Over 30 participants from all areas of the district turned out for the Micro to Macro soil health workshop at Caroola Farm on Saturday. Organised by the Upper Shoalhaven Landcare Council as part of their producers project, the feedback on the day was enthusiastically positive with many practical ideas for producers to take home.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Maarten Stapper from BioLogic AgFood set the foundation of understanding for the day with his passionate and knowledgeable information about the fundamental principles of soil biology and foodwebs, and the link therefore between soil health and human health. Maarten outlined the influences of degenerative and regenerative farming practices on living soil and provided some strategies for participants to use to improve their own soils.
After a nourishing lunch provided by Gina of the Old Cheese Factory, consisting of a yummy spiced lentil soup and gourmet sandwiches, the group huddled back into the ‘shed’ to hear from three of our local producers on the techniques used at different scales of production.
Bronwyn Richards from Wynlen House entertained and enthralled the group with pictures of a variety of animals and talked about her ‘soil husbandry’ as well as ‘animal husbandry’ approach to market gardening which enables her to run a productive business on 1.5 urban acres.
Caroola Farm’s Penny Kothe talked through the methods that have been used and are continuing to be used on the 100 acre farm to re-establish biodiversity with a focus on soil regeneration after large scale farm degradation and fire.
Water and nutrient flow provided the energy for Martin Royds to show what has historically happened on Jillamatong and how current practices are continuing to improve the soils and landscape for the better. Martin appeared with his tap-rooted thistle in hand to help bring the story home.
Enthusiasm buzzed throughout the day as producers learned from the presenters and from each other, with a focus on science followed through by practical insights. It proved to be a great learning event in more ways than one and is something all producers said they’d love to see more of.
If you missed out on attending the soils workshop, but are interested in connecting with other local producers, and staying up to date with the producers project please email Rebecca Hall on bekka_hall@yahoo.com.au.
Other upcoming workshops that may be of interest to local producers and are an ongoing part of the local food initiative include a series of workshops in the coming months for both farm establishment and also specifically for Organic Market Gardening starting this weekend. More information on these can be found at www.permacultureexchange.org.au
