Managing multi-species crops field day
Weddin Landcare held a local field day to discuss regenerative cropping and grazing practices on mixed farms and build a local support network of like-minded farmers.
Capacity to Deliver - LP048-004
The issue
Several farmers in the Weddin district have been trialing multi-species fodder/cover crops and interest is growing in this new, regenerative farming technique. Weddin Landcare sought to capitalise on this interest to help kick-start a project focused on regenerative agriculture in the local area and build a support network of like-minded farmers keen to improve their grazing and cropping practices.
The solution
On Wednesday 30th March 2022, Weddin Landcare their 'Managing multi-species crops and grazing on mixed farms' field day. The field day was held on a local property owned by Martin and Megan Starr, who have been trialing multi-species fodder crops for the past two years with the aim of improving groundcover, soil health and water infiltration.
Weddin Landcare utilised residual funds to engage Michael Gooden from Resource Consulting Services (RCS) to provide expert knowledge and information on regenerative cropping and grazing techniques. The day began in the Starr's shed with an overview of what they have been doing on their property. This was followed by an informative presentation from Michael Gooden to cover off on some of the basic principles of regenerative cropping using multi-species and grazing management. The Weddin Landcare Coordinator also provided information on Weddin Landcare activities and opportunities.
After lunch, attendees headed out to the paddock to see some examples of the different things the Starrs have been trialing including a late-sown summer species mix and a winter-species mix sown with Illabo wheat in 2021. Attendees learnt about some of the practicalities of managing multi-species crops as well as some ways to monitor soil health. The day finished back at the shed with a consolidation session and final questions.
The impact
The 'Managing multi-species crops and grazing on mixed farms' field day was well received, with twenty-eight farmers attending on the day. There was a lot of positive discussion and attendees were very interested in the topic, with some advanced questions posed on the day. Around a third of the participants have expressed an interest in furthering their knowledge and undertaking formal training with RCS, which Weddin Landcare hopes to assist with.
The field day successfully helped to build the network of like-minded farmers and it was encouraging to see how many farmers were curious about these new, regenerative techniques.
Key facts
- Twenty-eight local farmers participated in a field day to discuss regenerative cropping and grazing practices.
- The field day helped to initiate a local support network for progressive, like-minded farmers in the local area.
- Engaging an expert from RCS to provide technical information was critical to the success of this field day.
- Hosting the field day on a local property helped farmers to see what is possible in their own area.