Lachlan Hughes Foundation

Maranoa Grazier Awarded Inaugural Scholarship

The Lachlan Hughes Foundation Board is pleased to announce that Jack Groat of Lorraine Station, Roma has been selected as the Inaugural Foundation Scholar. An independent Selection Panel of three selected Jack from a very strong field of applicants from all over Australia.

For Jack (pictured with Philip Hughes), his journey to learn more about regenerative agriculture began in 2012 when he first saw television advertisements saying fossil fuels, deforestation and cattle were the 3 biggest threats to the planet. “This message didn’t sit well with me and from my experience, I couldn’t see how cattle could be bad but I didn’t know how to express that. Since then I have been searching and learning how cattle and people can actually work together for the benefit of the environment and this scholarship was the perfect opportunity for me to learn more about regenerative agriculture to do this”, said Jack.

Jack had been looking at trying new things on his property “Lorraine” north of Roma with his wife Emma and their children. Together they have been trialling practices on farm that they have researched and learned about to date but realise there is much more to learn. Through the scholarship, Jack will be provided with support to attend training at the Mulloon Institute to learn more about natural sequence farming methods as well as opportunities to be mentored and connected with people who have been working successfully to integrate regenerative agriculture principles in their business.

The Hughes Family were planning a Natural Sequence Farming Information Day at Dulacca Downs in April, where Jack would present his project outline for the next twelve months but have decided to postpone this to a later date.

Jack said, “The opportunity provided by the Lachlan Hughes Scholarship will allow me to give back to the regenerative agriculture movement as well. My project will focus on implementing rotational grazing management, contours and leaky weirs to reduce run-off, soil erosion and keep ground cover. I have already started and hope that with the additional support through the scholarship I can do this successfully and see how regenerative principles can be applied to conventional agricultural landscapes, better for the environment and better for business."

For further information regarding the Lachlan Hughes Foundation, please visit https://www.lachlanhughesfoundation.org.au/