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Queensland
Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture
(FARM-READY APPROVED)
Nutri-Tech Solutions (NTS) has been delivering four-day courses on sustainable farming techniques for over 8 years. FarmReady approved (Australian primary producers can receive reimbursement for the full course fee plus course related costs).
Primarily held on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast in March, July and November.
Further information: Ph. (07) 5472 9900; www.nutri-tech.com.au
Victoria
Introduction to Pasture Cropping and No Kill Cropping courses, delivered by The Advanced Pasture Cropping Company.
12th-13th April 2010 Euroa, Vic
15th-16th April 2010 Bairnsdale, Vic
Both Pasture Cropping and No Kill Cropping provide opportunities for low risk cropping whilst maintaining and enhancing perennial pastures for grazing livestock, by planting a cereal crop directly into existing perennial pastures. Courses are presented by the original developers of both systems, Col Seis and Bruce Maynard, along with Angus Maurice.
The course has FarmReady accreditation (FRTC 0221), so primary producers can receive full reimbursement for course costs as well as expenses associated with travel and accommodation. Eligibility criteria and guidelines are available at www.farmready.gov.au
For more information about any of the courses, please contact danielle@pasturecropping.com or phone 0402 211 657.
Program Outline of Introduction to Pasture Cropping and No Kill Cropping
In this practical, down to earth and enjoyable course, participants gain a thorough understanding of the principles and practical application of both Pasture Cropping and No Kill Cropping.
The following topics will be covered thoroughly:
• Principles and foundations of Pasture Cropping and No Kill Cropping:
• Grassland function
• Grazing management and how to profit more from grazing
• Improving soil health on your farm
• Implementation:
• Techniques and machinery, including choosing the right machinery and saving on purchase costs
• Agronomy and reducing chemical bills
• Research - breakthroughs to improve your livelihood
• How to make it work on your place
• Environmental implications of the techniques
$550/person (inc. GST). FarmReady accredited course (FRTC 0221), so primary producers can be fully reimbursed for course costs and associated expenses.
(The Advanced Pasture Cropping Company is offering one free place for a tertiary student at each of the introductory courses.)
Fusion Farms Keyline Design Course
(FARM-READY APPROVED)
held on April 12th - 14th 2010 at Woodend Vic
Hold that precious water in your landscape and build topsoil rapidly with sustainable keyline design techniques.
Contact: Ben Falloon, Fusion Farms Ph: (03) 9010 5065 M: 0488 031 484 W: www.fusionfarms.com
Fusion Farms Compost & Compost Tea Workshop
(FARM-READY APPROVED)
held on May 13th - 15th 2010 at
Woodend Vic This workshop takes the mystery out of soil microbiology and provides common-sense solutions to improving soils and reducing input costs. A practical workshop on how to hydrate, enhance and heal your soils by understanding the soil food web and how to make biologically active Aerated Compost Tea. Contact: Ben Falloon Fusion Farms Ph: (03) 9010 5065 M: 0488 031 484 W: www.fusionfarms.com Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE (NMIT) Two-year Diploma of Agriculture (Organic Production) consisting of ten modules, including soil management, livestock and cropping and conversion to organic production. Nationally recognised Rural Production Training Accreditation. Further information: Marli Draper ph (03) 9269 1042; marlid-aas@nmit.vic.edu.au Online
(FARM-READY APPROVED)
An innovative online course about what is involved in converting to organic production has now been released by organic specialist training provider TM Organics (www.tmorganics.com), in order to make the conversion to organic easier for farmers.The course is approved under the Farmready program (www.farmready.gov.au), which means that eligible farmers and land managers are fully reimbursed for the full cost of the course once completed.
It is also the first online course approved for Farmready reimbursement.
Many farmers know that organic growing relies on soil improvement and increased organic matter (carbon) and accept that it would be better for their land, family health and the planet. However the lack of reliable sources of information on organic production methods and how certification works represents a significant barrier to change.
The course is designed to overcome the information hurdles when it comes to considering organic production and provide farmers with a practical understanding of what needs to be done to convert their farming operation to organic. It also de-mystifies many of the steps that take place when a farmer decides to become certified organic. Importantly, it helps farmers to develop an Organic Management Plan (OMP) which is the cornerstone of organic certification.
TM Organics director Tim Marshall says “We have applied our long-term involvement with organic standards and certification, and the experience of visiting many organic producers, to present reliable information and set out the necessary steps to becoming an organic producer. The online course is available anytime and is relevant to all producers”.
For more information please call the TM Organics office on 08 8339 1250 or
Doug Adamson: 0418 95 96 99 or Tim Marshall: 0412 473 230
AUSTRALIA
(FARM-READY APPROVED)
Thirty-six workshops will be hosted across Australia in 2010 under the Government’s FarmReady program to help producers better understand how to mitigate climate change risks.
The workshops are specifically designed for producers thinking ‘organic’ and will include information regarding farm methods that maintain production and sequester carbon, including managing vegetative cover; use of green manures; cover crops; living mulches; crop rotations; native and improved pasture; and managing water resources. Operators will also learn skills including monitoring, reporting and finding opportunities in the changing marketplace e.g. a value chain approach to marketing.
Workshops will start in Broken Hill in April 2010, moving to Margaret River, Broome, Darwin, North Queensland, Broken Hill, Hobart, and numerous locations in southeast Australia, Qld and northern NSW.
The full day workshops will cost $40 for certified organic producers, which includes a hard copy of the Climate Change Manual.
To register your interest or for more information contact:
Tim Marshall M: 0412 473 230 E: tim@tmorganics.com or Adam Willson M: 0423 679 110 E: adam.willson@soilsystems.com.au
2010 courses on understanding your soils, microclimates and water resources
Description
(FARM-READY APPROVED)
Courses run on demand by Topoclimate Australia – ask for more information today
Learn how to map and measure your property’s soils, water resources and microclimates and use this information to improve your farm’s sustainable productivity; or diversify into new crops or pastures.
Contact: Gary Hutchinson Ph: 0428 770 420 E: garyh@topoclimate.com
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