Joel Williams, an internationally-respected soil health educator and consultant, will return to East Gippsland this September to share his expertise on soil biology and plant nutrition.
Well-known to local farmers from his 2023 visit, Joel is celebrated for his ability to make complex science clear, practical and inspiring.
In 2023 Joel’s sessions in Orbost, Newry and Bairnsdale drew strong interest from both commercial producers and small property owners. This was followed up with another session in Omeo in 2024.
When he held a beginner’s soil workshop in Orbost, participants left buzzing with ideas and practical changes they could implement in their paddocks. Many spoke of shifting towards multi-species cover crops, experimenting with deep-rooted varieties and embracing greater plant diversity to unlock the soil’s biological potential.
Others were keen to trial mulching and companion planting, while some planned to test foliar sprays on pastures and explore the role of fungi and bacteria in soil health.
The workshop also inspired changes in mindset.
“The best workshop on soils I have ever attended,” one participant said.
“My knowledge and understanding have skyrocketed, and my land will reap the benefits.”
Another farmer reflected, “biodiversity of plants is the key to sustainability — deep roots and diversity are vital.”
Others spoke of reducing chemical use, cutting fertiliser inputs and exploring carbon sequestration as a more stable, long-term way to build resilience.
This year’s visit will see Joel presenting three in-depth workshops across the region.
On Friday, September 5, in Orbost, he will deliver “What’s a Healthy Plant? Unlocking Plant Nutrition”, guiding participants through the keys to understanding plant needs and how to nourish soils for stronger growth and better yields.
The following Monday in Wairewa, he will explore the practicalities of Biofertilisers and Biostimulants, unpacking what they are, how they work and whether they offer real value on-farm.
That evening in Bairnsdale, Joel will lead “From Coop to Crop: The Pros and Cons of Fresh Poultry Litter”, combining scientific insight with local farmer experiences to give a balanced look at this fertiliser option.
Joel has spent many years working across Australia, the United Kingdom, Europe and Canada, helping farmers build productivity through healthy soils and integrated nutrition management.
As an independent educator and consultant, he focuses on designing farming systems that integrate microbial ecology with crop and soil nutrition to strengthen plant immunity, enhance soil function and improve carbon sequestration.
His return to East Gippsland offers another chance for landholders of all scales to access world-class expertise without leaving the region.
This is a TopSoils event supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.
All workshops are free to attend and include meals.
Places are limited and bookings are essential.
For more information or to reserve a spot, contact Emma Orgill at the Far East Victoria Landcare office in Orbost or Nat Jenkins from Southern Farming Systems.
