A strong turnout of 45 landholders came together near Monto for BMRG’s Roots of Resilience: Growing Healthy Soils field day, which showcased drought innovation works through soil health and biology as part of BMRG's Future Drought Fund program.
The event received positive feedback from attendees, with many landholders highlighting the value of the hands-on format. From exploring soil biology to learning how to design on-farm trials, the day was focused on building confidence, sharing knowledge, and supporting landholders to take practical next steps on their own properties.
BMRG’s very own Soil Microbiologist Rachel Cavallo provided valuable insights into soil biology and bioapplications, helping landholders better understand how soil functions, why biological activity matters, and how healthy soils can support more resilient farming systems. Resources from Rachel’s session will soon be available on the BMRG website.
Regional Soil Coordinator Cameron Leckie also led an engaging discussion in the soil pit, providing a practical overview of soil characteristics and how to conduct an on-farm trial. A guide to designing and running on-farm trials will also be made available on the BMRG website soon.
BMRG thanks our hosts, the Kurt, Gary & Lynette Muller, who generously shared their project highlights and received wonderful feedback from attendees. Their contribution added a valuable local perspective to the day, and their lucky door prize donations — including a bucket of worms and two bottles of their home-brewed applications, a fish hydrolysate and a seaweed brew — were enthusiastically received.
Three lucky door prizes were awarded on the day, including a penetrometer valued at more than $400, a refractometer, and the brews and worms donated by the Mullers.
For many landholders, the field day provided the confidence to try making their own biological brews, deepen their understanding of soil health and soil biology, and consider running an on-farm trial. Some attendees travelled more than four hours to take part, reflecting the strong interest across the region in practical, future-focused soil health solutions.
By bringing landholders, specialists and local hosts together, Roots of Resilience showcased the power of shared learning in supporting healthier soils, stronger landscapes and more resilient farming businesses.
The SQNNSW Innovation Hub receives funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
