Innovative approaches to profitable pasture management will be the focus of two free forums to be held in the Maryborough district.   

The forums, hosted by the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA), will examine breakthrough Australian approaches including ‘pasture cropping’, a technique involving the sowing of cereal crops directly into native perennial pastures to achieve long term farm profitability.   

Forum presenters will be Colin Seis, with 20 years of experience in applying the systems being discussed, and Graeme Hand, who will speak on regenerative agricultural methods.  

North Central CMA’s Joel Spry said the forums were an opportunity for producers to hear how improving soil health drives profitability, lowers seasonal risk and addresses the causes of weeds and perennial pasture decline.   

“There’s now lots of evidence and on-farm outcomes to prove the merits of the systems Colin and Graeme are advocating, however, we recognise it’s difficult for producers to find that information in one place, let alone have the time to read up on it all,” Mr Spry said.   

“The forums are a unique opportunity for producers to take a step back and hear about what’s out there, we’ve also found these gatherings are a great chance for them to chat with fellow producers and swap pasture experiences, good and bad.   

“We’re keen to break through the haze of the language too, some refer to this approach as regenerative farming while others have called it sustainable farming – if you’re a producer the thing you’re looking for is the health of your soil; the more you’re doing to care for your soil, the more you’re doing to ensure the ongoing profitability of your business.   

“Our speakers have been carefully chosen, not just because they’re great presenters with lots of experience in similar forums across Australia and overseas, but because they also both run their own properties and have worked side-by-side with producers over many years to achieve real on-farm outcomes, it’s going to be a great day,” Mr Spry said. 

The ‘Grazing management and pasture cropping’ forums take place at the Bowenvale Hall on 4 June and St Arnaud’s Paradise Hall on 5 June. There is no charge to attend though places are limited with RSVPs to the CMA on 5448 7124 or by email via info@nccma.vic.gov.au

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551

t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au