Expressions of interest are now open for grazing beef, dairy and sheep farmers across the Geographe catchment to take part in the 2026/2027 Geographe Fertiliser Management Program.
With increased fertiliser and fuel prices, the program supports farmers to better understand the agronomic needs of their soils, reduce input costs, and improve farm productivity, while also protecting local waterways.
Since launching in 2010, this successful program has supported more than 40% of Geographe farmers with soil testing and targeted nutrient advice, helping to establish soil testing as a trusted, common-sense practice across the farming community.
This combined effort by farmers, catchment groups and government has shown that optimising fertiliser use can save participants an average of $8,700 per farm per year on phosphorus fertiliser alone. Farmers in the program have also reduced phosphorus applications by almost 1,500 tonnes over the past 10 years, helping to reduce a major source of nutrient runoff into estuaries.
Through the program, farmers receive whole-farm soil testing, expert agronomic advice, and support to develop fertiliser plans tailored to each paddock and production goals. Participants can also attend workshops to interpret their results and make informed decisions about fertiliser use.
GeoCatch Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator Jenelle Schult, said the benefits are clear for both farm productivity and the environment.
“This program gives farmers the tools to use science, not guesswork, to target nutrients and identify soil constraints that limit plant growth,” said Jenelle. “It can help reduce unnecessary fertiliser costs, boost pasture productivity, and limit nutrient runoff into Geographe Bay.”
Returning participants can also refer a friend to join the program, with both farmers receiving a $100 discount on soil testing fees under the Soil Mates initiative.
The program is open to grazing enterprises in the Geographe catchment with at least 40 hectares of cleared, arable land.
Applications close 22 July 2026.
To learn more or register your interest, visit https://geocatch.asn.au/sustainable-agriculture/geographe-soil-testing-program/
This activity is a part of Healthy Estuaries WA and Revitalising Geographe Waterways, State Government programs; and Soils – New Horizons, a bilateral partnership agreement between the Australian Government and the State Government of WA (DPIRD).
