The forums, coordinated by Agriculture Victoria, will feature wind erosion research scientist, Dr John Leys, who is the leader of Australia's Dust Watch program and senior principal scientist, Office of Environment and Heritage at Gunnedah, NSW.

Dr Leys will discuss the importance of ground cover in protecting soils from wind erosion and the influence of different crop types and farming systems.

Dr Leys will also provide advice on strategies to minimise the risk of erosion. He will also discuss practical strategies to halt soil drift once it commences in a paddock.

While widespread changes in dryland management practices over recent years have reduced the incidence and severity of erosion, dust storms can still occur during extreme wind events. Soil organic matter and nutrients lost in topsoil during these events can take decades to replace.

In addition, ground cover is now low in some paddocks following a dry season.
The forums will be held from 9am until 12pm at:
• Horsham, Grains Innovation Park, Tuesday 26 March
• Ouyen, Ouyen Recreation Reserve, Wednesday 27 March
• Wedderburn, Wedderburn Golf Club, Thursday 28 March

To register for the Horsham forum, go to https://dollarsinthewindhorsham.eventbrite.com.au or phone Heather Drendel on 0427 868 705.

To register for the Ouyen forum, go to https://dollarsinthewindouyen.eventbrite.com.au or contact Darryl Pearl on 0417 432 711.

To register for the Wedderburn forum, go to https://dollarsinthewindwedderburn.eventbrite.com.au or contact Martin Hamilton on 0429 946 149.

For information on Agriculture Victoria dry seasons support, please go to www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons