Beyond the Surface: Understanding Soil Carbon for Healthy Soils and a Healthy Bottom Line
On Monday, 12 February 2024 at Social Co. House in Moree, the event "Beyond the Surface: Understanding Soil Carbon for Healthy Soils and a Healthy Bottom Line" gathered soil carbon experts, agribusiness professionals, and local farmers for an in-depth look at soil carbon practices.
Expert Insights from David Ward and Sam Duncan
David Ward, Senior Carbon Agronomist at Loam Bio, shared insights on soil carbon's role in crop health and farming profitability. He discussed microbial carbon capture technology, Loam Bio’s CarbonBuilder technology, and the potential of SecondCrop soil carbon projects to enhance soil health management and agricultural productivity.
Sam Duncan, Founder and CEO of FarmLab, presented the latest advancements in soil carbon quantification. He detailed FarmLab’s involvement with the National Soil Carbon Innovation Challenge, offering practical tips for reducing costs and improving soil carbon measurement accuracy. Duncan also highlighted future opportunities in nature-based solutions and carbon setting protocols.
Engaging Discussions and Networking
The event saw 19 participants from various businesses and organisations, including Vitonga Farms, Suncorp Goondiwindi, Billilla Farming, McGregor Gourlay, Cotton Research Development Centre, B&W Rural, Pure Grain, and independent farmers. The interactive session featured numerous audience questions, with many staying afterwards to engage further with Ward and Duncan.
Positive Feedback and Future Collaborations
Attendees praised the event's organisation and the quality of presentations:
“Well-organised event. Very good presenters and useful to learn more about soil carbon.”
“I look forward to collaborating with David and Sam in the near future.”
“Thanks for the opportunity to learn more about carbon farming. Meeting the right people for future collaborations and projects was invaluable.”
“Overall a great presentation. Thank you.”
Most participants indicated that they could apply the information to enhance their agricultural practices, highlighting the event’s practical impact.
Acknowledgements
The Moree agricultural community extends its gratitude to David Ward of Loam Bio and Sam Duncan of FarmLab for their contributions. Their willingness to share their expertise has equipped local farmers and agribusinesses with knowledge and tools for advancing soil carbon, sustainability, and soil health.
This event was made possible through the support of the Federal Government Murray–Darling Basin Economic Development Program and the NSW Government Accelerating Regional Innovation Fund, in association with Moree Plains Shire Council. Their commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability in agriculture is building a more resilient and prosperous future for the region.
