With rainfall patterns becoming increasingly erratic across Victoria’s growing regions, farmers are turning their attention underground—literally—to find smarter ways of making every drop count.
A new initiative funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust Climate Smart Agriculture Program is bringing soil biology into the spotlight.
Supported by the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (GBCMA), the two 2-day workshops will be led by Agricultural Scientist Kim Deans.
The GBCMA’s Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Rhiannon Sandford said the purpose of the events was to provide farmers with practical strategies for repairing soil structure and improving water infiltration and retention.
“For decades, agriculture has looked at soil through the lens of chemistry and physics,” Ms Sandford said.
“But the biological component—the living microbes, fungi, and organisms—is just as critical. It governs aeration, nutrient cycling and how much water the soil can actually hold.”
She said the course offered a rare opportunity for local growers to network, share insights and begin transitioning to more resilient and sustainable ones.
“The workshops will focus on understanding the biological function of soil, a topic that’s rapidly gaining attention but remains challenging to implement at the farm level.”
Tatong farmer Claudia Weinrich has signed up for the course.
“Soil biology goes to the very heart of farming. It’s not just important - it’s fundamental to understand how healthy, productive soils function and how we can best support this.
“It’s like a complex machine- without understanding how it works you can’t optimise its performance or keep using it long term. “
Ms Weinrich said she was already seeing the benefits from smaller paddocks, larger mobs and a faster rotation.
“The paddocks recover faster. The plants have got leaves left on them to keep doing photosynthesis and don’t have to draw on root reserves to start growing again.”
The workshops will be held at Molyullah on September 2 and 3 and in Seymour on September 4 and 5.
Those interested can contact Rhiannon Sandford at rhiannons@gbcma.vic.gov.au or call 0429 964 609 for details.
Workshops designed to help farmers understand their soil profile and maximise profits.