The Dirt — Tasmanian Farming News August 2025
Welcome to the August 2025 edition of our monthly newsletter, The Dirt. Get the latest Tasmanian farming news from our community and beyond!
TEAM UPDATE
Welcome to the August 2025 edition of our monthly newsletter, The Dirt. The FINAL of our winter editions.
August has rolled in, and while we’re inching closer to spring, there’s been nothing slow or sleepy about this last stretch of winter at Sprout!
With Jen away on a much-deserved break (we hope you’re reading this from a sunny hammock out bush somewhere, Jen), things have definitely felt different around here. Her absence has been big — but in true Sprout style, the team has pulled together and kept the momentum going.
Dom and I have been steadily working through the to-do lists, preparing for what’s shaping up to be a big few months ahead. Dom’s been finalising the final weekend for the 2025 Sprout Producer Program, and we’ve both been helping the board get their bearings, and keeping all the moving parts… well, moving!
A special shoutout to our board members, who’ve stepped in with incredible support to help steer the Sprout ship while Jen’s been away. Their extra effort behind the scenes has been invaluable — there’s a real sense of collective energy building as we look ahead to what’s next. Their contribution has been MASSIVE!
Jen’s time away has been a reminder of how capable and collaborative this little team really is. It’s sparked some exciting groundwork on future fundraising efforts, and yes — plans for the next Growing Good Dinner are already brewing. Keep an eye out for more details in future editions of The Dirt.
Until then — take care, stay warm, and get in the garden as spring is just around the corner.
Warmly,
Calum Jacobsen
Administration and Communications Officer
IN Our Paddock
Sprout Producer Program Field Day Wrap
The weekend of July 26th marked the final round of field trips for this year’s Sprout Producer Program, with just one more Connections Weekend to come in August. With wild weather forecast across the Tasman Peninsula on Friday and Saturday, a last-minute call was made to shift the itinerary — and it proved to be a wise move.
As we made our way down to the Peninsula under clear skies on Sunday morning, the storm’s aftermath was plain to see. Roads were littered with debris, and several trees had only just been cleared. As Farm Safety Week had recently reminded us: better safe than sorry.
Our first stop was a warm one — both in temperature and welcome — at Planet Bee in Saltwater River, where Reiner Obere has created something truly special. Reiner, a lifelong horticulturist, relocated from Hobart during the pandemic to pursue his vision of sustainable food and living. At the heart of his farm is a 300m² Dutch-imported, fully automated glasshouse that produces everything from beets to bananas year-round.
The glasshouse is more than a production space — it’s part of a larger dream that fuses home and growing space in a way that feels almost enchanted. Reiner’s unique blend of practicality and imagination left us all inspired and a little awestruck as we moved on to our next visit.
Our Sprout Producer stop for the day took us to Sounds Rivulet Farm, where David and Lou are growing their very first flush of oyster mushrooms inside two cleverly retrofitted refrigerated containers. David’s background in building design was evident in the thoughtful, efficient use of space on their challenging bush block.
What sets their operation apart is their mission-driven approach: rejecting single-use plastics and choosing instead to grow their own mycelium onsite. This allows them to work with rare species not commercially available, and significantly reduce the waste and emissions that typically come with importing mushroom spawn.
We were captivated by David’s curiosity and inventiveness — from the outdoor mushroom beds to the automated biochar activation unit powered by a thriving vermicompost system. The visit wrapped up with a hands-on mushroom workshop, hearty lentil curry, and plenty of laughs. Each of us left with a DIY grow bucket in hand, excited for the mushroom glut ahead.
Our final visit for the day brought us back toward Hobart to Bridgewater, where Lou welcomed us to an after-hours tour of the Material Institute / Botanical — a vibrant, interdisciplinary space with creativity and sustainability at its core.
This stunning site is the powerhouse behind the 24 Carrot Garden Program, supplying seedlings to school gardens across Tasmania and supporting hands-on, nature-based education for young people. It’s also home to The Beauty Lab, a café, creative workshop, and community space that fuses art, science, food, and learning in meaningful, accessible ways. From pottery and plant propagation to public workshops and school partnerships, the Material Institute is a hub of innovation, inclusion, and transformation.
Their work is driven by a belief in education that moves beyond the classroom — grounded in tactile, creative, and collaborative experiences that help young people grow alongside their gardens.
While the weekend didn’t unfold exactly as planned, it was packed with insight, generosity, and a shared drive to keep learning, improving, and making a difference.
At Sprout, we’re not only grateful for the producers we get to walk alongside each year, but also deeply thankful to everyone who opens their farms, businesses, and lives to share their stories, successes, and lessons with our cohorts.
