Talking Perennials, Diversity, Grazing Management and Biological Cropping: A Series of Field Days in the NAR

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Renowned Australian soil scientist and farming systems expert Dr Maarten Stapper is returning to the Mid-West to host a series of field days across the Northern Agricultural Region.

 

Livestock producers are invited to discuss their pastures and the soil that supports their systems with Dr Stapper when he visits in Dandaragan and Walkaway on Tuesday 27 February and Thursday 1 March 2018 respectively.

A former senior scientist with CSIRO and Fellow of the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, Dr Stapper has more than 40 years’ experience in the industry and is an expert across a wide spectrum of agricultural areas.  He has found regenerative farming and improving soils with low external input to be the most sustainable for producers, consumers and landscapes. Dr Maarten’s focus as a private consultant is on farming systems that help farmers improve the profitability of their operations by harnessing the power of natural processes with practices creating healthy soils, and improving quality of produce.

Hosted by Soil Restoration Farming, in partnership with the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council, Dr Stapper will lead discussions on a number of topics including:

  • The science of regenerative farming and the function of healthy soils to grow healthy plants that are resistant to diseases and insects.
  • What is a sick soil? How do you heal a sick soil? How do you prevent the sickness? We can make soils healthy, more fertile and productive by re-activating the soil food web and sequestering soil carbon.
  • How a rotational grazing system can help your farm remain resistant to drought.

The event will also showcase some natural management systems already being adopted by local farmers in Dandaragan and Walkaway that have contributed towards healthier soils on their land and greater profitability for their farm.

NACC Regional Landcare Facilitator Stanley Yokwe said Dr Stapper would bring a wealth of knowledge and some fascinating ideas on how farmers can manage their farm sustainably and profitably.

“I urge landholders from across the region to take advantage of this great opportunity to learn more from Dr Stapper,” he said.

“There will also be opportunities to hear some ideas from local champions who have already adopted a number of natural management systems that contribute towards healthier soils on their land – providing increased production and profitability for their farms.”

The details of events:

  • Dandaragan field day will be held at Gavin Haywood’s property, Vine Cottage Lane (off Badgingarra Road) on Tuesday 27 February between 7.30am and 12pm. There will be a cost of $10 to cover a BBQ breakfast, please also bring your chairs, water and hat.
  • Walkaway field day will be held at Grant Bain’s property at Burma Road, Mt Michael, on Thursday 1 March between 10am and 3.30pm. There will be a fee of $35 (which includes lunch). Please bring your chairs, water and hat.

For more information and to register for the events, please contact Rachelle Armstrong at soilrestorationfarming@gmail.com, 0407 879 053, or Christine Smith on 0432 009 748 or mwoptimalhealth@gmail.com

This event is being organised by the Soil Restoration Farming with support from NACC through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme as part of the Regional Landcare Project.

Media contact: Ellie.Honeybone@nacc.com.au 08 9938 0118.

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