In early November 2023, women from townships along South Australia’s Mallee Highway came together for WoTL’s first event in the region. Organised by WoTL Ambassador and Stepping into Leadership alumnus, Fiona Woolfitt, participants from the localities of Geranium, Jabuk, Peake, Sherlock and Moorlands took some time out to learn and connect through participation in a morning crop walk.
Guided by independent agricultural consultant Jeff Braun, the group carpooled around the region viewing crops in the area. Many farms visited were those of participants.
Discussion topics included the suitability of different varieties more commonly sown in the area, different management techniques used and the challenges and successes of the current season.
“Jeff’s extensive knowledge of the Mallee, including land management practices, was incredibly insightful,” said Fiona.
Of particular interest was past land management practices and how this has resulted in Mallee Seeps, areas found in the low swales of sand dunes where the water table is coming to the soil surface, and what measures are being taken to help minimise the risk.
Participants also looked at the complexity of the cropping cycle and the planning involved.
“The planning process is much more complex than it first appears and considers many factors including the crops sown in the past, present and future, fertiliser and sprays applied. All these factors impact the crops that can be sown in the coming years,’ explained Fiona.
“It was very clear how valuable it is to engage an agronomist!”
The event armed participants with valuable knowledge to support them in providing input to assist with decision making in their own farming businesses.
As an introductory WoTL event, Kim Blenkiron, WoTL Executive Officer provided a brief overview of how the organisation works to support and assist women connected through agriculture.
WoTL thanks the property owners for access to their farms to be able to run this event.
Interested in becoming a WoTL Ambassador in your region? Get in contact with us and let’s have a chat.
This project was supported by the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board through funding from the landscape levies and the South Australian Government.