– Calum Jacobsen
Sprout Producer Program 2026
As we near the end of this year’s program, we’re getting ready to open applications for the 2026 Sprout Producer Program in September. If you’re curious to learn more, click the link below. And if someone you know might be a great fit, be sure to share it with them!
Keep an eye on our newsletter and social media for the official application launch announcement.
Your Community
Historic Win for Small-Scale Meat Processing in Victoria!
Sprout is excited to congratulate the Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance (AFSA) on a landmark victory: micro-abattoirs in Victoria will no longer require a planning permit under new reforms. This is a major breakthrough for localised, small-scale meat processing, reducing red tape and empowering farmers to process on-farm in humane, low-risk ways.
These changes mark a turning point in recognising and supporting ethical, regenerative food systems. We’re inspired by AFSA’s persistent advocacy and the Victorian Government’s willingness to listen.
While these reforms don’t directly change the process here in Tasmania, they shine a spotlight on one critical piece of the puzzle: planning regulation as a barrier to small-scale processing. As highlighted in Sprout’s Service Kill Processing Report, there is a strong and growing demand for more accessible, regional meat processing options across the state.
We’ll be closely watching how this plays out in Victoria, and exploring how similar reforms could be pursued here to support the viability of small processors and rebuild localised, ethical meat systems in Tasmania.
Read AFSA’s media release HERE
Templo Staff Member Seeking Farm Work
The team at Templo, champions of local produce in Hobart, have reached out to share that one of their staff members is currently looking for farm work this spring.
They’re on a working holiday visa from California and are keen to gain hands-on experience with a local farm during their time in Tasmania.
If you have an opportunity that might suit, please get in touch with Templo directly for more information:
Have Your Say: Review of Tasmania’s Climate Change Act Now Underway
The 2024–25 Independent Review of the Climate Change (State Action) Act 2008 is now open for public consultation, offering all Tasmanians a chance to shape the state’s climate future. This statutory review, which occurs every four years, will assess how well the Act is supporting climate action and explore improvements to climate governance in Tasmania.
Public consultation runs from late July to early September 2025, with several ways to get involved — including an online survey, written submissions, and virtual workshops. Register now for one of the upcoming sessions:
- Community Workshop 1 – Tuesday, 5 August, 6:00–7:30pm
Register here - Community Workshop 2 – Wednesday, 6 August, 10:00–11:30am
Register here - Business & Industry Workshop – Thursday, 7 August, 11:00am–12:30pm
Register here - Local Government Workshop – Monday, 11 August, 2:00–3:30pm
Learn more and stay updated at www.recfit.tas.gov.au
Free Online Workshop – Selling Straight from The Farm
August 13, 2025 | 12 PM AEST / 10 AM AWST
Hosted by ActiveVista & Local Line
Are you selling produce online — or thinking about it?
This is a free, live online workshop with farmers and small scale ag experts who are making e-commerce work for their businesses. You’ll hear how they run their online sales, what platforms and tools they’re using, which models are most effective, and what lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Hear from:
- Grace Gamage, Broom and Brine (Hobart, TAS)
- Ben Pohlner, Volcano Produce (Tower Hill, VIC)
- James Hutchinson, ActiveVista & Longley Organic Farm (Hobart, TAS)
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to fine-tune your current online offering, you’ll walk away with practical tips and insights grounded in the small-scale farming experience.
Can’t make it on the day? No worries, everyone who registers will receive a link to the recording.
Farm Lease Opportunity – Old Beach Berries, TAS
A unique opportunity is available to lease part of the beautiful Old Beach Berries farm just outside Hobart. This established 6.63-hectare property includes a netted field of 60 rows, featuring:
- 11 rows with ~550 cherry trees
- 22 rows with ~570 blueberry bushes
- Additional olive trees, empty rows for planting, and existing irrigation
The farm currently supplies fresh and frozen blueberries direct from farm and through trusted partners like Farm Gate Market, Eumarrah, and Pigeon Whole Bakers.
Old Beach Berries is proudly regeneratively managed, free from herbicides and pesticides since 2019. Lessees will also have access to on-farm infrastructure, including:
- Packing shed with cool room and large freezers
- Sorting/packing equipment and storage
- Potential use of farm machinery by arrangement
Whether you’re an experienced grower or ready to scale your seasonal production, this is a rare opportunity to join a thriving local food system on a values-aligned farm.
📩 Enquire now to learn more and arrange a visit.
