Background
Through a series of co-design conversations with fellow producers and the Hub's Bega Circular Valley Knowledge Broker Chloe Wilson, Sian helped shape a training opportunity focused on regenerative farming. The result was a Holistic Management workshop that strengthened producer knowledge, fostered local connections and reinforced the value of regenerative agriculture across the Milton region.
Local producers shaping local solutions
Over the past several years, Sian has engaged with the Southern NSW Innovation Hub through meetings, events and communications coordinated by Knowledge Broker Chloe Wilson. Regular bi-monthly gatherings provided local producers with opportunities to discuss emerging challenges, share experiences and explore new opportunities for their businesses.
As part of this engagement, Chloe brought producers together for a series of co-design workshops designed to identify the support, training and activities most valued by the local farming community. Rather than prescribing solutions, the process enabled farmers to directly influence future Hub activities and priorities.
During these discussions, regenerative farming emerged as a strong area of interest among participants. Having already explored regenerative approaches on her own property, Sian suggested that the Hub facilitate a Holistic Management course to provide both education and networking opportunities for local producers.
Turning an idea into a learning opportunity
Acting on feedback from the co-design workshops, Chloe organised a two-day Holistic Management workshop in Ulladulla in March 2026, delivered by experienced educator Brian Whelburg. The course was partially subsidised through the Southern NSW Innovation Hub and provided producers with practical insights into regenerative farming principles and decision-making.
Sian Shea with goats and dog
For Sian, the workshop reinforced practices she had already been implementing while deepening her understanding of the reasons behind them.
“I have been doing regenerative farming for five or six years now, but it was still very informative and gave me a deeper understanding of why I'm doing what I'm doing, which helps you to be more motivated to soldier on even through hardships.”
The workshop strengthened Sian's confidence in continuing to improve rotational grazing practices, support soil health and encourage beneficial plant growth across her properties. The opportunity to discuss concepts directly with other participants and the presenter also added value.
“During the course, you're able to actually challenge, discuss, and get a firm understanding of the benefit of why we do what we do. So that was really helpful.”
The value of connection and shared experience
Beyond the technical knowledge gained, Sian believes one of the greatest benefits of participating in Hub activities has been the opportunity to connect with other local producers. Meetings have created a space for farmers to share ideas, compare experiences and learn from one another.
One example involved discussions about direct-to-consumer marketing. After Sian shared her experiences selling produce directly to local customers, neighbouring producers became interested in trialling similar approaches within their own businesses.
“We were able to coach each other in how we were doing things, even though we had different styles [of farming]. It's really good as far as collaborating and sharing ideas.”
The Hub has also helped Sian build connections with other women in agriculture and recognise the strength of the local farming community.
“I didn't realise there were so many female farmers in this area until I started coming to the Hub. It's a great opportunity to support each other.”
Building momentum for regenerative farming
While Sian considered the Holistic Management workshop a success, she believes even greater benefits could be achieved through stronger participation from local producers. Wider adoption of regenerative farming knowledge and practices has the potential to create lasting environmental and community outcomes across the region.
Her experience suggests that strong producer interest and commitment during the planning stage are important ingredients for successful future events.
Investing in knowledge and resilience
Looking ahead, Sian hopes to continue working with local Knowledge Brokers to explore soil testing opportunities that can improve pasture health and support future participation in carbon markets. She also hopes the Hub continues investing in regenerative farming education after seeing the benefits first-hand.
“We've got four farms now in four different stages of regenerative farming, with all different soil types. We can really see the impact of it here at our home farm, and we're starting to see the impacts at the other farms as well.”
Through the Southern NSW Innovation Hub's co-design approach, producers like Sian are helping shape the support and learning opportunities available in their communities. In this case, a producer-generated idea evolved into a practical education event that strengthened knowledge, encouraged collaboration and supported the ongoing adoption of regenerative farming practices across the Milton region.
