Get the dirt on soil health

GLENRAC will host a bus trip to Derek & Fiona Smith’s property ‘Kennilworth’ located just outside of Guyra to ‘get the dirt’ on soil health on Thursday 19th November. Derek Smith has presented at a number of GLENRAC events in the last seven years and is well known for his innovative but practical approach to managing soils, pastures and livestock.

Derek and Fiona own a 300 acre regeneratively managed farm where they background cattle for other producers, run open range layer hens that produce high quality eggs and prime lambs, and in recent years, certified organic vegetables.

Derek is a lifelong farmer who has a passion for soils that is inspiring. Derek was an invited presenter at the National Biological Farming Conference & Expo held in Lismore on the 6-8th November. He completed a Bachelor in Farm Management and Ass. Dip in Farm Management as well as courses in Holistic Management and Grazing for Profit. Until recently Derek taught Organic Farming Production at NSW TAFE – Armidale for 18-years. He now offers extended training and short workshops on farm at Kennilworth.

This bus trip will combine both a mini soil health workshop with a farm walk to view the management practises the Smiths’ utilise to promote soil health. Derek will present information on how to assess and monitor your soil health; how to manage soils to improve soil health and the benefits of promoting soil health and soil carbon to benefit the environment and production.

The bus will depart from the GLENRAC office, 68 Church St, Glen Innes at 9:00am and returning at approx. 4:00pm. Morning tea & lunch provided. Seats are limited and registrations are required by the 17th November. If you are interested in finding out more about this event contact the GLENRAC office on 02 6732 3443 or visit the website www.glenrac.org.au