Farmers delve into fascinating world of dung beetles
Local farmers signed up in droves to learn more about dung beetles over a lunch time webinar hosted by GeoCatch this month. Kathy Dawson, South West coordinator of the Dung Beetle Ecosystem Engineers project and Manjimup farmer Doug Pow, spoke about the importance of dung beetles and their roles in nutrient cycling, pest control, soil […]
2019 uPtake trials results
Hot off the press are the results from 2019 uPtake trials! Results from 19 trials to date, including 3 trial sites in the Geographe Bay Catchment, are showing the national critical values for phosphorus (P) used to inform fertiliser recommendations are relevant for South West WA. The 2019 results summary is now available. UpTake will […]
Beetles with benefits
Dung beetles not only reduce fertiliser costs for farmers, they help manage the summer flies that plague the Geographe Bay Catchment each summer. Recognised as ecosystem engineers, dung beetles have played an important role in sustainable farming since they were introduced to Australia in 1967. GeoCatch Project Officer, Jenelle Schult, has been working with local […]
The Haddon Family: Farmers protecting Geographe Bay
The Haddon family runs the largest dairy farm in Busselton. They are big, brave and on board to protect our waterways. Elaine and Neville Haddon started dairy farming in Yoongarillup in 1984 and now milk 1300 cows with their son Garry, his wife Tiffany and young family. They supply Harvey Fresh with over 12 million […]
Hobby farmers hungry for information
Small landholders were out in force at a recent GeoCatch Heavenly Hectares workshop in Busselton. More than 55 locals came along to find out the latest information to manage soil degradation, wind-breaking, fire and drought-proofing, pasture management and weeds. Rural property expert and author, Chris Ferreira, talked about the challenges of small property management. He […]
Farmers step up with soil testing
Twenty-eight local farmers have this week come one step closer to best practice fertiliser management at a workshop held near Busselton. The farmers have each participated in GeoCatch’s fertiliser management project, which undertakes paddock-scale soil testing and mapping in partnership with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). Farmers received their colour-coded maps […]
The Allen Family: Farmers protecting Geographe Bay
The Allen Family is growing a productive farming enterprise while protecting local waterways. Brodie and wife Louise, along with Brodie’s parents Geoff and Gillian, run 200 Angus beef breeders on their 150 hectare property in Boallia. Geoff joined his father on the farm in the 60s when he was 15 and Brodie recently started farming […]
Property training for hobby farmers and dreamers
After a seven-year hiatus, GeoCatch is bringing the award winning Heavenly Hectares program back to Busselton! Ideal for rural and semi-rural landholders, Heavenly Hectares property training workshops are specially designed to address soil degradation, water shortage, fertiliser management and weed issues. If you would benefit from advice on topics such as soil types, improving soil, […]
Local farmers soil test for sustainability in new year
Local farmers have started the year by soil testing every paddock to check nutrient levels, providing insight into what they will be able to grow once the rain comes in autumn. Are phosphorus levels optimum for good root growth and will pH levels allow the plant to access it? Is there enough potassium in the […]
Mini-doco showcases best practice
Local farmers who have made major changes to their fertiliser practices are being celebrated in a mini-documentary released by GeoCatch. The stories of these champion farmers focus on the benefits of being strategic with fertiliser so nutrients stay on the farm and out of waterways. The video has had almost 5000 views on social media. […]
