Bendigo is a long way from Egypt, but that is where Ted Mikhail - Founder and Managing Director of SWEP Analytical Laboratories, and one of the major sponsors of the 2012 National Soils forum will find himself on the 8 and 9 March.

Mr Mikhail began his career as an Agronomist in Egypt in 1959 with his studies taking him around the world in his research to establish that soil is a "Living System". 

“Soil should have an optimal balance of factors pertaining to each of its three main components - physical structure, plant nutrients and soil biology. Each of these components should be in balance, both in itself and with each of the others”, said Mr Mikhail. 

In 1980 Mr Mikhail established SWEP Analytical Laboratories in order to better serve the agricultural community by applying his principles in soil, plant, animal and human relationships to achieve the highest quality of life through improving the health of our soil. 

The 2012 National Soils forum is being hosted by the North Central Catchment Management Authority’s (CMA) Farming for Sustainable Soils project. 

Mr Phil Dyson who manages the project said the calibre of speakers and guests attending the forum, including Mr Mikhail, is testament of the forums growing success.  

“In its third year, the forum will bring together key landholders, local farmers, scientists and policy makers to discuss how we can secure the productive and environmental values of soils in north central Victoria.”

Keynote speakers include returning speaker Julian Cribb, journalist, editor, science communicator and author of The Coming Famine and Dr. Peter Carberry, Deputy Director of CSIRO Sustainable Agriculture.

Field trips together with trade exhibits will be some of the highlights over the two days and with over 200 people attending it promises to be an interesting and thought provoking forum.

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