About 200 people attended the event on Saturday and the Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority, who provided funding for the event, said the turnout was the largest they had ever seen for a regional field day.

Back from the Brink author Peter Andrews gave participants an overview of the things he has learned over the past 30 years, developing a holistic approach to land management he calls Natural Sequence Farming.

Mr Andrews fielded many questions from his audience, discussing soil fertility, erosion, salinity and water management.

After a barbecue lunch, participants went on a trip to Swanbrook, at Danthonia, where Peter made various observations related to hydrology.

Danthonia Community spokesperson Chris Voll said he was very happy with how the day went.

“It was great to see so many people get together to hear Peter’s message,” Mr Voll said.

“People travelled from as far afield as Sydney, Tamworth, Brisbane, Tenterfield and Moree and places in between.

“It shows an open-mindedness in the farming community, and a real need for workable solutions to the problems people face, because much of what Peter is putting forward flies in the face of conventional wisdom and traditional farming practices.

“Danthonia was also glad for the CMA’s support for the event.

“There are many people trying to find ways to deal with the same issues, and it’s important to get together and learn from each other.

“That, in my view, is the main thing Saturday was about.”Chris said he also would encourage others to read Peter’s book to learn about the issues.