14 October 2019

On Wednesday 9th October 2019, the Port Phillip & Westernport CMA and Western Port Catchment Landcare Network ran an IPM (Integrated Pest Management) introductory workshop for local grazing farmers as part of the emerging interest in regenerative farming.

About 30 farmers attended the training session at Bayles and learnt how to develop an IPM strategy for their pastures. They they participated in a farm walk at a local dairy and potato farm to practice identifying pasture pests and beneficial insects.

Even with the damp weather (which tends to deter the insects) the group still managed to collect some specimens and identify them in the field.

A demonstration paddock will be set up in the coming weeks to implement an IPM strategy with a focus on managing Red Legged Earth Mite. The demonstration paddock will be monitored in spring for some baseline data and again in autumn to track changes to the paddock where, over time we hope there will be an increase in the ‘resident’ beneficial insects. A farm walk at the demo paddock will also be held next autumn.

These activities have been made possible through a grant from Ripe for Change, delivered through Sustainable Table.