More than 65 farmers, researchers, rural professionals and community members came together at Wilith Farm in Ātiamuri for the latest Rere ki uta rere ki tai - Living Soil Project On Farm Day.
The event marked an exciting milestone for the project as it was the first On Farm Day opened to the wider public, creating an opportunity for even more people to experience the project, connect with others across the sector and see practical system change in action.
Hosted by Miah and Jenny Smith, Wilith Farm provided the perfect setting to explore how a whole-farm systems approach can build healthier soils, more resilient farming businesses and stronger environmental outcomes.
About Wilith Farm
Located in Ātiamuri, Wilith Farm is one of the Rere ki uta rere ki tai - Living Soil Project's Lighthouse Farms, demonstrating how practical system change can strengthen the resilience of a farming business.
For hosts Miah and Jenny Smith, the journey began after Miah attended one of Christine Jones' New Zealand workshops. Inspired by her whole-systems approach to farming and soil health, he joined the project to explore how those principles could be applied on their own farm.
Since then, Wilith Farm has introduced diverse pastures, reduced synthetic fertiliser use, biological inputs, deferred grazing, tree planting and thoughtful landscape planning. By opening their farm and sharing both the successes and challenges of their journey, Miah and Jenny are helping other farmers see what a whole-farm systems approach can look like in practice.
Learning from experience
The day brought together a diverse line-up of speakers who shared practical knowledge, research findings and real-world experiences from across Aotearoa.
Te Rangikaheke Kiripatea from Kai Rotorua encouraged attendees to view farming through the lens of the maramataka and the connection between people, the land and seasonal rhythms.
Danny and Eru from Whenua Haumanu shared the latest insights from regenerative farming research, discussing both the opportunities and the challenges farmers face as they transition to more resilient farming systems.
Dr Alison Dewes, Farm Systems Analyst for the Rere ki uta rere ki tai - Living Soil Project, facilitated an engaging panel discussion exploring the connections between animal health, pasture management, soil health and whole-farm performance.
Throughout the day, one message remained consistent: healthy farming systems are built by understanding how every part of the farm works together.
Out on the farm
The afternoon gave attendees the opportunity to step out onto Wilith Farm and see these principles in practice.
As one of the project's Trial Farms, Wilith Farm is demonstrating how practical changes can strengthen the resilience of a farming business over time. Visitors explored the farm while discussing the role of diverse pastures, biological inputs, deferred grazing, tree planting, shelterbelts and landscape planning in supporting both productivity and environmental outcomes.
The on-farm conversations were a highlight of the day, with farmers openly sharing ideas, asking questions and learning from one another.
Capturing the stories
The day was also filmed by Mike Bhana from Wild Films, who interviewed speakers and farmers throughout the event.
These interviews will become part of the project's Farmer Support Resources, ensuring the knowledge, experiences and lessons shared at Wilith Farm can continue reaching farmers well beyond those who attended on the day.
Thank you
A sincere thank you to Miah and Jenny Smith for generously opening their farm and sharing their journey with the wider community.
Thank you also to our guest speakers, Te Rangikaheke Kiripatea, Danny and Eru from Whenua Haumanu, and Dr Alison Dewes, for sharing their expertise and creating valuable discussions throughout the day.
We are also incredibly grateful to Farm Source for generously providing lunch and helping create an opportunity for attendees to continue conversations and build new connections over a meal.
Finally, thank you to everyone who joined us. The enthusiasm, thoughtful questions and willingness to share experiences are what make these On Farm Days so valuable.
We look forward to welcoming you to our next Rere ki uta rere ki tai - Living Soil Project On Farm Day.
