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Muster Dogs

The Family Dirt: The new book in the ABC series, on nature, sustainability and a new era of farming, from two inspiring sisters
Brief Description
How an Australian farming family chose regenerative practices over bare dirt and bull dust. When the Spencer family farm seemed on the brink of collapse, graziers Renee Spencer and her sister Melissa decided it was time for radical change. They had become aware of terms such... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$3999
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How an Australian farming family chose regenerative practices over bare dirt and bull dust.

When the Spencer family farm seemed on the brink of collapse, graziers Renee Spencer and her sister Melissa decided it was time for radical change. They had become aware of terms such as 'cell grazing', 'sustainable', and 'holistic', and considered incorporating these concepts into their practices. Very soon, they saw results—but only on a local level. What was needed was a complete overhaul that included a dramatic shift in every aspect of their farming, including the study of soil, root systems, microbes, and—counterintuitively—the contributions that livestock make to the land.

Now, with over five years of regenerative practice under their belts, Renee and Melissa are eager to share their insights so that agriculturalists—whether in rural areas or suburban gardens—can work with their land, not against it. They aim to change the way we farm, eat, and think about our land.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780733344275

Publisher: ABC Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 10 February 2026

Country: Australia

Imprint: ABC Books

Edition: 5th edition

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Weight: 250g

Pages: 304

About the Author

Renee Spencer is a firth generation cattle producer based in Central Queensland. She has gained popularity on social media for her real and gritty look at what it's like to be a young woman growing up on the family farm. Her family practised regenerative agriculture and Renee is passionate about the soil and land management practices. Melissa Spencer (Stock Chick Films) is a videographer/photographer and grazier from Capella, Queensland. With a working dog team of her own and years of experience working on cattle properties in Central Queensland, she has a deep passion for showcasing rural stories and the beauty and skill of Australia's working dogs through her lens. As a visual content creator specialising in video and photography of rural life and culture, she has also worked as a camera operator and photographer on the TV series Muster Dogs.

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  • Muster Dogs
    In vivid colour the next generation - both canine and human - and the new dramas and joy of training pups for work on the tough but glorious locations they call home. Discover the next generation of puppies, farmers, and trainers in this new stunning companion to the beloved TV series Muster Dogs. This second illustrated book captures the young...
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