Welcome to The Festival of Food & Farming!
Get ready to immerse yourself in all things Food and Farming. Cyndi O’Meara purchased the Changing Habits Farm nearly a decade ago. As a nutritionist, she was concerned about the quality of food. Since the purchase, she and her family’s learning curve has been steep, being the custodian of the land that, in turn, produces food for family and community.
Cyndi wants to give 50 people the opportunity to fast-track and learn what she has taken years to amass by trial and error. Her farm now works as a well-managed ecosystem providing abundance for all who visit. She uses Biodynamics, Natural Sequence Farming, Syntropics, Cell grazing, poultry husbandry, multi-species pastures, worm farming, and composting, to name a few. Whether you want to learn one of these modalities or soak in everything, this festival is for you. Learn from the experts who have been instrumental in transforming a chemically farmed land into what it is today.
Biodynamic farming is a holistic and sustainable approach to agriculture that is based on the principles of Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian philosopher and scientist. Biodynamic farming emphasizes the interconnectedness of soil, plants, animals, and the cosmos, and seeks to create a self-sustaining and harmonious ecosystem. Biodynamic farmers use a variety of practices, such as composting, crop rotation, and the use of natural preparations, to improve soil fertility and plant health, while minimising the use of synthetic inputs. Biodynamic farming also involves following a planting and harvesting calendar based on lunar cycles and other astrological events. Proponents of biodynamic farming claim that it can produce healthier crops, higher yields, and more resilient ecosystems, while reducing the environmental impact of agriculture.
Biodynamic farming is a holistic and sustainable approach to agriculture that is based on the principles of Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian philosopher and scientist. Biodynamic farming emphasizes the interconnectedness of soil, plants, animals, and the cosmos, and seeks to create a self-sustaining and harmonious ecosystem. Biodynamic farmers use a variety of practices, such as composting, crop rotation, and the use of natural preparations, to improve soil fertility and plant health, while minimising the use of synthetic inputs. Biodynamic farming also involves following a planting and harvesting calendar based on lunar cycles and other astrological events. Proponents of biodynamic farming claim that it can produce healthier crops, higher yields, and more resilient ecosystems, while reducing the environmental impact of agriculture.
Syntropic farming offers a sustainable and regenerative approach to agriculture, which can help to address issues such as soil degradation and food security. Syntropic farming involves creating a balanced and resilient agro-ecosystem, where each plant species interacts with others to create mutually beneficial relationships. This leads to a reduction in the need for pesticides and fertilisers and improves the overall health of the soil., improving the nutrition of the plant.
The method has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its ability to produce high yields while reducing the environmental impact of agriculture.
Natural Sequence Farming (NSF) is a land restoration method that aims to restore the natural water cycle and soil health of degraded landscapes, such as farms and grazing lands. NSF involves a range of techniques that work together to improve soil health and increase water retention in the landscape.
NSF has been shown to be effective in restoring degraded landscapes and improving the productivity of farms and grazing lands. It has been adopted by farmers and land managers in Australia and other parts of the world as a sustainable alternative to conventional farming practices.
Natural Sequence Farming (NSF) is a land restoration method that aims to restore the natural water cycle and soil health of degraded landscapes, such as farms and grazing lands. NSF involves a range of techniques that work together to improve soil health and increase water retention in the landscape.
NSF has been shown to be effective in restoring degraded landscapes and improving the productivity of farms and grazing lands. It has been adopted by farmers and land managers in Australia and other parts of the world as a sustainable alternative to conventional farming practices.
Regenerative farming is an approach to agriculture that seeks to improve the health and vitality of soil, water, and ecosystems, while also producing food and fibre. It focuses on building soil health through practices such as cover cropping, crop rotation, composting, reduced tillage, and the integration of livestock. These practices work together to improve soil structure, increase water retention, reduce erosion, and enhance nutrient cycling.
Regenerative farming also emphasises the use of natural pest management techniques and the preservation of biodiversity. By prioritising soil health, regenerative farming aims to create resilient and sustainable agricultural systems that can adapt to changing environmental conditions and support the long-term health of both people and the planet.
JACOB WOLKI
Jacob is a passionate farmer based in Albury, NSW and is on a mission to change the modern-day dinner table. All animals on Wolki Regenerative Farm are raised on pasture, free from cages and chemicals. Jacob’s not only creating superior quality produce, he‘s also improving our landscape for generations to come so we can all eat better without compromising animal welfare or our environment.
HAMISH MACKAY
STUART ANDREWS
CYNDI O’MEARA
Cyndi is an international nutritionist, speaker, author, documentary maker and founder of Changing Habits. Cyndi is well researched to challenge claims effecting health globally, encouraging an educated approach towards nourishment through real ingredients from trusted, sustainable sources. Continuing her desire for community well-being, Cyndi is also the founder of The Nutrition Academy, and is the owner of Changing Habits Farm.
GARY MCDOUALL
Garry and his wife, Linda were cattle farmers for over 30 years and early adopters of many regenerative farming techniques. Garry is a Dawson Program practitioner, and an accredited facilitator in landscape energy under the Qantum Leap Subtle Energy Program. His strength is in strategic thinking, understanding how complex issues can be simply addressed, and in being a catalyst for change. He describes himself as a “specialist generalist”.
“Being balanced energetically has made a huge difference to our lives, and it is a privilege to help others on their journey”.
