Sheep and beef producers in Timboon and surrounding areas are encouraged to sign up to a free Grazfert farm nutrient management program run by Agriculture Victoria.
Agriculture Victoria Land Management Extension Officer Greg Bekker said this is the first time the Grazfert program has been offered to livestock producers in the south-west after 5 years of running successfully in other regions.
GrazFert has been developed specifically for sheep and beef farmers by Agriculture Victoria.
It enables farmers to make better fertiliser decisions, improve soil health and to access support and advice for their soil and pasture management.
‘It’s important producers register early as several steps need to be completed in order for them to take part.
‘The first step in the program is a farm visit, which are scheduled to take place during the second week of October,’ Mr Bekker said.
‘During the farm visit, we discuss the producer’s current farm management practices and conduct soil sampling and a pasture assessment.’
‘After the farm visit, soil tests will be sent away for analysis and the results are then discussed during 2 interactive workshops which focus on soil interpretation and nutrient budgeting.
‘Farmers who participate in the program will develop tailored land management and fertiliser application plans, based on their farm soil and pasture types.
‘In some cases, this can lead to significant savings through reduced fertiliser application,’ he said.
One-on-one farm visits and soil sampling run from 9 to 13 October. The follow up workshops will then be held on Wednesday 8 November and Wednesday 6 December.
The Grazfert program is supported and run by Agriculture Victoria, in collaboration with the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and the Heytesbury District Landcare Network through funding from the Australian Government’s ‘Smart Farms Small Grants initiative’
Visit the Agriculture Victoria events page to register.
