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The latest sustainable farming news from GeoCatch
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Dear Geo,
In the midst of Djilba season, we've all noticed the blend of crisp cold days, interspersed with warmer, rainy, and windy days.
The season is living up to its reputation with the chilly and damp weather.
This also marks the beginning of an incredible flowering spectacle across the south-west region, as the acacias burst into bloom.
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We're genuinely interested in staying connected with you and your activities on your property during this season. Feel free to share your updates with us via email or even a photo – we're eager to see what you're up to! | |
Are you a Geographe farmer protecting Geographe Bay? | |
Above: Sally and Marika are both passionate farmers in the Geographe catchment. | |
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Every day, the dedicated farmers of Geographe are on the frontline, effecting positive change within our catchment area. Your commitment and hard work doesn't go unnoticed.
Launched in 2022, the Geographe Farmers Protecting Geographe Bay initiative stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit of farmers in the region. This collective effort acknowledges the pivotal role that farmers play in creating a meaningful impact – improving water quality, looking after the environment and supporting a thriving and sustainable agriculture industry.
If you're interested in finding out more or would like to get your hands on one of our 'Geographe Farmers protecting Geographe Bay' packs, get in touch now!
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Surge in farmers soil testing | |
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We are thrilled to announce that the response to 2024 Geographe Soil Testing Program has been overwhelmingly positive, with a significant influx of expressions of interest. This enthusiasm has translated into the acceptance of 59 farmers into the program, marking an impressive 51% increase compared to the previous year.
As a result, the upcoming summer is set to be a busy period for GeoCatch's Sustainable Agriculture team.
They are getting ready to work closely with farmers, creating farm maps, collecting soil samples from over 800 paddocks, organising analysis with the labs and then coordinating the results with workshops and agronomic advice.
It's shaping up to be a busy season for everyone involved!
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GeoCatch's Michelle Hughes, out in the paddock collecting soil samples last season. | |
This project is part of Healthy Estuaries WA and Revitalising Geographe Waterways, State Government initiatives that aim to support the long-term health of our south-west waterways. It is supported by Soil Wise. Soil Wise is funded by the National Landcare Program Smart Farms Small Grants – an Australian Government initiative. | |
Equipment to borrow: what's up for grabs | |
Did you know that GeoCatch have a range of resources that can be borrowed through our Busselton office.
This includes:
- Pottiputkis and belted planting buckets to help with your winter planting
- Fox & feral cats traps
- Dieback treatment kits
- Library resources such as CSIRO's latest book 'Natural Asset Farming: Creating Productive and Biodiverse Farms'.
To organise a loan of any of our resources, contact GeoCatch on 0491 069 078 or email geocatch@dwer.wa.gov.au.
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Where's your farm in the catchment? | |
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Who doesn't love a good map and checking out your own patch!?
Click on the map below to see where your farm is and what sub-catchment you fall into.
Each sub-catchment is surrounded by natural features such as hills or elevated land from which surface and sub surface water flows into a waterway. There are 14 waterways that flow across the Geographe catchment into Geographe Bay or via coastal wetlands and estuaries.
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Celebrating four years of uPtake trials | |
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There have been several key learnings from four years of on-farm fertiliser trials, the big one is to test your soil!
You’d never put oil in your car without checking your dipstick, and the same is true with applying fertiliser on farms. Knowing what’s in your soil before you start applying nutrients is vital.
Last month, the GeoCatch Sustainable Agriculture team gathered with members from the fertiliser industry, government agencies, south-west WA catchment groups and trial host farmers to recognise the conclusion of the award-winning uPtake project and hear from the experts about the key learnings of the trials.
Hon Jackie Jarvis, Minister for Agriculture highlighted "This project has given livestock farmers a better understanding of the nutrient requirements of their land, ensuring the more efficient use of fertiliser on-farm, without productivity losses, while reducing nutrient loss to waterways."
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Over the past four years, there have been 52 trials within the project across 36 south-west WA farms, each replicating the experiment of how phosphorus interacts with different soil types in different conditions, and its impact on pasture growth.
