Farmers invited to dig deeper into soil program

The Lower Blackwood Land Conservation District Committee (LCDC) is encouraging local farmers to dig deep with expressions of interest now open for the 2025 Soil Testing and Fertiliser Management Program.

The opportunity is part of the Healthy Estuaries WA and Soils-New Horizons programs and is delivered in collaboration with Lower Blackwood LCDC, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.

Through the program, grazing farmers can access heavily subsidised whole-farm soil testing, expert agronomic advice, and a fertiliser plan tailored to their paddocks’ specific needs.

Project Officer Dean Campbell says the results speak for themselves.

“We’ve seen farmers save an average of $12,000 a year just by fine-tuning their fertiliser use.

“But it’s about more than just savings.

“When you truly understand what’s happening under the surface, you can boost productivity, protect soil health, and reduce nutrient runoff into our local rivers and estuaries.

“We’ve got farmers who’ve been involved for several years and keep referring their neighbours because of the difference it’s made to their operations.

“That kind of peer-to-peer knowledge sharing is powerful.”

This year, returning farmers who refer a friend will each receive a $100 discount – making it possible for newcomers to access a package valued at over $5,000 for just $200.

EOIs are open until 20 July 2025. Applicants must run a grazing enterprise (beef, dairy or sheep) and have at least 40ha of cleared arable land.

“If you’ve been thinking about joining, now’s the perfect time,” Dean said.

“We know farmers want to boost resilience and future-proof their businesses as the climate continues to shift, and managing our soils is the perfect way to do that.”

To learn more or to express your interest, visit estuaries.dwer.wa.gov.au, or contact Dean on 9758 4021 or info@lowerblackwood.com.au.