Hi Everyone,

Welcome to Episode 15 of Series 3 of the “How To Do It” video series.

This week, we begin a fascinating two-part journey with several sugarcane growers in Far North Queensland determined to break free from the conventional treadmill and embrace a more regenerative path. It’s a bold move—and one that requires support, insight, and a solid game plan.

In this episode, you’ll join me for a real-time online consultation where we explore the limiting factors that have been holding back yield, resilience, and profitability. It’s always remarkable to see how much we can uncover from a leaf and soil test when we know what to look for. High potassium, underperforming calcium, locked-up magnesium, sodium toxicity—these are the silent saboteurs that often go unnoticed until it’s too late.

We unpack how nutrient imbalances affect everything from soil biology to plant immune response, and I outline a step-by-step approach to bring balance, efficiency, and life back to this farming system. From reducing expensive synthetic inputs to harnessing humates and composts for increased microbial activity, this consultation provides a blueprint for change.

You’ll also discover:

• The powerful role of trace minerals
• The impact of compaction on root development and water infiltration
• The tremendous potential that emerges when we align nutrition with biology

Perhaps you’re also farming cane, or maybe you’re just curious about how to start the shift toward biological agriculture. Either way, there’s something here for everyone looking to farm with greater wisdom and purpose.

I hope you enjoy this consult as much as I did. In Part 2, we’ll continue the transformation with specific recommendations to implement the regenerative strategy we outline here.

Until then, may your soil be teeming, your crops be thriving, and your farming journey be ever more fulfilling!

Warm regards,

Graeme Sait

CEO

Nutri-Tech Solutions

microBIOMETER®

A fast, reliable tool for in-field measurement of the microbial activity of soils, composts and compost teas.

Microbial biomass is the best single indicator of soil health (Doran, 2000) – poor fertility soils have very low microbial populations while highly fertile, productive soils have high microbial populations. The ability to conveniently measure microbial biomass gives farmers the power to monitor and track the effects of farming practices, in particular to determine the value of different soil amendments and the efficacy of different cover crops.

The microBIOMETER® enables consumers to easily test the quality (microbial counts) of commercial and DIY microbial inoculums, to enable informed comparison and determine potential efficacy. The results are extremely accurate and reproducible, while being considerably faster and less expensive than laboratory testing. This tool has the added benefit of allowing on-farm testing, eliminating the effect of transit time/conditions on microbial levels. 

Nutri-Life BAM™

Multipurpose blend of anaerobic species for soil, compost and plant health.

This breakthrough probiotic blend contains lactic acid bacteria and purple non-sulphur bacteria, plus beneficial yeasts and microbial exudates.

 To order or learn more, call NTS on (07) 5472 9900 or email sales@nutri-tech.com.au.

Certificate in Nutrition Farming

Our next iconic, five-day Certificate in Nutrition Farming® course is scheduled for Monday 27th - 31st October 2025.

Our last course was attended by growers and consultants from six countries. It was a wonderful learning opportunity where attendees enjoyed a wealth of education and inspiration from both our presenters and their fellow attendees. We only accept 40 bookings for these courses, so please register if you would like to attend.