And the consensus? The data strongly confirms that farmers can be confident in the science behind phosphorus fertiliser recommendations for south-west WA soils and contemporary pasture species.
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The trial results have been collated into an easy-to-read summary, giving you the tools to stay on top of latest fertiliser science, as well as comprehensive range of case studies from individual trial sites. | |
Soil, Sunflowers and Worms: Learning more about multi-species pastures | |
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After a very soggy week in late July, we were lucky to get some sunshine for GeoCatch’s Multi-species Pasture and Cropping Workshop.
Ross Prater, gracious host and local farmer from Walsall, opened his doors to farmers from across the catchment, to get the full story on the complexity of soil health and the many benefits that can be achieved by adopting a multi-species pasture approach.
Delivering insights into the science of soil health, Professor Lynette Abbott laid the groundwork for the day's discussions. With her expertise, participants gained a deeper understanding of the benefits that stem from cultivating and maintaining healthy soil.
Grant Sims of Down Under Covers then took the reins, transitioning from theory to practicality in the paddock. He demonstrated the steps required to translate the knowledge gained into real-world applications. Attendees were treated to a showcase of tools to monitor and assess both soil and plant health, empowering farmers them to make informed decisions in their farming practices.
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Both presenters explained that understanding the soil biology of your farm is just as important as understanding your soil fertility and nutrient status of your soils. Grant said that by taking a holistic approach that looks at the cause of an issue, and by using plant nutrition, diversity, rotations & livestock, you can drive biological activity in the soil. This approach can reduce the need for fertilisers, whilst improving farm profitability and reducing excess nutrients entering our waterways.
Grant’s experience of transitioning from a conventional farming system to a regenerative-agriculture practice, significantly reducing (and sometimes eliminating) synthetic fertiliser inputs was quite inspiring. We often see the benefits of creating these systems on a small scale, however Grant’s family farm of 8500 acres, proves that it can also be achieved on broad-acre farming. And we're sure many of the participants drove away planning on trialling a multi-species seed mix when next seeding!
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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. | |
Reviving Geographe waterways | |
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Geographe waterways are undergoing a remarkable transformation, thanks to committed farmers' revegetation projects.
The wet season has not only seen the waterways flowing, but local farmers preparing sites and planting seedlings to revegetate waterways through GeoCatch's Rivercare Program.
This year over eight hectares have been revegetated along Geographe waterways. This requires a huge investment in time from farmers and their friends and families alike, many who have turned their planting days into an annual event. This year the Healy family and their friends embarked on a huge undertaking – to plant 2,500 seedlings in one day!! What an achievement!
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The planting effort revegetated a section of the Abba River on the family sheep farm. Riparian vegetation (or simply, plants that grow along the waters edge) has so many benefits to our landscape and improving water quality, such as providing habitat for plants and animals, stabilising stream and creek banks, acting as a supply of food for fish and other aquatic organisms as well as providing shade to the water and reducing evaporation.
The Healy family, are just one family that are part of our program, and they are certainly doing their part. Over the last three winters they have planted over 13,000 seedlings and installed more than 6km of stock proof fencing to protect those waterways.
As native vegetation thrives along these waterways, an entire ecosystem is reaping rewards. Geographe's farmers are reshaping the landscape while leaving a mark on the region's future.
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This project is part of Healthy Estuaries WA and Revitalising Geographe Waterways, State Government initiatives that aim to support the long-term health of our south-west waterways. | |
NEW OPPORTUNITIES - Round 2 of the Carbon Farming Voucher Program | |
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The Carbon for Farmers Voucher Program (CF-VP) has been designed to assist farmers in their exploration of carbon farming possibilities.
Through this program, farmers can access vouchers worth up to $15,000, which they can use to engage various professionals. These experts include carbon service providers, agronomists, as well as financial, legal, and environmental consultants. The aim is to facilitate the assessment of the feasibility of integrating carbon farming practices into their agricultural operations.
