Expressions of interest are now open for managers of mixed farming operations to take part in a short course run by pasture cropping pioneer Colin Seis and beef cattle farmer and Stipa Native Grasses Association CEO Graeme Hand.
Goulburn Broken CMA Regional Landcare Facilitator Ashley Rogers said the Cover Cropping course, which will be held over three one-day sessions in March, July and November, was a great opportunity for those interested in boosting groundcover, soil health and beneficial insects in cropping systems.
The course will cover a range of topics including:
- designing your own multi-species cover-cropping demonstration trial;
- achieving good crop yields;
- measuring changes in soil health;
- improving soil health and increasing farm resilience; and
- increasing profitability while lowering risk.
“Multi-species cover cropping can help farmers build a soil resource base that supports production and profit in times of increased climate variation,” Ms Rogers said.
“It also benefits integrated pest management strategies by providing habitat for predatory insects and bees.”
The course is open to farmers in the Goulburn Broken Catchment. People from outside the catchment are welcome to apply but priority will be given to those from within the catchment.
The course is being offered at the highly discounted rate of $400 per farm (normally valued at $1,500). Course fees include:
- workshops over the three days;
- morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea;
- course notes; and
- online webinar support.
Applications close Wednesday 1 March 2017
More information and the EOI form are available HERE.
The course is supported by funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme, hosted by the Goulburn Broken CMA in partnership with Stipa Native Grasses Association and Goulburn Murray Landcare.