Quality Rural Solutions presents a range of training courses at venues around Canberra and surrounding South-East New South Wales.

Please express your interest by printing and faxing the course form to the QRS fax number, or by phoning Alison on 02 6227 1427. Mobile: 0411 358 527. Fax: 02 6227 1423

You can find details for each of the following courses by clicking on the link.

WHOLE FARM PLANNING (or Property Management Planning)

Learn to construct a holistic and dynamic plan for your farm. Whole Farm Plans are an invaluable tool for your property management, set out on maps and in words. The Plan is a record of the physical state of your property, linked with your vision for its future. It is a concrete reference point from which you can discuss, adjust and adapt your property management strategies through the seasons, and fine-tune your plans for sustainable production.

QRS focuses on strategies for improving water and soil quality, becoming more drought resistant, conserving bio-diversity, controlling weeds, and improving productivity in a sustainable manner. By engaging in this process, you are also working towards shared responsibilities and benefits with your broader community. Without a Whole Farm Plan, your property and its management will not have a discrete record nor tangible signposts of your vision and intent over time.

Here is the hands-on opportunity to create your whole farm plan, based on your unique vision for your own property.

IMPROVING WATER QUALITY ON YOUR FARM

A one day workshop providing biological management techniques to obtain the maximum water quality and biodiversity from your dams, creeks and wetlands, at very little cost. By improving your water quality, you improve your stock health, spend less on drenches and vet treatments, increase your productivity, and become a better neighbour in your catchment.

• Gain an understanding of the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of water which yield excellent water quality.
• Learn to identify which plants will keep your watercourse clean and healthy year-round, and how to grow them.
• Become familiar with simple and effectively techniques to assess your water quality by identifying the insects and other animals living in it- different species living in the water indicate the presence or absence of various pollutants and thus the quality of the water.

Learn how to hold your run-off surface water for longer in your dams and in your soil so that it will percolate out into the subsoil, creating a 'water-lens' as promoted by Peter Andrews.

IDENTIFICATION & MANAGEMENT OF NATIVE GRASS PASTURES FOR AGRICULTURE AND CONSERVATION

A one day workshop to assist landholders to identify native grasses, understand why these grasses best fit into an agricultural landscape, and learn how to manage these grasses for agriculture and conservation

Topics included in the course are:

• How to easily identify the major native grass species of the Southern Tablelands.
• How to recognise the differences between desirable grass species, and look-alike weeds.
• What each grass species will offer your production system through each season
• How to best manage these native grasses for sustainable and cost-effective agricultural outcomes.
• How to simultaneously boost the soil and water quality and over-all conservation value of your farm whilst maintaining production

Recognition of the major native grasses of the Southern Tablelands

• The strengths and weaknesses of these grasses.
• Where and why these grasses best fit.
• Recognition of vegetation links to soil acidity
• How to best manage native grasses for agriculture and conservation

To enrol in any of these courses, you can e-mail Alison with your details, or fax back the application form at the bottom of this page. Phone Alison for payment options.

Quality Rural Solutions - Enrolment Form

Last updated: 21 April 2009