A series of Soil Systems Masterclasses to help farming businesses capture carbon opportunities and become more resilient, profitable and sustainable will kick off in Northampton later this month.
The initiative is part of the McGowan Government's $15 million Agriculture Climate Resilience Fund to assist farmers to respond to the challenges, and embrace the opportunities, of climate change.
The McGowan Government's soil masterclasses will feature experts in soil biology and carbon farming, combining science and practical farming systems that underpin sustainable, biologically rich farming systems that build and maintain soil carbon.
The program will give farmers hands-on experience and understanding of a range of soil health topics, from landscape rehydration and the benefits of fodder shrubs, legumes and perennial grasses, to soil microbiome and the importance of livestock in biological systems.
Several farmers who have introduced biologically-based land management practices to build soil carbon will also share their experiences, knowledge and learnings at the events.
Participants will gain an insight into State Government support available to assist farmers to implement revegetation and holistic management programs that develop soil carbon and de‑risk their operations.
The free masterclasses will be extended to other locations throughout the South West Agricultural Land Division in coming months.
For more information about the Soil Systems Masterclass program visit https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-resilience-fund
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"The biology of our soils is fundamental to sustainable, profitable agricultural production. It is also how agriculture can play a big part in resolving climate change.
"We need to help to arm our farmers with the latest scientific information to adapt their production systems to remain productive and resilient.
"These masterclasses will help farmers to stay ahead of the game, providing the tailored information, tools and practical expertise to take on soil and carbon activities with confidence.
"Farmers can also learn more about how to tap into grants from our Carbon Farming and Land Restoration Program to invest in land management options that build soil carbon.
"These masterclasses are part of our commitments to supporting stronger, more sustainable agricultural businesses, alongside the WaterSmart Farms project, the Future Farming Systems trial at Merredin and the Southern Rangelands Revitalisation project."
