Women in Ag Workshop: Getting to Know Your Soil
On Wednesday 18 March, we held the second workshop in our Women in Ag series—this time focusing on Soil Health with Dr Cassandra Schefe.
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Merrijig Park, the day provided the perfect opportunity to connect, learn, and get hands-on with one of the most important assets on any farm—our soil. We extend a big thank you to the generous landowners for opening their property and hosting us in such a welcoming setting.
The workshop began out in the paddock, gathered around a soil pit where participants were introduced to the foundations of healthy soil. We explored the three key components that underpin soil health:
Good physical condition
Balanced chemical properties
A diverse and active microbial community
From there, it was time to roll up our sleeves and dig a little deeper. Participants learnt how to assess soil texture using simple, hands-on techniques, gaining confidence in understanding what lies beneath their feet. We also covered practical skills such as conducting a basic pH test, understanding the causes of soil acidity, and the role of soil carbon in productive and resilient systems.
A particularly valuable part of the day was discussing where to invest for the greatest impact. With so many options available, Dr Schefe helped demystify soil improvement, guiding participants on how to prioritise actions based on their soil’s needs.
We wrapped up the workshop by working through soil test interpretations—breaking down what the results actually mean and, importantly, what actions can be taken in response. This practical session gave participants the tools to make more informed decisions back on their own properties.
We have two more Women in Ag workshops coming up this month:
Biodiversity on Farms, delivered in partnership with ANU’s Sustainable Farms
Feeding Livestock in Dry Times with Lisa Warn
We’d love to see you there as we continue to build knowledge, confidence, and connections across our Women in Ag community.
