Dr Kelvin Montagu will deliver an interactive online training event on cover cropping.
Date: Wednesday 22 June
Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm AEST
Register HERE. [Note: As the session will be interactive, there will be limited positions available. Please register your interest and we will confirm your position in the session closer to the time.]
Details: Cover crops are being rediscovered as important tools for improving soil structure and health, controlling soilborne disease and weeds, reducing erosion and nutrient loss, and adding nitrogen.
This workshop is suitable for growers looking to incorporate cover crops in their rotations with potatoes - no matter their background or level of adoption.
Kelvin will discuss new science, machinery, and management practices to make cover crops work on today’s farms. Case studies will be shared where growers, who have successfully integrated cover crops, outline the learnings and on-farm benefits they have obtained.
Given the session will be interactive, there will be limited positions available so those who wish to attend should register their interest.
Prior to the event, participants should complete this questionnaire to encourage reflection on their cover cropping constraints or challenges, and objectives.
Cover cropping resources:
· Webinar Recording: Cover crops for fresh market and processing potatoes in Australia
· Cover crops for Australian vegetable growers
· Cover crop termination guide
Agenda for the training
| Time (AEST) | Topic | Delivered by | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:00:00 PM (10 mins) | Introduction | Kelvin Montagu, Steph Tabone, Peter O’Brien | - Agenda - Housekeeping - Introductions |
| 1:10:00 PM (20 mins) | Cover Cropping Overview | Kelvin Montagu | - Types - Establishment - Termination - Management - Machinery |
| 1:30:00 PM (5 mins) | Interactive Polls | Kelvin Montagu & Steph Tabone | |
| 1:35:00 PM (5 mins) | Break | ||
| 1:40:00 PM (30 mins) | Breakout Rooms | All, supported by facilitators | Participants to each share photos or talking point of 1 success, 1 challenge & 1-piece favourite machinery associated with their cover cropping |
| 2:10:00 PM (20 mins) | Debrief & discussion | All, supported by facilitators | Summary of each breakout room |
| 2:30 PM (5 mins) | Break | ||
| 2:35:00 PM (40 mins) | Case Studies and Q&A | Mark Fritz, Steve Michelmore, + 1 other grower/agronomist | - Overview of cover cropping system - Cover crops used - Aim of cover crops - How managed - Challenges experienced - Benefits seen |
| 3:05:00 PM (20 mins) | Soilborne Diseases & Cover Cropping | Kelvin Montagu | - Soilborne disease considerations of cover crops in rotation with potatoes - Tips for success |
| 3:35:00 PM (5 mins) | Break | ||
| 3:40:00 PM (10 mins) | Participant Planning | All | Participants to plan 5 actions / steps |
| 3:50:00 PM (10 mins) | Summary Comments | All | |