Testimonials

“A few years ago I developed a sustainability audit and benchmarking system for farms. Of all the issues it covered, the one that consistently returned the lowest score across all farms was “Soil Management” – less than 1 in 3 farmers had even had a soil test. I recommend the SWEP soil test to my students for the following reasons:

• Australian – SWEP tests are based on Australian research. Unfortunately many other Australian Labs use an American model, which virtually doubles the recommended fertiliser application.
• Independence – SWEP only sells their technical expertise, rather than soil testing as a way of selling fertiliser or other products.
• Detail – SWEP is one of the few Labs to offer a cation balance that includes hydrogen (critical to accurately analysing the impact of the major cations on soil structure and biological activity).
• Accuracy – SWEP uses industry standard tests/technology and is certified with the Australasian Soil & Plant Analysis Council (ASPAC).
• Ease of understanding – The SWEP report layout and graphics make understanding the complexities of soil nutrition easier.
• Value – SWEP includes the major nutrients, trace nutrients, cation balance and other key indicators (according to the ‘Mikhail System’), in their basic test.
• 3-for-1 – SWEP reports can include information on up to three different land uses for the price of a single test.”

Andrew Jeeves, Earthlink Australia.

“When I purchased this property, these paddocks would not grow clover and had a pH of 4.2. I had stock health problems including cancer, grass tetany and generally the stock was not thriving. I followed SWEP’s recommendations in the mid 1990’s – look at the results!

Bob Fazzari, ‘Glenlee’, Gooloogong, NSW

“Soil test was taken and sent to SWEP for testing in early 2011, paddock was treated following the SWEP recommendations in the Autumn that year. One of the key components of the blend applied was SuperAg Gypsum from ReGyp.”

Engsta Holdings, ‘Buyuma’, Forbes, NSW

“I am the author of the book Managing Horses on Small Properties (CSIRO publishing) and I have been running Managing Horses on Small Properties workshops in numerous locations around the country for the past year. I recommend in my book and workshops that one of the most important steps in successful pasture improvement is to have an accurate soil test done, preferably from an independent laboratory. I recommend SWEP not only for their independence, but also for the level of service they offer. Their analysis is returned promptly in an easy to read format, with the very valuable bonus of the opportunity to discuss the results with the experienced staff.”

Jane Myers, Author. Visit www.equiculture.net

Jeff Clark farmed conventionally for 40 years and was reasonably successful by the normal standards. Twenty years ago, he saw that he was not getting the results he expected and felt he was going backwards.

He did a lot of study of similar environmentalists around the world and found that they were all concerned and looking for new answers. By taking regular soil tests he was able to identify where the deficiencies were and learn how to correct them. He took a study course with Ted Mikhail of SWEP Soil Testing Services and went to work to improve his farm in a sustainable manner.

Jeff uses non chemical fertilizers and natural additives to enhance the quality of his soils and in turn this allows the soil life to multiply and flourish.

Not only has this improved his soils to a great degree, it has improved the health and temperament of his cattle because of the better access of vital minerals and elements.

“On behalf of the Natte Yallock Farming for Sustainable Soils group I would like to thankyou for your most excellent presentation at their Soils Field Day and for sharing with us your extensive knowledge of soil balance and health… beyond the field day I would like to thank you and your staff at SWEP for the generous way you have always made available your fifty years of experience and research in soils, for listening to our many questions – both on the phone and in person – and providing advice and guidance on interpreting soil and plant tissue tests.”

Kevin Spence, Facilitator, Farming for Sustainable Soils project, Natte Yallock, VIC

Larry is an agricultural consultant & has been a valued SWEP agent since 1999. He has helped countless people improve their properties using SWEP recommendations, giving advice and applying
his products. Larry is on a farm in Mole Creek, Tasmania.

“SWEP Laboratories have been carrying out our soil testing for 10 years.

We are growers of high quality Lucerne, Oaten, Red Clover and Pasture Hay for the Equine Industry. It is good to be able to use an independent testing laboratory as our soil has high levels of Magnesium and Copper Zinc Manganese and low levels of Calcium, Potassium, Sulphur and Phosphorus. We can track our progress on these simple, but cost effective soil samples. By continually testing our soil we are able to apply the right nutrients to suit the soil and crop at the correct time to end up with a premium product that our market requires. This is prescription farming at its best, simple to understand soil test.”

Mark and Katrina Donaldson, Chaff Millers Small Square Hay Sales Beef and Sheep Production Tasmania

“For some time now, I have been astonished by some of the comments I get from people. I would say that about half the people who come to me have been motivated, in the first instance, by dying stock. They will have tried various trace elements, compost teas and all sorts of things, but had never considered the basics of their soil. This is why I insist they first have a soil test from SWEP, (who are) by far the best, as they provide an easy to understand analysis and are most helpful in discussing results. They show the desired quantities of each item, which greatly assists the farmer or stock keeper in understanding the results. It takes only about 6 working days – quicker than most – for the results to be returned. Their tests include all trace elements, including Cobalt and Boron and they measure Hydrogen rather than estimate it.”

Peter has been using SWEP soil testing services since 2006, and has had much success with using SWEP recommendations and applying his Healthy Earth products.

All these pictures have been taken at a stud farm in Young, NSW.

“We applied as per SWEP recommendations April 2010, Soilutions made up the blend. Photo taken Dec 2011. These cattle have been in these paddocks from weening and none of them have blown up. Ted, it’s like you say, ‘get the balance right and you don’t have the problem’ no bloat bombs, and only had one 5 in 1 vaccination when they went in the paddock.”

Bob Fazzari, Ray Davis & Family Dairy Farm, Blayney, NSW

Wes has been using SWEP soil and plant testing services for many years, and has achieved much success in the vegetable industry.