Ignite MNC Interview – Glenn Morris – Farmer – Land Steward
In this our fourth interview of speakers and presenters that will be attending Ignite MNC 2018 we feature Glenn Morris.
Glenn is a passionate farmer and climate change advocate. Motivated by leaving the planet and farms to future generations in a healthy state.
He has taken his message to the nation’s politicians and the streets of capital cities to help raise awareness and accountability.
In 2016 and 2018 Glenn rode his horse ‘Hombre’ across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to focus the nation’s attention on the need for serious action on dealing with climate change and restoring the nation’s natural resource base.
Having completed his Masters in Sustainable Agriculture at the University of Sydney, he has the knowledge and qualifications to back his arguments
In 2013 Glenn won the prestigious State Landcare Award for Innovation in Sustainable Farm Practices.
Glenn believes that as land stewards, farmer’s need to champion the way landscapes are totally connected to the carbon cycle. Farmers as the frontline for providing a true solution for dealing with the immense task of restoring a stable climate.
On 7 November Glenn will be speaking at Ignite MNC in Bellingen.
Ignite MNC will bring together creators, thinkers and innovators from the Mid North Coast region and beyond.
Don’t forget to grab your ticket before they are sold out, as they are selling fast – follow the link below.
Where did you grow up?
After being born on a farm near Goulburn I ended up growing up in Sydney.
Given the choice between living in the city or country which would you choose and why?
As soon as I finished school I chose to spend the rest of my life working on the land because I love working with livestock and natural systems.
Describe your area of expertise?
Over the years of gained considerable experience in managing livestock but also in understanding and regenerating healthy landscapes.
What is the greatest hurdle you have had to overcome in your career and how did you do it?
The greatest hurdle I have had to overcome is standing up against the existing paradigms in disregard for the environment and ecosystem processes. eg Standing up for the truth to be communicated on climate change and the related impacts to farming.
If you could solve one problem or issue what would it be?
The deficiency in truth and goals regarding the challenges we are facing and the setting of a clear direction forward to a healthy and prosperous future.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Study hard at school and particularly an subjects that enhance the relationship between human society and the natural world, and maybe some political studies as well.
If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be and why?
David Suzuki. He has tirelessly tried to communicate better care of the earth all of his life.
The best advice you have being given during your life?
One of the things I have been advised to do in holistic management is; ‘ focus on what you want and that is what you will get.’ I think this is very true. If we focus on increasing soil health and pasture diversity, that is what we get. If we focus on killing things with chemicals we end up with dead soils.
What are you looking forward to most about attending Ignite MNC at Bellingen?
I have always loved the Bellingen district and now that we are supplying our healthy organic produce to that town it will be great to communicate the good work that farmers and consumers can achieve by supporting each other.
What are your plans for the next year ?
With all the challenges facing communities all over Australia in health, climate and biodiversity loss, I hope to keep championing positive solutions through wise decision making and active land regeneration.
The Ignite MNC Symposium is a business and community event designed to bring together people who work, run businesses and live in the Mid North Coast. The event is designed to inspire new thinking, vibrant conversations and to form collaborative partnerships. – aka; if you want to do break the mould – to do something different – to find a tribe to support you, to make the Mid North Coast an innovative, inspiring and vibrant place to live and work… For access to further information and tickets visit www.rdamnc.org.au