Talking Dirty

Join Weddin Landcare and Dr. Aurelie Quade, from Soil Resilience, for an engaging soil health workshop as part of the Over the Fence project. Participants can expect short, simple, memorable concepts with practical field assessments to understand exactly what is happening beneath our feet. We will compare soil samples from different farming methods and there will be plenty of group discussions to reinforce clear take-home actions to improve your soil structure.

What the day will cover:

• The 4 pillars: biology, structure, chemistry, management

• Key indicators - observe, score and record in the field

• Field assessment of 2 paddocks using indicator cards

• Identify drivers: soil type, cover, traffic, inputs

About the presenter:

Dr Aurelie Quade is a research scientist, field practitioner and educator whose work sits at the intersection of soil science, farm systems and applied ecology. She holds a PhD in Plant Pathology (University of Southern Queensland), a BSc First Class Honours in Plant Pathology, and a BSc in Environmental Horticulture — with additional training in experimental design and statistical modelling. A native French speaker, she brings an international research perspective to every engagement.

Her applied research career includes three peer-reviewed publications, design and execution of soil monitoring frameworks across 13,600+ hectares and six agroecological zones (Northern NSW and Southern QLD), and management of national R&D programs in wheat breeding and soil carbon. She has worked with GRDC, S&W Seed Co, and Climate Friendly, and has built cross-sector partnerships across farming communities, Landcare networks, NRM organisations and government agencies.

Aurelie is a Regional Landcare volunteer, a Rotary member, and a passionate advocate for women in agriculture.

About the host:

Rosewood Pastoral is a mixed farming operation at Monteagle, run by Tim Fowler alongside his wife Clemency and in partnership with his parents, Tony and Mary-Louise.

The farm covers around 1400 hectares and runs a combination of merino sheep, prime lambs, Angus cattle and some cropping. Stocking rates generally sit between 8–10 DSE per hectare, depending on the season, across a mix of improved and native pastures, including areas of Box Gum grassy woodland.

The Fowler family have a long history in the district, having farmed in the area since the late 1860s.