Growing better quality feed for animals results in stronger and more resilient crops and pastures plus better nutrition for people eating those animals.
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That was the message from agronomist and nutritionist Peter Norwood.
About 35 land holders from Inverell, Armidale, Uralla, Walcha and Nowendoc took part in the field day at Kentucky last week, thanks to the National Landcare Partnership small community grants and the Harnham Landcare Group, which dipped into its funds to make the event free for attendees.
“It’s about growing better quality feed and having the measurements behind it,” Mr Norwood said.
As well as getting the macro nutrients right, things like micro nutrients, amino acids and beneficial bacteria were important for plants and people.
“Plants also need amino acids and other building blocks like co-enzymes, minerals and trace minerals,” Mr Norwood said.
“It starts with the soil and it’s crucial to have accurate measurements. Microbes also need a wide range of minerals so they can function.”
Mr Norwood said when the right building blocks were available the plants were balanced and this translated into stronger and more productive crops and pastures.
As the idea gains momentum, Mr Norwood believes consumer demand could drive a market for animals produced on “healthy” soils.
He said the biggest hurdle for graziers was the concern of how much implementing changes would cost.
“It starts with soil testing – an in depth micro and macro assessment,” Mr Norwood said.
After applying the right minerals and microbes to help unlock them, Mr Norwood also recommends tissue analysis of plants and hair analysis of stock to see what’s happening.
“Gram positive bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi can really make a difference to crops and pastures,” he said.
Under a system like this Mr Norwood thinks yields could close to double in a good season and perform better than conventional crops and pastures in a dry year.
