User-friendly tools for analysing soil health will be revealed at two upcoming workshops in Wedderburn (5 August) and Waubra (6 August).

The one day workshops, for which there is no charge to attend, are being hosted by the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA).  

North Central CMA Regional Landcare Facilitator Ashley Rogers said the workshops, presented by the expert who revolutionised soil analysis in New Zealand, are open to farmers from across the North Central CMA region.

“Producers greatly value their soils and these workshops will provide simple yet highly effective tools to enhance soil health and drive profit,” Ms Rogers said.

“The workshops are presented by renowned New Zealand soil scientist and agricultural consultant Graham Shepherd, who developed the Visual Soil Assessment method after many years of research and field work. 

“Graham’s approach proved to be so effective it has now been adopted as the national standard across New Zealand, Australian producers are known for their ability to take on and apply new ideas, so it’s no surprise Victorian farmers are now adopting these tools as well.

“The workshops will be interactive and provide plenty of opportunities for hands-on experience in using these simple yet profitable methods; if you’re a producer seeking to deepen your understanding of your soils, we’re looking forward to hearing from you,” Ms Rogers said.

The one-day workshops will cover:

• Cheap and easy methods to assess soil condition and plant performance
• Soil fertility and smart farming
• Balancing the four key aspects of farming: sustained profitability, good environmental outcomes, production of quality food and a high quality of life
• Increasing profit through soil health
• Maximising plant water use efficiency.

Workshop information and expression of interest details can be found via the North Central CMA website: www.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