Penny Wensley was appointed National Soils Advocate in August, 2020 and will be the keynote speaker at the 2023 Sustainable Soils Forum at The Capital in Bendigo on March 31.
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JOHN DE ROOY
One of the biggest threats to the health of northern Victorian farmers’ soils came lapping at their doorsteps last October.
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More frequent floods and droughts driven by climate change accelerate the depletion of oxygen available for plant growth, increase the threat of wind and water erosion, the loss of soil structure and the loss of organic carbon, on top of the obvious financial impacts.
With the 2022 floods still at the forefront of their minds, farmers, soil experts, policy makers and industry leaders will come together for the 2023 Sustainable Soils Forum at The Capital in Bendigo on March 31.
The forum will explore new perspectives to grow the future of agriculture in the region, and help farmers manage the impacts of a variable climate.
North Central Catchment Management Authority Sustainable Agriculture Program manager Mandy Coulson said the event would be the perfect mix between scientists, farmers and politicians.
“With a changing climate, we need to explore and plan for the best methods to help farmers adapt,” she said.
“We need to be able to hear solutions and showcase the amazing work farmers from across our region are doing to improve their soil, and the productivity and integrity of the land.
“This forum will showcase the regenerative practices our farmers are undertaking, and how they can be applied locally and further afield.”
Australia’s National Soils Advocate Penelope Wensley will be the keynote speaker at the event, discussing the importance of conserving and improving the health of our soils.
Federation University Centre for eResearch and Digital Innovation principal research fellow, Associate Professor Peter Dahlhaus, will critically examine the local and global status of soils and discuss what will happen if the status quo continues.
Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters is also on the speakers’ list, as is Runnymede farmer and Nuffield Scholar Jessica Conlan, who is pursuing regenerative agriculture practices on her property.
Attendees will also hear from regenerative agriculture groups about on-ground projects improving soil health.
“These local groups have a focus on enhancing ecosystem services which increases their communities’ resilience to a changing climate,” Ms Coulson said.
“Such insights showcase great practical examples and give farmers a lot to think about and help plan for the future.”
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