The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) invites all interested landholders to a free field day at the Yandoit Community Hall to explore the benefits of native grasses in farming systems. 

The field day is scheduled for Friday 25 May commencing with lunch at 12 noon and concludes at 4pm.  Ms Ashley Beven, North Central CMA’s Regional Landcare Facilitator said the field day will be an opportunity for landholders to hear from guest speaker Graeme Hand, CEO of Stipa Native Grasses Association Inc., an organisation established by farmers to promote the profitable management and use of native grasses. 

“Graeme will present on a number of topics including, regenerating native pastures, improving soil health and grazing profitability and trialling management practices.
 
“Graeme’s messages have been very well received at recent workshops across the region. Farmers have been most interested in Graeme’s observations around regenerating native pastures.
 
According to Graeme, even where farming and grazing practices appear to have stopped soil biological activity, the correct management can quickly recover the required biological activity for regeneration. These soils are not biological deserts. They are far from dead and retain all of the essential components of healthy functioning ecosystems. All that is required is that they are treated a little differently. 

He will also explain how using livestock at high density with long recovery periods is the key to regenerating native grass species. Following the presentations there will be a short field trip to a local farm where native grasses have been established.” Please RSVP to the North Central CMA by 5 pm Wednesday 23 May 2012 on (03) 5448 7124 or email info@nccma.vic.gov.au, indicating any dietary requirements.

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