It was ironic really; the day before our event at Tallering Views to look at the rehydration work undertaken by owners Jeff Johnson and Kirsti Singleton, the Midwest region experienced a significant rainfall event, with some areas receiving up to 50mm.
Although the heavy rain had created some challenges, the event proceeded, albeit with a smaller number and sadly some people missing out. Attendees from as far away as the southwest, Perth and Yalgoo, along with key event staff, had already arrived at the property a day earlier, taking up Jeff and Kirsti’s invitation to camp overnight prior to the event.
The day began with introductions and discussion among attendees over morning tea. Jeff then demonstrated the loader and grader blade techniques he uses to create the distinctive “V” formations across the landscape to enable water infiltration and rehydration. The extensive work included approximately 1,500 hours of ripping over summer, highlighting Jeff’s commitment to improving landscape function. Jeff also discussed the challenges of working in rocky and compacted soils, including the frequent replacement of grader blades.
Attendees were also able to view a collection of native plant specimens found across the property that Jeff & Kirsti had assembled (along with a reference binder containing photographs and scientific names), showing the diversity of plants that had naturally regenerated in response to the improved soil moisture. Following a detailed explanation of his rehydration approach and a question-and-answer session, the group headed out into the paddock to observe the outcomes firsthand.
The first walk took the group east towards a mobile cattle and goat feeding and watering station. Jeff explained how the home-made transportable infrastructure helps minimise soil compaction by allowing them to regularly change where livestock congregate, while also providing them with valuable shade.
Tallering Views had received approximately 35mm of rain in the previous 24 hours, but there was very little evidence of runoff to be seen, and hardly any water still sitting in the V rips. Instead, the water had infiltrated the soil profile, just as intended. Jeff’s enthusiasm and joy at this was both uncontainable and infectious.
At the first ridge, Jeff highlighted the differences between areas that had previously been conventionally ploughed and those that hadn’t, plus the detrimental impact of early unsuccessful attempts at solving the problems. The contrast in water infiltration and vegetation was clearly visible. He also pointed out areas where trees had died due to historical water movement patterns and discussed how redirecting water across the landscape could improve vegetation outcomes. Along the way, our eyes were caught by emerging wildflowers already, with tiny white sundew flowers among the most prolific.
During this session, attendees also heard from Bridget Watkins, Regional Soil Coordinator at SoilsWest, who provided practical guidance and demonstrations of how to assess soil structure and understand some basic soil health indicators. Her insights gave participants useful tools for evaluating conditions on their own properties. During lunch, Bridget also conducted a soil dispersion demonstration, placing soil samples into water to illustrate differences in soil stability and structure; the level of cloudiness of the water provided a visual indication of varying soil properties and challenges, and sparked further discussion among attendees.
After lunch, the group walked towards the northern boundary of the property, stopping at several locations along the way, including a dam that had filled significantly following the recent rain. The resident ducks were already enjoying the improved conditions, making themselves even more at home on and by the water. At each stop, Jeff highlighted the diverse range of native plants growing throughout the landscape and the role each species plays in supporting ecosystem function and landscape rehydration.
Upon reaching the northern boundary fence, a striking contrast in vegetation between Tallering Views and the neighbouring property could be seen. The reduced emerging vegetation on the neighbouring land could not be attributed to livestock grazing, as stock had not been present there for several years. However, the presence of kangaroos is an ongoing challenge for natural vegetation establishment in the area, with Jeff and Kirsti’s electric fencing around their property perimeter an important key to managing grazing pressure. The comparison generated considerable discussion around landscape management, biodiversity, water retention and long-term land stewardship.
Further demonstrations and conversations followed as the group returned to the homestead for afternoon tea and the official close of the event. Participants shared experiences from their own properties, discussed challenges they faced, and explored ideas they hoped to implement in future.
As it was, Friday turned out to be a beautiful day and the road closures were lifted at lunch time. The attendees were able to travel home safely, leaving with a greater understanding of landscape rehydration principles, soil health and practical strategies that could be adapted to their own farming systems.
NACC NRM hopes to run another event at Tallering Views soon, so those who missed out this time will still have a chance to see the remarkable new lease on life the land is experiencing under Jeff and Kirsti’s stewardship, and learn more about a potential demonstration project to explore how this rehabilitation might be helped along further. Stay tuned for details.
The Future Farm Foundations project is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust, under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.