ON FARM SOUTHERN CATTLE Soils for the futureTim and KatherineSNAPSHOT: Tasmanian beef “We have two boys and we “We’ve doubled the amount Reed, ‘Wenlock’, producers Tim want to be able to pass on of soil sampling we do and Launceston and Katherine something healthier thanwhat we started with.”are now using a variable‑ratefertiliser application,” he said.l Reed are seeing the rewards from an Wenlock is among 18 “We’re still building up our increased but more properties represented in nutrient levels, so rates are targeted investment in their local Healthy Soils fairly high, but rather than a soil management. discussion group. Tim has blanket amount across the taken part in four farm visitsproperty, we’re considerably It’s part of their commitment to date, including hosting a reducing rates on some parts.” to leaving a healthier farm public field day at Wenlock. for their young sons, and For example, on some was a motivation to join the “The field day focused paddocks he now applies Area: on the issues we have 300kg/ha of fertiliser 93ha Tamar Natural Resource (NPK 0:6:17) on one side Management Healthy Soils managing variation, and looked at property mapping of the paddock and only Enterprise: discussion group as part of an Self‑replacing beef cattle MLA pilot project (page 34). and fencing plans to help 200–250kg on the other. mitigate it,” Tim said. and forestry The Reeds (pictured) bought “The extra soil sampling is ‘Wenlock’, 25km north‑west “We looked at three adjacent expensive, but our aim is to Livestock: of Launceston, five and paddocks that all exhibit keep nutrients at desirable 50 Angus breeders a half years ago and are different soil characteristics,levels so we don’t develop halfway through a farm plus one paddock that has toxicity problems.” ■ Pasture: pasture renovation. completely different pH and Improved pastures with a nutrient levels from one side Tim Reed mix of about 10 species of Their challenges include to the other, even though E: wenlockenterprises@ grasses and legumes managing high soil variation it’s been treated exactly the gmail.com across the property and same for the past five years.” Soil: waterlogging in some MLA’s ‘Five Easy Steps’ Sandy loam, ironstone gravel, paddocks in winter. Management changes phosphorus tool: black silty river flats Tim and Katherine have mla.com.au/ptool “We joined the soils group already made a couple of More Beef from Pastures: Rainfall: for a better understanding management changes as mbfp.mla.com.au 750–800mm of what we’ve got, how to a result of what they’ve utilise it the best we can and learned in the group. how to look after it,” Tim said. LESSONS LEARNED > Soil microbial activity is important for farm productivity. > You can visually assess your pasture but what is happening underneath is what really matters. 35