Learn how to make high-quality compost on your farm using simple, low labour methods!

In this 1 day hands on workshop we go over the essentials of making compost on farm. Whether using a pitchfork, a tractor and bucket or a compost turner, this course will get you started. If you already make compost then learn about fermentative composting and save water and time! We also look at how to use compost to build soil health.

Join Wes Spencer and David Hardwick, two highly experienced compost practitioners, as we explore how to make compost using a minimum to no turn approach called fermentative composting (also called SPICE) as well as making aerated compost with a turner. We look at the range of ingredients for making compost, tips for managing the site and the process and how to assess compost quality using tests and on site.

During this Workshop we will cover:

Compost: what it is and why use it.

Humus and Compost.

The 3 ways to make compost on farm: Fermentative, Aerated and Vermicomposting.

The pros and cons of each one.

Your Compost Action Plan.

Preparing to compost on farm: 5 things you need to plan: Site, Compost Feedstocks, Equipment, Water,

Government Regulations. What you need to know.

Making Compost

Making Compost: how to control the decomposition process by fermentation and/or aeration.

Setting up windrows and heaps. Inoculating and Covering.

Process Management: Turning, watering and monitoring the compost. Troubleshooting issues.

Customising your Compost: adding minerals, clay and/or biology

Compost Quality: it's all about humus, biology and nutrients.

Understanding the Australian Standard for Composts.

Compost contamination.

Assessing compost quality on site and using tests.

Using compost: rates and timing of compost for different situations.

Date & Time

Tue 14th March 2023

8.30am to 4.00 pm

Presenters:

Led by agroecologist David Hardwick, one of Australia’s leading regenerative agriculture extension specialists, along with farmer Wes Spencer who makes compost and biofertilisers on the family farm in northern Victoria. David has worked across regenerative and organic agriculture for over 20 years. He spent 5 years as an R & D manager for a biofertiliser company where his role was in Quality Assurance and field trials of a range of biological products. He has also made or consulted on compost for nearly 30 years. Wes makes high quality compost on farm and has built his own turner. This is an essential course for anyone who wants to get serious about making and/or using composts and biofertilisers on farm.

Venue & Catering

The course will be hosted by the Spencer family at their farm near Kotupna in Northern Victoria. A workbook along with Morning Tea, Lunch and Afternoon Teas are included in the Course fee. Bring boots, hat and outdoor gear.

Places & Conditions

Places in this Workshop are limited to 30. A minimum of 10 people are required for the event to go ahead. In the event that the course does not go ahead due to minimum numbers not being reached 7 days before the course commences, or due to COVID restrictions or other exceptional circumstances, a full refund will be given. Participants will need to abide by any COVID and WHS requirements of the organisers at all times.

Accommodation

A number of accommodation options are available near Kotupna including in Kyabram, Echuca, Nathalia and Numurkah in Vic.