Thoughts

Ecological agriculture is the key to farming for the future. Ensuring soil health sustains local communities and empowers villages through our education program is our passion. Mike and Cheryl Smith - Organic Matters Foundation
Our whole life has been in agriculture from a sheep and cattle property in North New South Wales, Australia, to operating Australia's first Certified Organic Free Range Piggery. Ten years ago we looked towards sustainable farming practices and commenced further work and research on biological farming. We love sharing knowledge as to how to build soil producing healthy, productive plants securing food production and vitality.

PRESENTS

SOIL SCHOOL
An innovative training program introducing Biological and Ecological Agriculture to your farming system

Thank you
Without the efforts of our team of volunteers and workers OMF would not be able to deliver such a comprehensive package of information. Thank you to the eco-aggies who share our passion for sustaining farming and communities. You rock!
Organic Matters Foundation 291 Mororo Rd Mororo N SW 2469 www.organicmatters.org.au

Building Longterm Ecological Sustainable Solutions

Course Outline
Key Topics Introduction : The introduction to Soil School includes a brief overview of the current world situation regarding food production. Biological Farming . The Approach . Farm Ecosystems . Farm Productivity and Profit  Here we look at the biological farming approach, what a farm ecosystem consists of, how it w orks and how this relates to farm productivity and profit. We begin to look at the management principles available to farmers w hen using biological farming methods. We then evaluate the practical farm options and inputs enabling farmers to achieve successful change. Practical Biological Farm Management High performance, biologically fertile soils are at the heart of a successful farm enterprise. This session spends half a day looking at how soils form, the chemistry and biology o f soils as well as using soil tests and field measurements to understand the soil. Students participate in practical tasks and group work skills are encouraged to share information and create community. Assessment Exercise Students spend time assessing and building their o n farm soil program using the principles and new skills w e have acquired.

Introductory Soil School program

Course Overview
Organic Matters Foundation offers an innovative 2 -day course on Biological and ecological farming. Specifically developed for farming groups and communities in the Pacific, this highly interactive course is based on adult learning principles. Soil School is designed to provide farmers with an understanding of the principles behind biological farming and the practical how to of monitoring their soil Students gain an understanding of key concepts in Biological and Ecological farming including the principles underpinning this approach. An o verview o f how to manage soils effectively, the different types of inputs that can be used in addition to the importance of soil biology to agricultural production is discussed and expanded upon. The important skills of evaluating alternative inputs, assessing geographically relevant soil tests and effective farm planning are all taught in a practical hands-on way. Practical decision making methodologies and hands on skills are developed providing farmers w ith the tools they need to improve their farm production and fertility. These skills are essential when it comes to implementing sustainable farming options and the practical information relates to all learning levels.

Students are provided with an introductory Soil School workbook, which is theirs to take home. This book details course content covered during the two-day workshop and provides easy reference for the students to ensure they have access to quality information after their course.