Regenerative agriculture is gaining momentum globally and locally, supported by strong interest at the farm level and increasing recognition by consumers and regulators. However, there is a growing need for robust Australian evidence that tests these practices under realistic dryland conditions, particularly in environments where low rainfall, seasonal variability, and drought risk constrain productivity and performance.

This project will address that evidence gap by testing a defined set of regenerative and emerging practices over time, using consistent trial structures and high-quality measurement and modelling frameworks.

Project outcomes

This project will closely study new regenerative cropping and pasture management methods to improve drought resilience in dryland farming systems across southern Australia.

The project will provide the tools required to understand how regenerative and novel practices influence drought resilience from:

• Production performance (yield, biomass, grain quality)

• Whole system economics (profitability and risk)

• Soil resilience and function (nutrient cycling, microbial activity, water dynamics)

• Environmental sustainability outcomes (carbon inputs, greenhouse gas indicators, input efficiency)

Outcomes will be strengthened through modelling and visualisation to support scenario-testing and decision-making across the landscape.