Gippsland farmers, agricultural specialists and industry representatives are set to gather in Bairnsdale later this month to confront the mounting financial pressure on local primary production at the upcoming Gippsland Soil Symposium.
Hosted by the Gippsland Agricultural Group (GaAG), the full-day event will take place on Thursday, September 24, from 9.30am to 3.30pm at the Gippsland Research Farm on Bengworden Road.
Operating under the theme The Productivity Challenge: Rising Cost, Real Solutions, the symposium has been designed as a direct response to the squeezed margins facing local livestock and cropping enterprises. With high fertiliser prices, rising fuel costs and unpredictable seasonal weather continuing to test farm business models across East Gippsland, the day aims to deliver actionable, science-backed strategies that improve soil performance without bloating farm budgets.
A key highlight of the program will be the return of visiting independent regenerative soil scientist Joel Williams. Known for his practical and engaging workshops across Gippsland — which previously inspired local producers in Bairnsdale, Orbost, Omeo, Flynn and Yarram to trial innovative approaches like foliar nutrient sprays and biological soil balancing — Mr Williams will unpack how landholders can treat soil as a primary business asset.
The program will dive into practical approaches for improving soil biological activity, optimising fertiliser efficiency and boosting soil carbon to enhance water retention through dry spells, connecting soil health directly to plant, animal, and farm profitability.
Rather than relying purely on classroom theory, attendees will head out into the paddock to examine active trial plots and ground cover management demonstrations at the 200-hectare research site. These field walkovers will give producers a firsthand look at how different soil management treatments are performing in local Gippsland soil conditions.
Gippsland Agricultural Group representatives emphasise that the symposium offers a valuable platform for peer-to-peer learning, giving attendees a chance to network, compare notes on recent seasonal challenges, and evaluate low-cost management options alongside leading industry experts.
Tickets for the event include morning tea and lunch, with registration essential for catering purposes. Local producers, landholders and agronomists can reserve their place online via the Gippsland Agricultural Group website.
