Whole farm soil testing to support better fertiliser decisions
Lower Blackwood LCDC’s 2025-26 Soil Testing Program is of the Healthy Estuaries WA Fertiliser Management Program to support farmers’ fertiliser decisions. The soil testing program provides incentives for soil testing and agronomic advice, with the Lower Blackwood LCDC providing the on-ground support for participating farmers.
As a part of the program, grazing farmers have access to testing across their whole farm. Testing is combined with workshops to learn how to interpret nutrient maps and access to personalised, one-on-one agronomic advice with an accredited advisor.
The program is open to beef, dairy and sheep grazing enterprises with at least 40 cleared and arable hectares that are located in the Hardy Inlet (Lower Blackwood) Catchment. This may include leased adjoining properties, adjacent parcels of land or land that is separated by a road or creek. Neighbouring landholders with smaller properties may also join forces, provided their total cleared & arable areas make up 40 hectares.
Two approaches to soil testing are available to farmers: DIY or DWER Sampled.
The two options allow the program to be tailored to the needs of the participant. Farmers that have smaller numbers of paddocks and are interested in the hands-on science approach can choose to undertake the sampling themselves, where as properties with large paddock numbers or people who don’t live on farm can choose the convenience of having the property sampled for them.
“Soil sampling is an important part of our business. It lets us put the nutrients where they are needed across the farm. We used the self-sample program which allows me to test the paddocks as I manage them, and the value you get out of the program is immense. Would definitely recommend to anyone that doesn’t already sample, or hasn’t for a few years, as it can not only help with production but also with the business bottom line.”
Tim Prosser, Scott River Beef Farmer, 2025 – DIY Soil Sampled
Listen to this video testimonial from local dairy farmer, Tim Crimp. Tim has been a participant in the Healthy Estuaries WA Fertiliser Management Program for 3 of the past 5 years.
Tim Crimp, Rose Glen Dairy Farmer, 2025 – DWER Soil Sampled
For more information about this program contact our Sustainable Agriculture Project Officer, Dean Campbell at:
E: dean.campbell@lowerblackwood.com.au | M: 0499 072 348
Want to know more about the DIY soil testing option? Hear from a couple of last year’s participants below….
This project is a part of Healthy Estuaries WA – a State Government program that aims to improve the health of our South West estuaries.
