The search is on to find the State’s newest Soil Health Champions.

Dowerin farmer Gavin Hagboom was awarded the title in 2013 for the Wheatbelt region.

He was now encouraging others to nominate, or nominate someone they know who was managing healthy and profitable soils on their property.

“Any farmers doing something outside the square when it comes to improving their soils should consider taking part,” Gavin Hagboom said.

“Interest in soil health has gained momentum in the past five years.

There are now many advocates for improving the productivity of our soils by not just pumping them with fertiliser.”

The Hagboom family was recognised for improving their sand plain soils using microbiology plus humates to promote beneficial soil biology.

“For me, it’s opened up a great support network and access to researchers and other farmers who have a similar purpose,” said Gavin Hagboom.

Landowners from each of the State’s six natural resource management regions were eligible.

Other winners have included farmers’ trialling biochar in broadacre cropping, improving nutrient use and organic fertilisers.

The search for the next group of Soil Health Champions happens in the lead up to the Talkin’ Soil Health conferences, to be held in Dalwallinu and Katanning in March 2018.

Each winner receives an all expenses paid trip to their region’s 2018 Talkin’ Soil Health conference.

Nomination close on December 11th and forms can be found online at www.soilhealth.com.au

The event has been funded through the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.