Farm tours investigate theory in practice

South East farmers, agronomists and animal health experts went on tour recently, visiting local properties to look at how growers are managing their grazing and soil management regimes.

The South East NRM Board’s ‘Cruising for Alternatives’ tours took the groups to Cluain at Lucindale, and Clover Estate at Mil Lel, to meet the owners and get an insight into how they are working with regenerative grazing.

Senior Project Officer Nicola Turner said the tours were a great opportunity to put theory into practice.

“Hamish from Cluain and David from Clover Estate were more than happy to share their considerable expertise with the group,” Nicola said.

“During the tours there were great conversations about soil health, reducing reliance on chemicals in farming, and alternative pasture species that could be used.”

PIRSA Senior Soils Consultant Melissa Fraser joined the tours to give a snapshot of the soils on each property, and animal nutrition consultant Michael Wilkes explored the animal health benefits and increased productivity of each production system.

“We also received a lot of great feedback from those who attended, with notes that people would like to see more examples on other properties and trial paddocks,” Nicola said.

“Through the SE Industries Adapting to Variable Climates and Markets project we hope to offer more tours of this style in the future.”

This project is supported by the South East Natural Resources Management Board through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

To find out about upcoming events, see the 'Get Involved' section of our website or our Facebook page @yournrse.