Landholders will have the chance to learn how improving soil health can benefit their bottom line at NQ Dry Tropics’ upcoming Healthy Soils Healthy Profits field day near Bowen on Wednesday 11 October.
NQ Dry Tropics project officer Sharon Cunial said the event, at Salisbury Plains 30km north of Bowen, aims to get landholders thinking about how to cost-effectively improve soil health by using cattle as a regenerative tool:
“When asked to describe their enterprise, most graziers would say they raise cattle. However, after attending this event, I hope they will also say that they are in the business of growing healthy, productive soil, Ms Cunial said.
“We are going to focus on the economics of improving soil health and the diversity of pasture species. This event is a great opportunity for landholders to better understand why soil health is important to their long-term business,” she said.
The field day will feature presentations by agricultural ecologist David Hardwick (Soil, Land, Food) and grazing expert and Holistic Management educator, Judi Earl (AIMS Consultancy), who have substantial experience delivering extension activities and programs to graziers and cane growers in the dry tropics region.
Beef Extension Officer Jim Fletcher, from the Queensland Government Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), will present key findings from a recent land condition improvement trial, and will discuss practical aspects of preparing seed beds and sowing. Greening Australia Program Manager, Damon Telfer, will also lead a session on practical ways to retain soil in grazing landscapes.
The field day is being delivered by NQ Dry Tropics’ Sustainable Soils for the Burdekin project funded by the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme.
Additional support for the event, which runs from 9am to 1pm, is provided by DAF, the Don River Improvement Trust, and Greening Australia. Registration closes on Friday 8 October. For more information or to register for catering purposes please contact Sharon Cunial on 0407 317 316 or email sharon.cunial@nqdrytropics.