263 Collivers Rd. Lancefield.  9.00 am registration…ends at 3 pm
The Macedon Ranges Vignerons Association is facilitating an interactive workshop on Soil Health in vineyards and farmland
with two highly qualified presenters.

Understand how to interpret typical soil analysis reports to determine elemental deficiencies and balance. As an alternative to adding fungi inhibiting chemicals, see why the use of organic additions to the soil can improve soil biology, promote nutrient availability, and vine health.
Achieve a basic understanding of the complexity of Soil Biology, soil organic matter and the roles of bacteria and fungi.
Hear the latest in research on fungal grape vine pathogens including Botrytis.

Speakers.

1. JAMES ALMOND – Independent Agronomist based in Lancefield.
   James consults with growers in all agricultural and horticultural areas thoughout Victoria and southern New South Wales… Soil analysis interpretation and identifying element deficits in the vineyard…addition of soil ameliorants to produce healthy soil and vines in an organic way… http://www.biosysab.com.au/soil-plant-stimulants.aspx
2. MARY COLE Mycologist/ Soil Microbiologist. Honorary Senior Fellow, Faculty of Veterinary & Agricultural Science, The University of Melbourne

Ref. web site www.agpath.com.au  … mission to introduce growers to biological farming with the view of improving soil and vine health.  Agpath p/l, a soil biology company operates to OECD laboratory Best Practice protocols and provides laboratory testing in many fields of fungal and microbial pathology and farming consulting services in agriculture, horticulture, viticulture, environment air and water and food manufacturing… https://www.agpath.com.au/about-us/

Dr Cole will also make a presentation on fungal diseases of grapes and in particular Botrytis. She has expertise in plant pathology and is internationally recognised for her work in this field.

This is a very popular topic. Please pay to register early to ensure your place.

RSVP:   by Monday 26^th.  August 2019               to:          secretary@macedonrangeswine.com.au

COST:   $55 pp. (inc GST) for MRVA and Agribusiness Forum members.
$77 pp. (inc GST) for non- members.
Includes refreshments and lunch by Emma James catering

Please EFT to MRVA:      BSB 633000, Acc. 149 775 645   descr. <name/ winery name SOILS>

Thrifty Link Lancefield for viticultural supplies including Electrocoup, Felco, Seasol, Gloves, Molasses, soluble nutrients e.g. Cu, S, K, Ca, etc. vine ties, wire clips and more.

James Almond

        Independent agronomist consulting to agricultural enterprises with consultancy across Victoria and New South Wales. James delivers an understanding of soil analysis and enables clients to identify the importance of elemental deficiencies. Coupled with the importance of soil amendments and their effects on soil and vine health.

James’s clients have won national awards, higher yields and excellent quality produce whilst also achieving water use efficiencies thus resulting in greater profits for his clients.

James also works closely with Sig Ag Services where Sig Ag has been doing the contracting of sowing cover legume crops in between the vines