Joel Salatin: You Can Farm: Masterclass

Join Joel Salatin for a unique one-day Masterclass exploring how to set up a thriving, profitable and ethical small farm, using Polyface Farms' innovative techniques. This Masterclass is perfect for beginner farmers, wanna-be farmers, tree-changers and landholders ready to get serious about regenerative agriculture, as well as existing farmers looking to broaden their on-farm offerings.

This masterclass will look at how to succeed in a diverse small-farm enterprise, focusing on:

• Getting started: what you need to know and how to approach the first 5 years
• Setting up, budgeting, farm design and planning for success
• Whole farm water design including dams and passive-feed stock watering solutions
• Integrating different animal systems for maximum effect, fertility and yields 
• Integrated nutrient cycling and on-farm composting
• People power - internship and apprenticeship schemes
• Direct marketing, buying club models and building a successful customer network

Joel's seminal book You Can Farm has been highly influential to many small-farm producers and beginner farmers worldwide, which are looking for cost effective and ethical ways to get into farming on a small scale.

For the first time in QLD, Joel will spend an entire day explaining the nuts and bolts of Polyface Farm's innovative animal and operations which are now taking off in the small-farm scene in the USA, due to so many farmers going to Polyface Farms to see how it's done.

This Masterclass is the next best thing to spending a week at Polyface Farms in Virginia, observing and learning about the farm. Joel's accessible and friendly speaking style means you'll get a heap out of this day.

Regular Q&A during the Masterclass will ensure that your questions get answered, and that you'll leave this masterclass with a good understanding of what is involved to get a profitable small farm operation up and running, so you can get farming!

About the teacher:

Joel Salatin is a third generation family farmer working his land in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley with his wife, Teresa, son Daniel, daughter Rachel and their families.

The Salatin Polyface Farm, an organic grass-fed farm, services more than 3,000 families, 10 retail outlets and 50 restaurants through on-farm sales and metropolitan buying clubs.

Joel has been called 'the world's best farmer' by TIME magazine and is internationally respected for his farm's innovative, integrated animal systems. He is also the author of 8 books including the best seller Folks, this Aint Normal. Joel also writes extensively in magazines such as Stockman Grass Farmer, Acres USA, and American Agriculture.

Don't forget to check out the rest of our Joel Salatin Masterclass subjects: Pastured Poultry (22nd Feb) and Pastured Beef & Pork (23rd Feb). Book for the whole series at once and receive 20% off.

RegenAG® proudly presents Joel Salatin's Masterclass series in association with Milkwood Permaculture and HeenanDoherty. For information on the NSW Masterclasses, see here.  

Co-operative Support:

RegenAG® works closely with regional Natural Resource Management groups, Landcare Organisations, Regional Councils and private enterprise in providing; opportunities for farmers to access world-class experts in regenerative agriculture and ongoing support in putting knowledge into practice, post course. We are proud of our association with South East Burnett Landcare in bringing Joel to the Lockyer Valley.

South East Burnett Landcare is a progressive group established in 1995, covering the region from Ban Ban Springs to just north of Nanango in the Central and South East Burnett area. Their mission is to encourage Premium Practice in Burnett Land Management. They specialise in hosting practical workshops, seminars and field days for land managers. Visit the Better Burnett website for further information about how they can help you at SEB Landcare.

   South East Burnett

We would also like to thank our 'Friends of RegenAG®' supporters:

Food Connect is a dynamic, farmer direct, community food distribution business operating in South East Queensland. They aim to provide genuine food for families, a decent living for farmers, support the nurturing of the land and the establishment of local community networks. Food Connect is based upon the principles of  Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) where families (subscribers) commit to providing a stable market for a number of local farmers who in turn produce seasonal, fresh food using ecological farming practices.

Wray Organic Market is a ‘fresh’ fruit and vegetable store with produce that’s literally jumping off the shelf with life. All their produce is Australian grown and sourced from local certified organic growers. Owners, Deborah and Gary are committed to offering the best possible price for their organic produce. They want this extraordinarily clean and nutritious food to be available every day and at an affordable price for everyone.

Booking your place:

As part of our Fair Share policy, we provide pensioner and unwaged discounts where needed. Please get in touch for more information.

Included in your ticket:

Your ticket includes delicious morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. Take this unique opportunity to connect with other aspiring and like-minded farming folk! You will also receive comprehensive post-course notes to back up what you have learned.

Once you've booked into this course, we will contact you via email regarding your booking, what to bring along with you, and any further info you might need or request regarding this course.