GeoCatch acknowledges the Wadandi Saltwater people, the Traditional Owners of this land, and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. | |
The latest sustainable farming news from GeoCatch | |
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Dear Geo,
Its been one of the driest and hottest summers on record in the south-west WA and everyone is feeling its effects.
Across the catchment, Geographe farmers have been dealing with feed shortages and low dams but there's some hope in the heavy rains and green shoots that are popping up across the paddocks of the south west.
The arrival of cold nights and wet days signals the start of Makuru, the season of fertility. The morning dew initiates the cooling of the land bringing with it south-westerly winds.
Get in touch, send through a photo and tell us how things are tracking at your place! Rob M sent through this amazing picture of sunrise on his farm.
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Up close and personal with soil microbes | |
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This week ten lucky farmers had the chance to dive into the fascinating world of soil microorganisms with Ellen and Georgina from EarthWhile Australia.
Over two full days, they learned how to observe and identify these tiny soil helpers using microscopy techniques. It was a hands-on experience that offered a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between microorganisms, plants, and soil.
Participants came to the workshop eager to improve their soil health, and over the workshop have gained skills in identifying soil microbes themselves and learning what improvements could be made to soils to increase production.
Soil microbes are vital for keeping soil healthy, which is essential for thriving plants. By learning more about these tiny organisms, farmers can use water more efficiently, provide plants with essential nutrients, protect the environment, and even help break down harmful substances naturally.
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This event is supported though funding from Soil Wise. Soil Wise is funded by the National Landcare Program Smart Farms Small Grants – an Australian Government initiative. It is supported by Healthy Estuaries WA – a State Government program. | |
Harnessing the power of compost extracts | |
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What do worm poo and compost tea have to do with helping both farmers and the environment?
Last month local farmers gathered at Greg Norton's Ludlow property, as Mark Tupman, from Productive Ecology, delved into the invisible world of biological treatments utilising compost and worm extracts, giving attendees practical techniques for incorporating compost extracts into their farming practices.
Innovative applications such as large-scale seed coating, foliar sprays, and furrow treatments for seeding were demonstrated throughout the workshop. These advanced farming techniques are helping farmers leverage the potential of natural resources for pasture production and soil health.
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This event is supported though funding from Soil Wise. Soil Wise is funded by the National Landcare Program Smart Farms Small Grants – an Australian Government initiative. It is supported by Healthy Estuaries WA – a State Government program. | |
Precision testing out in the paddock | |
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Local farmers gathered last month to learn more about how small adjustments to fertiliser spreaders can increase effectiveness of their fertiliser program.
Accurate application of fertiliser not only saves farmers money, but also helps our environment by limiting the amount of fertiliser that is lost through runoff during winter and spring.
Seven fertiliser spreaders were put through their paces out in the paddock testing their spread pattern and distribution at GeoCatch’s Accu-Spread Field Day. A highly-variable fertiliser spread pattern has implications on pasture production, environment and economics, with some paddocks receiving too much fertiliser and others too little.
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This is a part of the State Government's Healthy Estuaries WA and Revitalising Geographe Waterways programs, and Soil Wise. Soil Wise is funded by the National Landcare Program Smart Farms Small Grants Initiative - an Australian Government program. | |
Recognising Geographe farmers with farm gate signs | |
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Over the last four years, hundreds of farmers have been involved with GeoCatch Sustainable Agriculture either through the Geographe Soil Testing Program, stream restoration projects like fencing or revegetating waterways, or attending workshops.
And it's these efforts that collectively contribute to an estimated annual reduction of 3.5 tonnes of phosphorus being washed into our waterways and into Geographe Bay. That's a stagging figure by any means.
So keep a look out for these farm gates signs popping up across the catchment, recognising the achievements of 'Geographe farmers protecting Geographe Bay'! Boyanup farmer, Anna Macleay is proudly showing off her sign above.
If you've been involved in one of sustainable agriculture programs and haven't already registered to receive your farm gate sign, click on the link below.
