The workshop name “50 Shades of Clay” was inspired by an idea from the Tamworth Landcare group. The one-day “Soil Health for Farm Wealth” course gave local farming women the opportunity to assess their soil health, identify which soil health “pillars” were missing in their cropped and grazing paddocks, and plan practical next steps for their farms. This course was organised by Julie Roberts (Local Landcare Co-ordinator for Murrumbidgee Hilltops area) and funded by Riverina LLS Agriwomen Connect Program under Climate Smart Agriculture Program.
The issue
The Harden Ladies on the Land group had not received recent education on soil health, and members were eager to learn in a setting where they felt comfortable asking questions and participating in hands-on activities. Improving soil health is essential for productive and sustainable primary industries, as well as for maintaining the broader resilience of the landscape. By building their understanding of soil function, management practices, and long‑term impacts, participants can make more informed decisions that support both agricultural productivity and environmental wellbeing.
The solution
The workshop, led by Dr Aurelie Quade from Soil Resilience, explored soil biology and structure, soil chemistry management, how to compare soil constraints, and the use of soil charts for ongoing assessment. Dr Quade proved to be an engaging and effective presenter, clearly explaining nutrient forms, soil biology, and water holding capacity through memorable, relatable analogies that helped demystify complex interactions. After lunch, the group visited a local farm to apply their new knowledge, comparing soil qualities in cropping and grazing areas. Participants left with greater confidence to assess their soils and make informed decisions about inputs to improve soil health and productivity.
The impact
The 12 participants left the workshop highly motivated, and after sharing their experience with others in their farming businesses, interest quickly spread. As a result, there is now strong demand for Dr Aurelie Quade to return to Harden to deliver the workshop again for a wider audience, as well as to expand the series with additional soil focused topics and practical sessions.
Project Partners
50 Shades of Clay – Harden Ladies on the Land Explore Soil Health — NSW Landcare Gateway
Capacity building – LEP23_036_LLC5_5
Author: Julie Roberts
