Gippsland farmers will share strategies for producing quality pastures by harnessing the power of biology in late March.
David and Ruth Read from Perry Bridge, east of Stratford, will be hosting a Biological Farming Round Table event, sponsored by NutriSoil and Far East Victorian Landcare.
The Reads co-manage Woodcote Pty Ltd, a 2000-acre cattle trading enterprise that turns over 1000 head of cattle a year and relies on a finely-tuned grazing management program.
NutriSoil is a family-owned business that produces a premium worm liquid and worm castings through a unique vermiculture recycling system, products that the Reads use as part of their operation.
Mr Read said they were looking forward to sharing their journey and how they have learned to harness the different tools nature has provided. He said biology and diversity are both important drivers of quality pasture production, which is essential for cattle health and productivity.
“We are happy to share our experiences with other farmers on how we have developed our grazing management system and the impact of multispecies pastures as tools to soil health.
“Minerals, microbes, and a carbon source are key ingredients at sowing and when we apply foliar sprays, to really give our plants a biological boost,” Mr Read said.
Along with using a liquid inject system to deliver biology during sowing, the Reads have started making their own bio-ferments. They combine vermicast as an extract with their bio-ferment during foliar application to provide plant-available nutrition.
The event is open to anyone; tickets are $50 per person and include morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea. Tickets can be purchased through the NutriSoil website or by contacting NutriSoil directly on (02) 6020 9679 or via email at marketing@nutrisoil.com.au.
