Gippsland Research Farm is currently the site of a project which actively aims to build more topsoil, with an outlook on improving adaptability to climate variation. In addition to increasing the soil’s nutrient holding capacity, ‘Growing More Topsoil’ seeks to answer two specific questions:

1. Can we double the water holding capacity of our top soil?

2. Can we extend our top soil from 150mm to 300mm deep?

Funded through the Future Drought Fund and delivered by Gippsland Agricultural Group (GAgG), the initiative has been underway since mid-2023 and is beginning to produce visible results. In October, progress was showcased at this year’s GAgG Spring Field Day.

After winning Gippsland Agribusiness of the Year in May, Mawarra Genetics has been sponsored to attend Northern Europe’s largest agricultural trade fair. Members of the Sykes family are about to embark on an international study tour that will incorporate many promising business engagements across Denmark and neighbouring nations.

A project that seeks to double the water holding capacity of topsoil is one of a number of initiatives that are seeking to enhance the drought preparedness and resilience of Gippsland’s agricultural industries and rural communities.

With support from the Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption & Innovation Hub and the Federal Government's Future Drought Fund, an innovative project is underway which aims to find a forage mix that can grow successfully 365 days of the year.