Workshops dish dirt on organics

Darling Downs producers on the lookout for ways to increase their productivity as well as profitability should keep their eyes on a new project digging deeper into organic fertiliser options. The collaborative Exploring Organic Fertilisers project kicked off recently with a series of informal workshops co-hosted by Condamine Alliance and Pathway Ag (a division of Pursehouse Rural). Led by David Hall, research and development manager for Pathway Ag, the long-term project will aim to help farmers and consultants better understand the use of organic fertilisers.
Workshops were held in Toowoomba, Pittsworth, Dalby, Clifton and Chinchilla and attracted a broad audience, including farmers, agronomists, researchers and educators varying from professionals to those starting out.
“The workshops were a great way to make connections with local people from across the Downs to help inform the development of the project,” Mr Hall said. “We were able to talk about information that is currently available, as well as how the project and its trials will progress. It also gave people the opportunity to update, clarify or find out how current their knowledge is.”
For Landmark agronomist Paul McIntosh, attending the Toowoomba workshop was a chance to link with the project and reaffirm his understanding of the topic.
“You don’t often get a chance to hear from other companies on their work. This was a great opportunity to catch up and listen to David’s presentation as well as to make sure I’m up-to-date on information,” Mr McIntosh said.
The workshop also proved a chance to provide some straight forward information in this area. Specialising in fertilisers with Incitec Pivot, Bede O’Mara said, “In my experience, there seems to be a lot of confusion around the topic. David presented in a simple way which helped clear up some points and was very informative.”
With sustainable agriculture highlighted for inclusion in its curriculum, the Australian Agricultural College Corporation’s Bill Callaghan is looking forward to outcomes from the project.
“It’s good to hear about the project and that we are starting to get some science into trials looking at organic options. I think organics is next generation in sustainable agriculture as we start to see interest from outside the sector for this type of action,” Mr Callaghan said.
Condamine Alliance CEO Phil McCullough said the group was pleased to support this project, which would benefit the catchment’s agricultural industry.
“Condamine Alliance is committed to agriculture and recognises the importance of this catchment in terms of Australia’s food production,” Mr McCullough said.
“Condamine Alliance will continue to be involved with this project in a role that supports activities so that key information and outcomes are shared with the wider agricultural community,” he said.
The project has strong support and involvement from key stakeholders, including Arkwood, Condamine Alliance, Conservation Farmers Inc, Envirorganics, Incitec Pivot, McLean Farms, Meat and Livestock Australia, Organic Nutrients, Pathway Ag, the Queensland Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation and the University of Queensland (Gatton Campus).
This initiative is supported by Condamine Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Program with funding from the Australian Government’s Caring for Our Country and the Queensland Government’s Q2 Coasts and Country. For more details on the project, contact David Hall via email at d.hall@prural.com.au