TasFarmers Matters - Making all inputs count

With fertiliser prices remaining at historically high levels, there has never been a more important time for farmers to understand how nutrients are being used on their properties.

Effective nutrient management is about more than meeting compliance requirements, it is about ensuring every dollar invested in fertiliser and soil inputs delivers the greatest possible return while protecting the land, waterways and natural resources that underpin agricultural production.

To support farmers in this task, TasFarmers has developed the Voluntary Code of Practice for Nutrient Management, with support from the Tasmanian Government’s Strategic Industry Partnership Program.

The code provides practical guidance to help producers make informed decisions about nutrient use, improve efficiency and reduce the risk of environmental impacts while maintaining productive and profitable farming systems. 

For many farmers the code will be a self-check tool that provides confidence in a job well done. Good nutrient management supports productive and profitable farm businesses. By understanding nutrient requirements, monitoring soil health and applying inputs strategically, farmers can maximise the value of fertiliser investments while maintaining sustainable farming systems for future generations.

The code is built around five key pillars: Soil, Environment, Fertiliser, Effluent, and Planning and Management. 

Together, these pillars provide a practical framework to help farmers better understand their soils, identify environmental risks, improve nutrient use efficiency, benefit from organic nutrient sources, and implement planning and record keeping systems that support informed decision-making. 

Rather than prescribing a one-size-fits-all approach, the code encourages farmers to assess their own circumstances and adopt practices that improve productivity, profitability and environmental outcomes.

 It also includes practical tools, guidance and a self-assessment checklist to help producers identify strengths, opportunities for improvement and actions that can be implemented over time.

With the code now available, TasFarmers will be delivering a series of workshops across the state to help producers understand its practical application and identify opportunities for improvement on their own farms. 

Agronomist Luke Taylor wil present on nutrient use efficiency and getting the most out of your fertiliser dollar, while
Regional Soils Coordinator Belinda Nielsen will provide practical insights into understanding soils and the resources available to support better decision-making. 

NRM North will cover buffer zones and the livestock productivity benefits of fenced riparian areas and each event will also feature a local farmer who will share to their insights on nutrient management and the benefits they have seen through making change. 

We encourage farmers to attend one of four free workshops to hear from industry experts and farmers who have made change. 

Grab a copy of the new code and consider the practical steps to make every input count. 

For details on the workshops and to register go to www.events.humanitix.com/tasfarmers-nutrient-management-workshops