“A well balanced, range of innovation, clear on ground experience and some different science views.”
“I am inspired by what was presented.”
“Overall one of the best I have attended in many years.”
“A renewed sense of hope from being amongst such inspiring dedicated innovators.”
These were just some of the comments participants at Talkin’ Soil Health 2020 (11-13 March) left as part of their feedback.
But what made this event such a success?
More than 150 farmers, agriculture students, researchers and industry professionals turned out from across Australia for a program packed with farmer stories, leading edge research and practical solutions for landholders seeking to improve the health of their soils.
Canadian based Australian Joel Williams of Integrated Soils set the scene as keynote speaker providing a global perspective on the natural capital held within soils and why protecting it is vital for world food production systems. He explained how plant, animal and microbial diversity can be fostered even within agricultural settings.
Participants heard from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development on research priorities to improve farm resilience in a changing climate, from the Soil CRC about research currently happening that may change the way we farm and make on-farm decisions.
Leading Western Australian scientists spoke of current projects and provided some scientific rigour around the complexities of soil organic carbon and microbiology.
We heard from leading farmers trialling new technology such as stripper headers and disk seeders, integrated digital monitoring systems, multispecies cover cropping and the results of ten years of applying organic composts into broadacre farming systems.
Five new regional NRM farmer Soil Health Champions were introduced, with each recognised for their commitment to improving soil health.
Wheatbelt NRM recognises the valuable contribution from the members of NRM WA including – Northern Agricultural Catchments Council, Southcoast NRM, Peel-Harvey Catchment Council, Perth NRM and South west Catchment Council plus the support from major sponsors such as the National Landcare Program, State NRM, Bendigo Bank, Best Environmental Technologies, Soil CRC, Soils For Life and the Meat and Livestock Association such an event would not be possible.