Round 2 of the program has now opened for eligible farmers who are considering carbon farming projects within the Southwest Land Division. The allocated funds can be utilized specifically for the development of a customised Carbon Farming Plan. This plan can encompass a wide array of aspects, including soil improvement and vegetation enhancements, spanning both biodiversity and agroforestry projects.
These experts can lend their knowledge to evaluate the potential for carbon sequestration, helping to determine associated costs and returns. Furthermore, they will provide invaluable insights into the opportunities, risks, and responsibilities involved in establishing and managing a successful carbon farming project.
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GeoCatch welcomes Harriet to the team! | |
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Earlier in August, Geocatch welcomed Harriet Wyatt to the ranks as Coordinator.
Harriet has been involved in sustainable land and asset management for over 20 years delivering and developing programs for natural, historic and landscape conservation within the context of farming, environmental and tourism businesses.
Having recently moved to the area she is looking forward to meeting and working with the community across the range of GeoCatch programs and partnerships.
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It didn't take Harriet long to get out into the paddock at the Multi-Species Pasture Workshop, along with some of the rest of the team and supporters of GeoCatch (Left to Right: Geographe farmers Chris Wyatt and Geoffrey Maidment, GeoCatch Chair Felicity Bradshaw and Board member Andrew Weinert, Harriet Wyatt, Prof Lynette Abbott, DWER's Deb Holtham and GeoCatch's Michelle Priest). | |
Sub-Catchment in focus: Jingarmup 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 the Jingarmup Brook, the westernmost waterway in the catchment. It flows seasonally, and its catchment lays entirely on the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge.
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Quick links to handy websites | |
Upcoming Events and Programs | |
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Thursday, 21 September 2023
9.30am to 2.30pm
FREE EVENT
(Morning team and lunch provided - Address to be confirmed)
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Led by experts in pasture and nutrient management, this bus tour of the catchment will include visits to some of the latest pasture trials including:
- Western Dairy's Pasture Trial Network - Independent annual ryegrass variety testing as part of the national PTN program.
- The Soil Wise NKS trials - designed to give farmers greater confidence in addressing macro-nutrient production constraints using soil testing; and to assess the potential impact of trace elements on pasture production.
- South West NRM's Pasture Challenge trial - Farmer driven trials aimed at addressing soil constraints and improving pasture production.
- PLUS receive training on 'DIY Plant Tissue Sampling’ from the experts.
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This event is not to be missed!
The bus has limited places so register now to secure your spot!
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BirdLife WA: Birds on Farms Workshop | Calling all bird enthusiasts and Landholders! Join BirdLife WA for an exciting Birds on Farms Workshop to earn how to make your farm bird-friendly and contribute to bird conservation efforts in your area! | |
13-14 September 2023
Bridgetown
FREE EVENT
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The Low Carbon Futures team hosts and presents at multiple workshops and information sessions for farmers and landowners across the South West Land Division.
A series of workshops and webinars are designed to to assist farmers to better understand carbon farming and how it can benefit rural businesses is about to kick off throughout the agricultural region. ‘Growing carbon on farm’ workshops will cover capturing and storing carbon on farm through to offsetting emissions and registering for Australian Carbon Credit Units.
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The ‘It’s the Soil that Counts’ series comprises two workshops – the first will provide foundational skills and knowledge of soil food webs and using Brightfield microscopes. The second will build on the knowledge and skills from the first to monitor and assist in managing soil biological health. | |
We want to hear from you! | |
How can we support you? What burning questions do you have about sustainable agriculture in Geographe catchment? The survey will only take 2 minutes. | |
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Are you collecting containers? By taking your empty cans and bottles back for refund you'll helping increase recycling by our community. Be a part of the change!
And if you want to do even more for conservation, you can choose to donate your refund to GeoCatch (ID Code: C10577125). We'll put your donation to good use caring for our environment!
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Want daily updates on all of our news and events, environmental inspiration, what's happening around the region, and how you can make a difference?
Then make sure you like and follow GeoCatch on on 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 to chat.
geocatch@dwer.wa.gov.au | 0491 069 078 | www.geocatch.asn.au
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