Around 70 producers gathered at ‘Greenlake’, Bombala on Wednesday, 3 December for the Monaro Farming Systems (MFS) Summer Soils Field Day, held in warm, still conditions - a welcome shift after the cold snap earlier in the week.

The strong turn out reflected the continued interest among Monaro farmers in prioritising soil health.

The day highlighted results from the 2025 MFS Soils Club program, including emerging nutrient trends and acidity issues across the district. This year’s boron survey again confirmed that low soil boron availability is potentially widespread, particularly on granite and some shale soils, with around 65 per cent of paddocks tested in 2025 falling below the critical threshold for clover growth.

A major focus of the day was managing soil acidity, with local case studies presented from Mila, Jerangle and the host property, ‘Greenlake’. These demonstrations showed how different lime products and application methods - including surface application and incorporation - are influencing soil pH at various depths.

Producers also heard from DPIRD’s, Dr Lachlan Ingram, on the long-running Monaro Soil Carbon study, now in its 15th year.

Findings show strong differences in soil carbon behaviour between basalt, deep granite and shallow granite soils, with soil type emerging as the major driver of soil carbon stocks, rather than pasture species.

A special moment in the program was the presentation to Dr Richard Simpson (CSIRO), who is retiring from the MFS board. Dr Simpson has been fundamental to the development of the MFS Soils Club over its 15-year history, shaping producer understanding of soil fertility, acidity management and pasture nutrition.

His contribution to the region was warmly acknowledged by members, staff and the board.

The day was supported by Precision Ag and Ingham and Co, and concluded with the MFS Christmas social gathering - a chance for members to catch up and continue conversations sparked throughout the program.