Drought and regenerative farming

May 2025 Farming Through the Dry: How Warrawindi Tackles Tough Seasons with drought and regenerative farming  

It’s no secret that this current dry period sweeping across South Australia and Victoria is proving to be one of the more challenging times for farmers. With feed sources becoming scarce and the cost of fodder skyrocketing, many producers are feeling the squeeze. But as anyone who’s been on the land knows, farming is never a straight road, it’s a winding track full of surprises, and sometimes, setbacks. 

At Warrawindi, we like to think of farming as a bit of a game. It’s hard work, yes, but there’s also a sense of strategy, risk, and reward. One of our guiding principles has always been risk management. We don’t wait for things to go wrong before we act, we plan ahead so that when challenges come, we’re ready. This season is no exception. 

We’re incredibly thankful to be in a position where we’ve had enough hay stored to get us through. Each year, we aim to stockpile between one and a half to two years' worth of hay. It’s a buffer we’ve built into our system because we know not every season is going to deliver. And when you’re dealing with the unpredictability of Australian weather, planning like this isn’t optional, it’s essential. 

But it’s not just planning that’s helped us stay on top during this dry spell. Our regenerative farming practices have been a game changer. By focusing on soil health, ground cover, and strategic grazing, we’ve built a more resilient system that works with nature, not against it. 

Looking after the tiny ecosystem beneath our feet—our bugs, microbes, and soil structure—means our paddocks are holding onto moisture better than ever. Even a small shower of rain is going a long way. With strong ground cover, our soil isn’t exposed to the harsh sun and drying winds, and that makes a big difference. It’s the kind of long-term thinking that pays off when conditions turn tough. 

We’re still able to grow grass, and we’ve got enough dry feed and hay on hand to keep our stock healthy. That’s not luck—it’s the result of commitment to sustainable practices and never taking a good season for granted.

Farming might not be easy, but it’s rewarding. And through the ups and downs, we keep learning, growing, and adapting. That’s the beauty of it—and at Warrawindi, we wouldn’t have it any other way.