Beechwood "extreme carbon farmer" Jeremy Bradley has won a NSW Landcare award for "innovation in sustainable farm practice".
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On his property Mr Bradley rotationally grazes cattle, with a difference - his focus clearly on the soil, and the cattle are used as the "top link" in the soil foodchain (as manure distributors).
Mr Bradley uses self-modified machinery to simultaneously mulch pasture residue and inoculate the soil and mulch with live microbes, selected to break down and incorporate plant material into the soil, building soil carbon and enhancing microbial activity.
With minimal inputs, he has improved the soil pH throughout the profile, effectively deepening the topsoil, enabling stronger root system development and enhanced productivity.
"These innovations will become mainstream in agriculture as microbiology is the future of agriculture and food production," Mr Bradley said.
Hastings Landcare nominated Mr Bradley for the award, which also recognises his involvement with the successful Mid North Coast Microherders Group - a social media discussion group.
Mr Bradley and his wife Cathy Eggert are taking part in this week's NSW Landcare Conference in Orange, where he was presented with the award.
All recipients will now represent NSW at the 2016 National Landcare Conference.