Soil health and optimising its performance will be discussed at a field day in Simpson on Wednesday, May 24.
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Organised by Agriculture Victoria in partnership with Heytesbury District Landcare Network and the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, the day will address soil biology and how it is affected by acidity.
Agriculture Victoria dairy extension officer Rachael Campbell said participants would learn how to monitor the composition of soils and how acid could limit its productiveness.
“The field day is a great opportunity for farmers and service providers to come together, learn from each other and make practical steps to making sure your soil is in the best condition to be healthy and productive,” Ms Campbell said.
Field day participants will also visit a local farm where they will investigate a soil pit and learn simple ways to identify indicators of soil health.
“Soil health is imperative to land health and quality produce, whether it is for crops or livestock.
“This is information that everyone on the land should learn,” Ms Campbell said.
Presenters include Agriculture Victoria’s Dr Helen Hayden and Southern Farming Systems research and extension officer Lisa Miller.
Dr Hayden will lead a discussion on the role of soil biology in soil health.
She specialises in soil microbial ecology and recently co-authored the CSIRO published book A Guide to Soil Health, Soil Biology, Soil-borne Diseases and Sustainable Agriculture.
Ms Miller will speak about the soil acidity and biological products trials taking place in the district and how this could impact the management of soil health.
The field day will be held at the Simpson Recreation Reserve on the corner of Lavers Hill and Tomahawk Creek roads.
It will run from 11am to 2pm.
People interested in taking part should contact Rachael Campbell on 0447 347 162 or at rachael.campbell@ecodev.vic.gov.au.
They can also contact Geoff Rollinson on 0427 983 755 or at Geoff@heytesburylandcare.org.au
Agriculture Victoria will also host the 2017 south-west BetterBeef Conference at the Agriculture Victoria centre at 915 Mount Napier Rd, Hamilton on Thursday, June 22 from 8.30am-4.30pm.
The BetterBeef conference brings together leading producers, industry and agency presenters to provide current insights and ideas on how to improve efficiencies within beef enterprises.