Amazing Carbon

 

Soils Q&A Plus
Green Agriculture Innovation Awards

Sapphire Coast Turf Club, Kalaru, NSW
Saturday 15 September 2012

Hurry!!! Registration deadline 7 September

 

Christine Jones: Founder, Amazing Carbon and host for the Soils Q&A plus 2012 Green Agriculture Innovation Awards (GAIA)

I want to share with you some news about the exciting Soils Q&A plus Green Agriculture Innovation Awards, coming up soon.

The GAIA awards were established in 2009 to provide recognition for farmers and landcarers with a passion for looking after the life in their soil. Vibrant, living soils underpin productive farms, nutritious food, resilient landscapes, healthy rivers and clean water.

This year there will be $15,000 in cash awards to South East farmers championing the cause of biology-friendly land management practices that build new topsoil, enhance the productivity of their farms and improve food quality.

But I’m not giving away any clues as to who they are!! You’ll have to come along to the gala dinner at the Sapphire Coast Turf Club on Saturday 15th September to find out.

Following the presentations, there will be a ‘Soils Q&A’ led by Victorian DPI Soils Specialist Declan McDonald. During the interactive discussion you might discover some simple answers to problems that are reducing the productivity of your farm?

Or perhaps you can stump the panel with a really curly question? We’ll be offering prizes for the best questions. For more information, see the Q&A heading below.

To make the night fun as well as informative, there will also be a prize for the most entertaining limerick, as determined by audience vote.

The action-packed evening will also feature Andrew Jeeves’ FACETS 2012 short presentation ‘From Light to Life: the REAL story of soil’

The subsidised ticket price of only $45 includes a sumptuous meal created by Small Feasts catering, drinks and entertainment.

Why don’t you join us for a great night out?

To secure your place, just follow the registration links on this site.

Declan McDonald:
DPI Soils Specialist, Farm Services Victoria

Declan McDonald joined Farm Services Victoria in February 2011. Previously he was with the Tasmanian Dept of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment where he headed up a team looking after all soil management and soil assessment responsibilities.

Declan has a strong background in Natural Resource Management through his work with Catchment Management Authorities and Local Government. He has over 25 years experience in agricultural, horticultural, recreation and amenity soil management.

His primary focus is to elevate the role of soils as a foundational issue for the sustainability of agriculture.


Andrew Jeeves:
From light to life: the REAL story of soil

Soil regeneration is of fundamental significance to the health and future of us all. ‘From light to life’ clarifies the vital link between green plants and the restoration of naturally productive soils, providing new insights into how plants, microbes and soils interact. Andrew’s illustrated talk explains, in a readily understandable - and often humorous way - the key principles for rebuilding topsoil - be it on farms or in gardens.

Andrew was one of 12 innovative people recently selected from around Australia to present their ideas at FACETS 2012, a delivery platform modelled on the famous TED talks (ideas worth spreading) which have attracted millions of viewers worldwide.

This is a not-to-be-missed presentation!!

Soils Q&A: Submit a curly question to our panel

If you’d like to submit a question on soil, pasture or livestock health, simply register for the event and send your question to Bruce Davison, 1952 Myrtle Mountain Rd, Candelo, NSW, 2550

Or, ask your question on the night.

We’re offering great prizes for the best questions. .

Kristin Ohlson: Award-winning international author

Also in attendance will be special guest Kristin Ohlson, an award winning author from the United States. Kristin received a special grant from the Rodale Institute to write a book on carbon farming.

Kristin will be attending this years GAIA awards to talk to South East regional farmers.

Helen Disler: Farming Secrets
Many of you will know Helen and/or be aware of her passion for promoting biology-friendly farming practices. Helen will be producing a video of the 2012 awards evening.

Heidi Davison (02) 6493 2131

Heidi is the person to contact if you need more information about registering for this event. Heidi is busy with cattle, goats and a big veggie garden so be patient if you don't get through the first time. E-mail is probably best heidi@candelosalers.com

 

When: Saturday 15th September 2012
Where: Sapphire Coast Turf Club, Kalaru, NSW
Time: The GAIA awards dinner will commence at 6 pm sharp.

Pre-registration for the dinner is essential.



Registration
There are two ways to register ...

i) Print the Registration Form in PDF format and POST with a cheque (see form for details).

ii) If you prefer to register electronically and make your payment by NetBank, HandyBank or EFT, complete the Registration Form in WORD format and E-MAIL to Heidi Davison at heidi@candelosalers.com Please provide your name as the ‘reference’ on your payment transfer - otherwise we won’t know who you are.

A receipt will be issued for all payments.

The GAIA awards

An assessment of the things likely to impact on agriculture over the next 10-20 years leads to the conclusion that we are entering a period of extraordinary change. Our challenge as a society is to work with the farming community to restore the ecological and hence productive base on which the future security of the Australian nation depends.

The GAIA awards provide recognition for individuals with a passion for promoting the adoption of regenerative land management practices that simultaneously improve soil function, productivity, biodiversity, food quality and carbon sequestration outcomes. Read more …


Articles:

Contact Christine Jones: christinejones222@gmail.com