There is so much to learn in agriculture and fortunately in Gippsland there are plenty of people and events to learn from, with many farm-walk events coming up over the next few weeks.
This Friday a farmer ute drive at Winnindoo across a few different farms will look at crops and soil work being done to boost each paddock’s capacity.
Topics include dryland maize, canola in soil amelioration and summer fodders for sheep and cattle, forming part of Gippsland Ag Group’s partnership with Meat and Livestock Australia.
The projects aim to grow more tonnes of feed and more kilos of red meat on the same amount of land.
Get in contact with Jen at Gippsland Agricultural Group if you would like to join the ute drive.
Next week is a busy week with the Gippsland Red Meat Conference on Tuesday, which has already sold out of tickets, a credit to organisers and the list of speakers.
The following day, Maffra and District Landcare Network will host a day with world-renowned expert in cover crops and pastures, Grant Sims.
Participants will learn how to use multi-species crops and pastures to improve soil health and maximise production, as well as how to make and apply foliar nutrition to maximise plant health, in order to achieve increases in live weight gains, crop production and manage disease and insects.
Another guest speaker is chief executive officer of Soils For Life, Eli Court, and there will also be a farm walk at Tim and Connie Dwyer’s later in the afternoon.
The Pastures for Planet and Profit workshop starts at 8.45am on Wednesday, February 19 at the Newry Hall.
Landcare members attend for free, while non-members’ payment of $20 will include membership.
Contact Bonnie at Maffra and District
Landcare Network or find tickets on Trybooking.
Late next week, a TopSoils event featuring Cam Nicholson, revolving around soil fertility and carbon will take place over two days and three locations.
TopSoils workshop organiser, Natalie Jenkins, said attendees could bring along their soil tests, as well as discover the most limiting constraints in their soil’s fertility and how to address them effectively.
“Cam will highlight why looking after your soil is essential for long-term productivity,” Nat said.
“He will also cover carbon markets and the emerging trends in the carbon economy.
“Our workshops are made possible by the Australian government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.”
The Cam Nicholson soils and carbon workshops begin on Thursday, February 20 at 8.30am at the Bruthen Mechanics Hall.
The second session will take place at the Clifton Creek Hall from 1pm Thursday 20, followed by a third session on Friday, February 21 from 8.30am at the Gippsland Ag Centre, near the Bairnsdale Airport.
Nat said places are limited and must be booked through TopSoils.
A dinner at the Gippsland Ag Centre on the Thursday night, again featuring Cam Nicholson, will feature discussions regarding global and national trends in carbon markets, the opportunities available in those markets and practical approaches to improve productivity and sustainability.
The dinner will start at 6pm and bookings are required, contact Jen at the Gippsland Ag Group.
