This August, the TopSoils Project and Landcare are bringing internationally recognised soil health educator Graeme Sait to East Gippsland for a series of events exploring the important relationship between soil health, farm productivity and human wellbeing.
A highlight of the tour is From Dirt to Plate, an evening bringing together local farmers, food producers and community members to explore how the health of our soils influences the food we produce.
The evening will include a meal prepared by The Long Paddock, Lindenow, providing an opportunity to share a meal with others passionate about local food production while hearing from Graeme about the role soil plays in supporting healthy plants, productive farming systems and resilient landscapes.
Soil is one of our most valuable natural resources. The thin layer of topsoil that supports plant growth plays a critical role in nutrient cycling, water storage, carbon management and food production. Developing a better understanding of soil health can help farmers and communities make informed decisions about managing this important asset.
The dinner is one of four events Graeme will present during his East Gippsland visit.
Graeme is one of Australia’s leading educators in soil health and regenerative agriculture. As the founder of Nutrition Farming and author of the bestselling book Nutrition Rules. Graeme has spent more than 35 years helping farmers improve soil function, plant nutrition and farming resilience. He has presented internationally and written extensively on soil fertility, mineral nutrition and sustainable agricultural practices.
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Known for combining science with practical farm experience, Graeme helps producers understand how soil biology, nutrient management and farming practices influence productivity and long-term sustainability. His workshops provide practical strategies to improve nutrient efficiency, reduce unnecessary inputs and support healthier farming systems.
The East Gippsland tour begins on Monday, August 17, with Unlocking Soil Potential at the Gippsland Agricultural
Centre, Bengworden.
This full-day workshop will have a strong practical focus, incorporating real-world examples and management strategies that producers can implement on their own farms. Through a hands-on, grassroots approach, the session will connect soil test interpretation with practical actions that can improve nutrient use efficiency, reduce unnecessary input costs, and maintain productivity in an increasingly challenging economic environment. The day will include a paddock walk of a demonstration site on soil amelioration and winter multispecies.
On Tuesday, August 18, Graeme will present Nutrient Management at the Orbost Football Club, followed by a visit to a local farm.
This workshop will focus on nutrient interactions, identifying nutrient limitations and making informed fertiliser decisions. Participants will explore ways to improve nutrient-use efficiency and better utilise natural nutrient cycling within their
farming systems.
That evening, From Dirt to
Plate will be held at the Gippsland Agricultural Centre from 5.30pm to 9pm.
Tickets are $25 per person and include dinner catered by The Long Paddock, Lindenow.
The evening is open to both farmers and the wider community, exploring how soil
health contributes to the quality and nutritional value of the food we eat.
The final event, Harnessing Your Hidden Workforce, will be held on Thursday, August 20 at Newry Hall.
This practical workshop will explore the role of beneficial soil microbes and how supporting soil biology can improve nutrient availability, plant health, drought resilience and farm productivity. Attendance is free for Landcare members or $30
for non-members.
These events provide an opportunity for East Gippsland farmers, landholders and community members to learn from one of Australia’s most respected soil educators and explore practical approaches to improving soil health and building resilient agricultural systems.
Bookings are essential. For bookings or further information, contact Emma Orgill at the Landcare Office in Orbost.
