Farmers who think outside the square with soil management are being encouraged to apply for a State award.
Dowerin farmer Gavin Hagboom was awarded the Wheatbelt Soil Health Champion in 2013.
He has encouraged others to nominate, or nominate someone they know who has managed healthy and profitable soils on their property.
“Any farmers doing something outside the square when it comes to improving their soils should consider taking part,” Mr Hagboom said.
“Interest in soil health has gained momentum in the past five years.
There are now many advocates for improving the productivity of our soils by not just pumping them with fertiliser.”
For me, it’s opened up a great support network and access to researchers and other farmers who have a similar purpose
- Gavin Hagboom
The Hagboom family was recognised for improving their sand plain soils using microbiology plus humates to promote beneficial soil biology.
“For me, it’s opened up a great support network and access to researchers and other farmers who have a similar purpose,” Mr Hagboom said.
Landowners from each of State’s six natural resource management regions were eligible.
Other winners have included farmers’ trialling biochar in broadacre cropping, improving nutrient use and organic fertilisers.
The search for the next group of Soil Health Champions happens in the lead up to the Talkin’ Soil Health conferences, to be held in Dalwallinu and Katanning in March, 2018.
Each winner will receive an all expenses paid trip to their region’s conference.
Nomination close on December 11 and forms can be found online at www.soilhealth.com.au.
The event has been funded through the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.
