James Alexander

Nuffield Australia 2020 Scholarship winner

James Alexander of Cootamundra, New South Wales, receives a Nuffield Scholarship supported by the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

His study topic is: 'The positive influence of regenerating people, place and profit'.

Having worked as an agronomist and a farm overseer, James and wife Emily currently operate their own business, Long Grass Ag. They consult and mentor other farmers in working with natural intelligence farming through a focus on soil and human health. Additionally, his family runs a composite sheep stud on 465ha at Cootamundra.

“I believe Australia can be a leader in sustainable agriculture. In particular, my scholarship will seek to build on the philosophies of regenerative agriculture, and to identify practical solutions across a wide range of industry challenges,” James said.

“My research aims to unearth potential ways that regenerative approaches could lead to greater landscape functionality, improved social wellbeing of farmers, and increased profitability of farm businesses.

“Importantly, my research has potential to be applicable across the wider agricultural sector, and align with a growing interest to invest in initiatives that contribute to the sustainability of our soils, our farms, and our futures.”

James plans to visit the United Kingdom and the United States to attend regenerative agriculture industry events, as well as visit key farms in New Zealand which are practicing key p and Australia, which are practicing key principles of regenerative agriculture and building greater pasture diversity.

James' final report is available here.James' final report is available here.

James' presentation at the 2023 National Conference can be viewed here.James' presentation at the 2023 National Conference can be viewed here.