Scott River Community Workshop + BBQ

Speakers

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  David Hardwick Agroecologist, Founder & Owner, Soil Land Food
  

  David Hardwick

  Agroecologist, Founder & Owner, Soil Land Food

  WHO IS DAVID HARDWICK?

  David Hardwick, is an agroecologist & partner in the rural change management company Soil Land Food. David has over 20 years experience in rural landscapes, farming and food systems. He develops and delivers many of the extension projects for Soil Land Food across Australia. He worked in community development and then horticulture before completing a dairy traineeship on an organic dairy in NSW.

  Since then he has had a wide ranging career working in both management and technical roles. These include Landcare extension, agronomy, soils, agribusiness, biofertiliser R&D and manufacturing, organics, training, and consulting positions. For many years he also helped run a regional farmers market business with his wife. He has also worked on rural cooperative and social enterprise projects. David also teaches soils, regenerative agriculture, farm planning and agroecology at TAFE NSW on a casual basis. David’s passion is agroecology and empowering farmers with knowledge and skills that make a difference!

  David’s qualifications include:

  Bachelor of Ecological Agriculture (University of Sydney)
  Diploma in Agribusiness (TAFE NSW)
  CIV in Training & Assessment
  Grazing Land Management (Queensland DPI)
  Natural Sequence Farming – Tarwyn Park Training

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  Lance Mudgway Landscape Planner
  

  Lance Mudgway

  Landscape Planner

  Lance Mudgway is a hydrologist based in Wagin, Western Australia with over 20 years’ experience managing surface and groundwater in WA’s agricultural landscapes. He has more than 16 years’ experience as a hydrologist working in landscape repair in response to salinity and land degradation issues in the WA Wheatbelt, bringing extensive experience and knowledge of natural capital, landscape properties and processes in that region.

  Lance is passionate about large-scale change in agricultural systems, to a more natural systems focus, restoring saline and degraded lands to productivity and building resilience against climate change and other external factors as well as reducing agriculture’s climate impact.

  Lance brings with him a well-developed network with local NRM groups, Landcare and community groups, Aboriginal groups and local and state government agencies.

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  Dr Brad Degens Senior Soil and Water Scientist - Department of Water and Environmental Regulation
  

  Dr Brad Degens

  Senior Soil and Water Scientist - Department of Water and Environmental Regulation

  Dr Degens’ expertise spans hydrology, geochemistry, and hydrogeology, equipping him with a unique set of skills to develop ground breaking solutions for environmental challenges. He is especially adept at managing the complex issues presented by both coastal and inland acid sulfate soils, which pose significant risks to ecosystems and human health.

  In his current role, Dr Degens works closely with a network of farmers, agronomists, and land care officers. Together, they implement strategic interventions, such as the use of clays and high phosphorus-sorbing mineral products, aimed at enhancing nutrient retention within farming systems. These initiatives not only improve soil health but also significantly reduce any negative impacts on water quality, demonstrating his commitment to practical and sustainable environmental practises.