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This is a part of the State Government's Healthy Estuaries WA and Revitalising Geographe Waterways programs, and Soil Wise. Soil Wise is funded by the National Landcare Program Smart Farms Small Grants Initiative - an Australian Government program. | |
Dry Season Resources & Farmer Grants | |
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Coming out of one of the driest and hottest seasons on record, everyone in the region is experiencing pressure from lack of feed to water scarcity.
South West Drought Hub has pulled together resources to support farmers in this incredibly difficult period, with information on climate and weather, land, cropping, livestock, financial and health and well-being.
| | Funding is also now available for farm businesses facing financial hardship due to drought conditions can apply for $5,000 per business to help cover the cost of stockfeed, water and transportation. The scheme offers a one-off grant of $5,000 to support eligible primary production businesses directly impacted by the current drought conditions. | |
Welcome to the GeoCatch team! | |
You may recognise a new face on the ground at events or farm site visits? Olivia Tunney has joined GeoCatch as our Rivercare Officer, working with local landholders on all their fencing and reveg projects.
Olivia graduated from the University of Melbourne where she specialised in Ecology and threatened species management. For three years she immersed herself in the Victorian Alpine region chasing endangered moths. But feeling the tug of her West Australian roots (and the need for a decent beach) she recently moved back to sunny WA.
Growing up on a working cattle and sheep farm, Olivia became passionate about sustainable agriculture and is excited to work with the team. When not hard at work, you can find Olivia playing volleyball or hiking in the bush.
| School's in session for Geographe graziers |  | |
The sun was out for the first meeting of the 2024 Grazing Matcher Group at Geoffrey Maidment's Capel property, where Geographe farmers met to learn more about the relationships between pasture growth, animal health and our environment.
The program, supported by GeoCatch for four years now, was originally created by grazing and pasture experts, Jeisane Accioly, and Dan Parnell, to support farmers adopting better grazing management, fodder conservation and feed decisions. At the meeting, the group shared lunch and ruminated over farm business fundamentals – improving productivity, profit and our natural resources.
To kick off the meeting, farmers were asked to choose a vehicle that best describes their farming enterprise, ranging from a buggy and cart and bike, all the way through to a Ferrari!
The small group of farmers will meet eight times over the next 12 months, visiting each other’s properties and learning about grazing management from each other, as much as the facilitators.
| This project is jointly funded through GeoCatch, the State Government's Healthy Estuaries WA and Revitalising Geographe Waterways programs, Meat and Livestock Australia's Profitable Grazing Systems Initative and Western Beef Association Inc. | Need help with your planting? | |
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GeoCatch have a range of resources that are available for loan to landholders in the Geographe catchment.
With the advent of rain, be sure to give us a call to borrow some tools, like pottipukis and belted planting buckets, to help get your seedlings in the ground!
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Upcoming Events and Programs | |
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South West NRM's
Community Resilience Workshop
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Friday 14 June 2024
2 - 3 pm
Online webinar
FREE - RSVP essential
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Delivered by South West NRM as a series, this is the fourth of six workshops planned for 2024 to build community resilience to drought.
Presenters Dean Bavich (Rural West) and Mike Monaghan (Farmanco) will explore the role of financial services in agriculture.
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Sub-Catchment in focus: Five Mile Brook | |
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There are 14 waterways that flow across the Geographe catchment into Geographe Bay or via coastal wetlands and estuaries.
In this edition, we are looking at Five Mile Brook, the most northern waterway in the catchment.
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Quick links to handy websites | |
To be featured in this newsletter, please send content or ideas to geocatch@dwer.wa.gov.au. Access daily news, events and opportunities through GeoCatch Facebook and Instagram. | |
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GeoCatch has been working with farmers for 25 years! If you'd like to increase farm productivity and profitability while supporting the environment then get in touch.
geocatch@dwer.wa.gov.au | 0491 069 078 | www.geocatch.asn.au
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