AN internationally renowned microbiologist will host a biological farming roundtable event in Deloraine on March 10 to empower farmers transitioning to low synthetic input farming and understand the true value of the food they produce.
NutriSoil, a family-owned and operated business from Wodonga on the Murray River in Victoria, is sponsoring the biological farming roundtable in Tasmania, and is bringing experts in their field.
Nutrisoil distributes a biological stimulant produced from worms. The event will begin at the Deloraine Community Complex before heading out to Sam and Steph Trethewey’s Dunorlan property NutriSoil director Nakala Maddock said the business wants to help build a better understanding of the true value of next generation food production systems.
She said NutriSoil was thrilled to be able to secure internationally recognised soil microbiologist Walter Jehne as a key speaker and is excited to team up with the Tasmanian Agriculture Company to put on a really valuable event.
“Understanding the role microbiology plays in soil health is a crucial step in managing farming systems for long-term profitability,” Mrs Maddock said.
“Walter has specialised in the role of soil microbes’ symbiotic process in plant and soil function.
His presentation on ‘the brilliant world of soil biology’ will focus on how biology influences water cycles, landscape rehydration and soil function.
“We are so fortunate to be able to secure Walter as a presenter for the event.”
Sam and Steph Trethewey, from the Tasmania Agriculture Company, will also be key speakers at the event and will host a farm soil assessment and farmer networking session.
Mrs Maddock said the ‘beyond sustainable’ business model the Tretheweys have adopted revolves around non-conventional, holistic farming practices to rebuild soil health to produce nutritious food for the consumer.
“The Tretheweys use farming methods to capture and store carbon dioxide to improve soil, plant, cattle and planet health.
“They use multispecies crops, grazing management and bio-stimulants to increase the biological activity in the soil,” she said.
“We are lucky the Tretheweys are willing to share their system with us, and Robin Tait who is an agroecologist working with them will be on hand to run an infield soil assessment.”
NutriSoil will be discussing ‘the science of vermiculture for next generation farming’ to explain the role NutriSoil can play in improving soil and plant health, and how farmers can use it in their system.
Tickets are $40 each which includes morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.
Information on the event can be found on Humanitix by searching Tassie Biological Farming Roundtable or contact NutriSoil on 02 6020 9676 or http://www.nutrisoil.com.au.