Soil Constraints and Nutrition – Free Webinar with Dr Cass Schefe

Meet the Presenter
Dr Cass Schefe is a leading soil scientist and farm emissions expert. Cass has worked with farmers across Australia to understand emissions profiles and implement practice changes that boost productivity while reducing emissions.

The Victorian Carbon Farming Outreach Program is delivered with funding support from the Commonwealth of Australia through the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water under the National Carbon Farming Outreach Program.
The Program is delivered through a partnership between Agriculture Victoria, 10 Catchment Management Authorities and Landcare Victoria and other bodies.

Wimmera CMA is proud to lead Victoria’s contribution to the National Soil Monitoring Program, a landmark initiative that supports climate-smart agriculture and sustainable land management across Australia.

In partnership with Victorian CMAs, Melbourne Water, Agriculture Victoria, and CSIRO, we are delivering the field component of this program across Victoria. The program is led nationally by the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) as part of the Australian Government’s Climate-Smart Agriculture Program and National Soil Strategy.

Across Australia, approximately 3,000 sites will be sampled, including 406 in Victoria, with a strong focus on key agricultural zones. We are at the forefront of this effort, coordinating activities including:

• Engaging with landholders.
• Soil sampling and bulk density testing.
• Soil characterisation.
• Collecting site data on land use and management practices.

CSIRO is undertaking the analysis, with results made publicly available via the Australian National Soil Information System (ANSIS). This open-access data will empower farmers, researchers, and policymakers to make informed decisions that improve soil health, boost agricultural sustainability, and enhance climate resilience.

Our leadership ensures that Victoria’s soil data is not only nationally consistent but also regionally relevant, supporting strategic decision-making at local, state, and national levels.

For land managers, the insights gained will provide a deeper understanding of how land use and management practices impact soil over time, helping to guide more sustainable approaches.

This project highlights our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and environmental stewardship, delivering real benefits for agriculture, communities, and ecosystems across Victoria.