S5 Ep 4 - Lonesome Duck Estate

Big things happen with a commitment to a series of small changes. That philosophy is working wonders on a Northern Territory farm in Katherine. From half a dozen cattle to more than 350. Throw in vegetables, fresh cut flowers and eggs – it's easy to see why. The property is managed from a holistic, entire landscape perspective. It's work that has caught the eye of industry leaders with Jeremy Trembath of Lonesome Duck Estate being named among the finalists for Young Grower of the Year. To learn more, Jeremy joins me to discuss;  Jeremy's favourite place on the farm is always shifting, depending on where the cattle are at any given time.  While the property has multiple facets, cattle are currently the primary focus, alongside significant recent expansion.  Having stepped into the property over a decade ago, Jeremy reflects on how he truly made it his own from around 2019 onward.  Jeremy takes a holistic, whole-landscape approach, and although regenerative farming is often discussed, he has achieved meaningful change in a relatively short time.  The changes include no tillage, minimal chemicals and no kill systems, guided by the belief that overgrazing is not a symptom of stock numbers but of time.  Jeremy explains that reaching this outcome came through trial and error, noting that "for me, the fun is in that."  Soil underpins everything, with Jeremy stating that "soil is crucial to the human race's success," and that caring for land has far-reaching effects on the planet.  Opening local markets for selling produce matters to Jeremy because food security is often overlooked, and he believes food should never be something we worry about.  Health is deeply important to Jeremy, driven by observation, research and an appreciation for diversity.  Jeremy describes how vegetables, chickens and cattle function together as an interconnected and balanced system.  What Jeremy loves most about working on the land is the depth of connection it brings.  He also shares unexpected ways his perspective has shifted over time.  A common misconception about his work is summed up in his view that "when we're more afraid of a green growing plant than the chemical we use to remove it, we've lost the plot."  Jeremy's ultimate dream is to continue building a resilient and regenerative future for Lonesome Duck Estate.  We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.      Links:  Angie Asimus   Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram  Partnered with Australian Farmers   Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram       Produced by Pretty Podcasts