BROGAN O’MEARA
ROB WYBORN
MICHAEL YEOWART
Mikey, is the founder of Luvarlee and has been a Chef for over 13 years. Mikey has always been passionate about food and cooking. He began his Chef journey at the River House on the Noosa River at 15 years of age. He completed his apprenticeship by 18 and it has been his career ever since.
Mikey has worked in many countries and immersed himself in different cultures to learn new ways of cooking. Growing up in Noosa, Queensland meant that Mikey always had access to fresh, local, seasonal and organic produce. It is something he believes is a key ingredient when cooking the best quality and best tasting food.
DATES
Wednesday August 21st – Saturday August 24th 2024
LOCATION
Changing Habits Farm – 314 Reesville South East Queensland (5 mins west of Maleny, Sunshine Coast)
EXCLUSIVELY 50 PEOPLE ONLY
DAY 1
Wednesday 21 August 2024
9am – 5pm
HOW TO MAKE A PROFIT ON A SMALL FARM AND FEED THE COMMUNITY
with Jacob Wolki
DAY 2
Thursday 22 August 2024
9am – 5pm
BIODYNAMICS PREP AND USES AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
with Hamish McKay
REGENERATIVE FARMING, CELL GRAZING AND CHICKEN HUSBANDARY
with Brogan O’Meara
DAY 3
Friday 23 August 2024
9am – 3pm
NATURAL SEQUENCE FARMING AND FIELD DEMONSTRATION
with Stuart Andrews
DAY 4
Saturday 24 August 2024
9am – 5pm
SYNTROPICS WITH PRACTICAL FIELDS DEMONSTRATION
with Rob Wyborn
SUBTLE ENERGY ON THE FARM
with Garry McDouall
FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER
23 August 2024
5 – 9pm
FARM TO TABLE DINNER
hosted by Cyndi O’Meara
Join us for a one-of-a-kind farm-to-plate dinner experience hosted by Cyndi O’Meara from Changing Habits.
We’re excited to partner with Mick & Kelly from Good Harvest Farms and Stuart Andrews from Foraged Farms to source the freshest, locally grown ingredients for our menu.
Our talented chef, Mike Yeowart from Luvarlee, has created a mouthwatering menu that celebrates the flavours of the season.
Each dish is carefully crafted using the highest quality ingredients sourced from Forage Farm, Good Harvest and Changing Habits, with a focus on regenerative and ethical practices. As you enjoy your meal, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the journey of the food from the farm to your plate and the importance of this way of eating for the universal health of humans, animals, plants and planet.
Cyndi and Mike will all be on hand to share their insights and answer any questions you may have.
Dinner drinks will be supplied by BUCHI, and the meal will finish by the fire with complimentary vodka and gin.
We are so excited to host you and feed you the best and most nutritious food and drink.
ALL INCLUSIVE PASS
21st August - 24th August 2024- Day 1 – Jake Wolki
- Day 2 – Hamish McKay, Brogan O’Meara
- Friday Night Dinner
- Day 3 – Stuart Andrews
- Day 4 – Roby Wyborn, Garry McDouall
- Lunch each day
- Snacks, tea & coffee each day
Day 1 & 2 PASS
21st August - 22nd August 2024- Day 1 – Jake Wolki
- Day 2 – Hamish McKay, Brogan O’Meara
- Lunch each day
- Snacks, tea & coffee each day
- Friday Night Dinner
- Day 3 – Stuart Andrews
- Day 4 – Rob Wyborn, Garry McDouall
Day 3 & 4 PASS
23rd August - 24th August 2024- Day 3 – Stuart Andrews
- Day 4 – Rob Wyborn, Garry McDouall
- Lunch each day
- Friday Night Dinner
- Snacks, tea & coffee each day
- Day 1 – Jake Wolki
- Day 2 – Hamish McKay, Brogan O’Meara
Cattleman’s Cottage
Located on The Changing Habits Farm www.thecattlemanscottage.com or call Monique for bookings 0447440072
Changing Habits Farm Fig Tree Caravan and Camping
limited spots book early – water and toilets available. Call Monique for bookings 0447440072
Maleny House
Newly renovated – 3 Queen Beds and a sofa bed – sleeps 8. Normally $450.00 per night but $900 for three nights over The Festival of Food and Farming (next door to Changing Habits Farm – 100 metres from the venue) – phone Alison 0408191030
Maleny Country Estate
https://www.malenycountryestate.com.au
Fig Trees on Watson
Cattleman’s Cottage
Located on The Changing Habits Farm www.thecattlemanscottage.com or call Monique for bookings 0447440072
Changing Habits Farm Fig Tree Caravan and Camping
Limited spots book early – water and toilets available. Call Monique for bookings 0447440072
Maleny House
Newly renovated – 3 Queen Beds and a sofa bed – sleeps 8. Normally $450.00 per night but $900 for three nights over The Festival of Food and Farming (next door to Changing Habits Farm – 100 metres from the venue) – phone Alison 0408191030
Maleny Country Estate
https://www.malenycountryestate.com.au
Fig Trees on Watson
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
Changing Habits www.changinghabits.com.au
Cattlemans Cottage www.thecattlemanscottage.com
The Nutrition Academy www.thenutrition.academy
Buchi www.buchi.com.au
Gevity RX https://au.gevityrx.com/