Curiosity in the Paddock: Safe Trials, Real Results at Cleve
Farmers, researchers and industry representatives gathered on 30 March for Paddock Proof: Safe Trials, Real Results, coming together at the Cleve Golf Club before heading out to a local property for a hands-on paddock walk. Led by Sarah Fea from BEAR Biologics, the event created space for practical conversations about regenerative agriculture and how better decisions in the paddock can support soil health, animal health and the bottom line.
The workshop's biggest message was simple: get curious and start testing. From designing “safe to fail” trials to understanding soil biology, plant nutrition and the impact of management decisions, the sessions encouraged participants to ask questions, gather data and back their observations with practical tools. Discussion ranged from reducing reliance on chemicals and improving crop establishment, to using Brix and SAP testing to better understand what is really happening in the paddock.
Most importantly, the event left attendees with fresh ideas, new confidence and a strong reminder that innovation often starts small - with one question, a trial and willingness to look a little closer.
This project is part of the Eyre Peninsula Sustainable Agriculture Program. The Eyre Peninsula Sustainable Agriculture Program is a collaborative initiative bringing together Agricultural Innovation & Research Eyre Peninsula (AIR EP), the Eyre Peninsula Landscape Board, researchers, industry specialists, and local organisations to support the long-term productivity and resilience of EP farming systems. Through ten interconnected projects, the program provides practical activities including workshops, trials, soil testing and monitoring programs, communication resources, and field demonstrations. Read more about the Sustainable Ag Program on AIR EP's project page
The Paddock Proof workshop is part of a singular project area of the Sustainable Agriculture Program, with more workshops and a forum scheduled for the next few years.
If you have any speakers you'd like to hear from in the regenerative agriculture space, please get in contact with AIR EP Project Officer Bek Peters - projectofficer@airep.com.au
This project is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program and the Eyre Peninsula Landscape Board, delivered by AIR EP.
