Farm Walk, Talk and Gawk April 2013

On Wednesday 24 April 2013 we gathered at Marian Macdonald's Farm "Lowlands", Binginwarri to hear some of Marian's farming experiences. This included how she handled the Redheaded cockchafer problem which threatened several of her paddocks; how she has investigated and dealt with a shallow sub hard pan which limited pasture growth and how soil testing has assisted her in managing her soil balance and resulting pastures.
We were also taken on a tour of her dairy effluent process which has proved so successful that paddocks irrigated with effluent have not required any additional fertiliser since instigating the programme.  Guest presenters Tony Gardner (Soil Health Project Manager WGCMA) and Nick Dudley (Farm services Divn, DPI) explained the soil testing and soil management aspects. 
Thankyou to Marian for making her property available and to Marian, Tony and Nick for their most informative presentations. Thanks also to Jenny who organised and co ordinated the day.

Photographs by Kaye Proudley

Marian, Rob, Tony, Jenny and marg. as Jenny kicks off the day.

Jude, Sue, Rob and David

A thankyou to Marian (and Alex) by Jenny.

Nick, Dallas, Jude, Rob and Jenny as Nick delivers.

Dave, Brenden, David, Jude and Sue brace the cool Westerly to learn about soils.

Tony, Jude and Sue following the BBQ lunch and general discussion.

David, Dallas, Jenny, Alex and Nick - in the paddock.

Nick receives a token of appreciation for his contribution from Jenny.