South West farmers are encouraged to apply for a fertiliser management program to maintain healthy waterways

Farmers across the South West are encouraged to apply for the latest round of Healthy Estuaries WA’s fertiliser management program.

Expressions of interest are now open for farmers in the South West region to join more than 1600 others working to protect waterways and estuaries while boosting farm productivity and profitability.

The program is available to beef, dairy, and sheep grazing enterprises and priority will be given to farms with at least 40 hectares of cleared, arable land.

The Leschenault Catchment Council has partnered with the department of Primary Industries and Regional Development as well as the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation to deliver the program, offering soil testing and agronomic advice to help farmers develop tailored fertiliser plans.

An LCC Healthy Estuaries spokesman said the huge number of participants each year was a testament to farmers’ desires to protect the environment and improve their production.

“Every year I’m impressed by the dedication and innovation shown by farmers participating in the fertiliser management program,” he said.

“Making changes to such an important part of farm production can be intimidating.

“But, what we’ve seen is that the program is a chance for growers to not only use science to build up knowledge of their farm, it’s also a chance to talk to their neighbours and get a fresh perspective on new ways of doing things.”

Previous participants have reported significant savings on fertiliser costs, with some saving up to $12,000 per year.

Expressions of interest are open until July 28 and farmers can apply by contacting the LCC.