Government’s Queensland Reef Water Quality Program.
It was a fantastic day of learning, sharing, and community building, leaving attendees inspired and equipped with new knowledge to apply to their own farming practices.
Check out the BMRG website for more information on the project and how to get involved: Empowering Adaptive Graziers in the Burnett Mary — BMRG
