Fields
The Centre for Land and Water is on a 4 ha site, with over 3.5ha remaining as fields or paddocks. You can view the Centre and its field on this Google Earth image.
In 2013, an interest group met at the Green Shed and began formulating plans to develop the main field as a group “sandpit”. The idea was for stakeholders to discuss and implement ways of cropping that may be outside the ordinary. Our intention was for the site to be cropped using conventional “farmer and contractor” equipment. While full size commercial equipment is bigger than needed for this small site, the point is to use “real gear” so we can be sure the effects are easily translated to any other farming situation. We rely on and are thankful for the amazing contractors who support our efforts.
Ten years and more later, the sandpit is well known as the LandWISE MicroFarm and has seen numerous trials, demonstrations and events. With support from BASF Crop Solutions and Ballance AgriNutrients, it has become the base for LandWISE and our other residents. It is functioning as hoped as a hub where ideas can be tested and proven (or discarded) and the community can benefit.