The latest in a series of Soil Systems Masterclasses was held in Beacon today to help farming businesses capture carbon opportunities and become more resilient, profitable and sustainable.
The Masterclasses are part of the McGowan Government's $15 million investment in the Agriculture Climate Resilience Fund to help farmers respond to changes in climate and market expectations.
Experts in soil biology and carbon farming delved into the science and economics that underpin sustainable, biologically rich farming systems that build and maintain soil carbon.
The program gave farmers a hands-on experience and understanding of a range of soil systems at Di and Ian Haggerty's Mollerin farm. From the soil microbiome and the benefits of livestock and native pastures in farming systems, to landscape rehydration and the potential of the soil carbon sponge.
The Masterclass provided insight into the State Government's Carbon Farming and Land Restoration Program, to assist farmers to implement revegetation and holistic management programs that develop soil carbon and de‑risk their operations.
Upcoming Soil Systems Masterclasses are planned throughout the South West Agricultural Land Division with the next event to be held in Salmon Gums later this month, and more to follow in 2022.
To find out more information or to register to attend a Soil Systems Masterclass, visit agric.wa.gov.au/climate-resilience-fund.
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"Today's Beacon Masterclass is a terrific opportunity to hear first-hand from experts and farmers about the biological soil systems that underpin sustainable, profitable agricultural production.
"We need to arm our farmers with the latest science to ensure they stay ahead of the game and build climate resilience and carbon opportunities into their agricultural operations.
"The next opportunity is in Salmon Gums next week - locals should come along to learn more about how to tap into grants from our Carbon Farming and Land Restoration Program."