Cathryn: hello@oldbeachberries.com.au
Seeking a Practice Client for Agroecology Coaching Opportunity
Exciting news! Tahlia Kinrade has recently been accepted into Nicole Masters’ Integrity Soils CREATE Program – a globally respected agroecology and regenerative coaching initiative. As part of the program, Tahlia is seeking a Tasmanian farming business to partner with as a practice client over the next 6–9 months.
This is a unique opportunity to receive:
Support with soil and plant health monitoring
Two rounds of soil and tissue testing (covered by the farm)
Regular engagement and coaching support, with flexibility around frequency
Access to the wider Integrity Soils knowledge base
Insights and tailored guidance from Tahlia as she builds on her existing regenerative knowledge
This would suit a farm interested in deepening their understanding of soil health, regenerative practices, and holistic monitoring. Ideally located on Tasmania’s East Coast, but open to others statewide.
If you or someone you know might be interested in working with Tahlia, please get in touch! This is a wonderful chance to grow alongside a passionate emerging agroecology coach.
📩 Contact: Tahlia Kinrade tahliakinrade@gmail.com
📍 Based in Tasmania
Free Workshop: Building Climate‑Resilient Soils— Can Compost Help?
Get ready for a hands‑on soil workshop in northern Tasmania! Hosted by the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, this free 3.5-hour session will be held on Wednesday 20 August 2025, from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm at Utzinger Wines, 5 Upper McEwans Rd, Legana (Tamar Valley).
Join expert presenters in the field:
- Michael Attard from the City of Launceston will introduce using FOGO compost,
- Dr Bianca Das from TIA will guide participants through soil health principles and visual soil assessment.
You’ll gain boots-on-ground experience in a soil pit to explore how compost improves soil structure and resilience. This event is part of the Circular Nutrient Economies for Climate Resilient Soils project, supporting landholders to build drought- and flood-resilient systems using recycled organic products.
Tickets are free but limited — BOOK NOW
TAS Farm Innovation Hub Tours
The TAS Farm Innovation Hub is supporting some exciting opportunities for Tasmanian producers to join interstate or local tours happening in September. It is a unique chance for the agricultural community to connect with peers, explore innovative farming practices and ways to build farm resilience.
Farming Forever National Summit
1-3 September 2025 | Canberra
This summit is for Tasmanians in the agricultural industry who are champions for climate action.
Hosted by Farmers for Climate Action, the event will bring together over 300 farmers and industry leaders to discuss sustainable agriculture, clean technologies, smart energy, and climate-ready farming.
The TAS Farm Innovation Hub is sponsoring five Tasmanian farmers to attend, with flights, accommodation and conference registration costs covered. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in media training and capacity building to share their insights from the summit and their farm achievements.
Express Your Interest: Attend the Farming Forever National Summit 2025– by 8 August
AgriSolar Tour
1-2 September| Victoria
The TAS Farm Innovation Hub is sponsoring 10 farmers to explore solar innovations and research on farms in Victoria, from solar-powered vineyards to ethical beef systems.
The tour will visit places like Yarra Yering Vineyard, Paringa Livestock, Dookie Campus, and Seven Creeks Wagyu.
It is ideal for farmers in any industry who are interested in farm sustainability, resilience, and future innovation.
The TAS Farm Innovation Hub will cover flights from Launceston, overnight accommodation in Victoria, and some meals.
Express your interest: hannah.beaton@utas.edu.au – by 8 August
Drought Resilience & Innovation Tour
3-5 September 2025 | Northern & North-West Tasmania
This three-day tour brings together Western Australian and Tasmanian farmers to explore innovative farming and supply chain practices.
Hosted by the TAS Farm Innovation Hub in partnership with the Southwest WA Hub, the tour will visit innovative farms and agri-businesses. Highlights include cereal and legume trials, multispecies pastures, and berry and cherry orchards on Day 1 ; beef processing, a robotic dairy, and cutting-edge nitrogen trials on Day 2 ; and pasture trials and vineyard ag-tech on Day 3.
This tour is for Tasmanian farmers, ag students, and agricultural advisors. Participants can choose to join for one, two, or all three days. Leaving from Launceston each day, the TAS Farm Innovation Hub is covering tour transport and meals.
Express Your Interest: NorthernTasmanianAgricultural Tour (Day 1,2 and/or 3) – by 15 August
Expressions of interest via clicking the linked content in each featured tour. Get your interest marked as these opportunities sounds too good to pass up!
That’s it for our Tasmanian Farming News this month. As ever, do get in touch if you have any questions or issues. We’re always here to help.
Thanks as always,
The Sprout Team.