Picture: Wendy Thorsborne (BCCA), Rob Read, Stephen Nussio, Dr Christine Jones, Ann McKenzie (BCCA) & Damien O’Sullivan.
The Secrets of the Soil workshop held in Murgon on Saturday, 23 August, drew a strong turnout of over 90 participants eager to deepen their understanding of soil health and regenerative agriculture. The event was hosted by Burnett Catchment Care Association (BCCA) and featured internationally renowned soil ecologist Dr Christine Jones, along with inspiring presentations from local producers who shared practical experiences from their own farms.
Insights from Dr Christine Jones – Dr Jones delivered two sessions that explored the symbiotic relationships between plants, animals, and soil microbes, and how a mix of different types of plants can unlock biological pathways to improve soil structure, carbon storage, nutrient cycling, and water-holding capacity. Her clear, evidence-based explanations highlighted how healthy soils form the foundation for resilient, profitable farm businesses.
The workshop also showcased how Burnett and nearby producers are putting these principles into practice:
- Rob Read (Mundubbera) emphasised the importance of careful observation and his “shovel test” to understand soil condition and pasture health. Rob shared how improving soil structure and reducing compaction has led to healthier pastures and better cattle performance.
- Stephen Nussio (Kenilworth/Cambroon) drew on his 40 years of farming and advisory experience to highlight practical, low-cost methods for building soil health, growing stronger pastures, and keeping herd sizes in balance with land capacity.
- Damien O’Sullivan (South Burnett Grazing Network) reflected on decades of extension work and producer support, stressing the value of legumes in native pastures, rotational type grazing, and long-term pasture management strategies tailored for local conditions.
Their stories demonstrated that building soil health is achievable and can deliver tangible benefits for both land and livestock.
Interactive Learning and Community Connection – Participants had the opportunity to engage directly with Dr Jones and the producer panel, asking practical questions and sharing their own challenges. Many noted that hearing both the science and the on-ground examples gave them renewed confidence to make small, manageable changes on their properties.
Building Regional Resilience – The workshop reinforced BCCA’s commitment to supporting the region’s landholders with knowledge, networks, and tools to strengthen agricultural resilience. By combining global expertise with local innovation, the event showcased the powerful role that healthy soils play in ensuring the long-term sustainability of Burnett agriculture.
Assistance provided by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Fund