Are we thinking about trees on farms all wrong? with Michael Taylor

What happens when you stop thinking about trees and agriculture as separate systems?

In this episode, sixth-generation Australian farmer and engineer Michael Taylor explains what decades of planting trees have taught his family about farming, resilience and innovation.

On their New England Tablelands farm, “Taylor’s Run,” the Taylors began planting trees for a practical reason: shelter. But over generations, those trees have become part of a much bigger story about agroforestry, biodiversity, natural capital, and the complex interactions at work across a farming system.

Michael discusses why farming, despite his engineering background, is one of the most complex systems to manage. He shares the lessons that have emerged over decades of tree planting, as well as the mistakes. And the unexpected benefits those experiences have revealed.The conversation also explores what happens when we try to put numbers around nature. Michael discusses how natural capital accounting and data can help demonstrate, in tangible figures, some of the things farmers already see and observe in their landscapes.

Sarah and Michael also discuss:

• How trees can influence wind, moisture, ground cover and livestock protection
• Why some innovations only reveal their true value over decades
• How agroforestry can create value beyond timber
• What natural capital accounting can tell us about farm systems
• The limits of trying to simplify complex natural systems
  

Useful Links:

• Valuing natural capital on Australian farms — Tenacious Ventures
• Shifting from climate measurement to risk mitigation — Tenacious Ventures
• Mark Wootton on carbon-neutral farming at Jigsaw Farms — Tenacious Ventures
• Natural Capital - Forico
• CSIRO Natural Capital Handbook
• Bambra Agroforestry Farm — practical Australian agroforestry resources
• Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) - Textile Exchange
• Australian Farmer of the Year Michael Taylor shows how farming diversity can lead to sustainability - ABC News

For more information and resources, visit our website.

The information in this post is not investment advice or a recommendation to invest. It is general information only and does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making an investment decision you should seek financial advice from a professional financial adviser. Whilst we believe the information is correct, we provide no warranty of accuracy, reliability or completeness.

• [00:2:00] Farming is a complex system
• [00:20:00] Innovation reveals its value over time
• [00:24:00] Data can make farmer knowledge visible