Boolah Farms Expands Nationally with New Regenerative Agriculture Trials and Sustainable Brewing Initiative

The ambitious team at Boolah Farms is celebrating a significant milestone as they prepare to expand their pioneering regenerative agriculture trials nationally next year. This initiative was highlighted at the recent Boolah trial farm field day near Moree, where attendees were treated to a unique lager brewed entirely from barley grown on-site. The collaboration with Sydney's 4 Pines Brewing Company symbolizes a commitment to sustainable practices, as the brewing process aims for carbon neutrality by next year.

Boolah Farms has set its sights on replicating its successful 800-hectare Pallamallawa trial model across Western Australia, South Australia, and the NSW Riverina, building on the groundwork laid by a similar project in Victoria. The Pallamallawa winter crop trials, initiated in 2021, serve as experimental fields for a range of biological, organic, and hybrid fertilizers, as well as innovative cropping techniques. The results of these trials are shared openly among participants, which include major agribusinesses like Asahi Beverages and Corteva.

Last season, the 355 hectares of neo barley trials yielded an impressive 2,100 tonnes of grain, a portion of which was malted to create the Boolah brew. This year’s trial program on Boolah's Dimboola property has engaged 18 commercial participants, including suppliers and plant breeders, and has expanded to include various crops such as wheat and canola.

Boolah’s Pure Network, through its regen4real framework, is positioned at the forefront of data-driven agricultural practices in Australia. Its research goals include enhancing soil carbon sequestration and achieving a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from urea fertilizers by 2030, ultimately aiming for net zero emissions by 2050. Current research indicates that a significant percentage of applied nitrogen fertilizers is lost to the environment, underscoring the need for improved agricultural methods.

According to CEO Stuart Tighe, Boolah's trials emphasize collaboration among diverse commercial partners to create a more sustainable agricultural landscape. He believes that embracing change is crucial for the industry’s future and that farmers must adapt to meet evolving market expectations related to environmental and social governance.

The urgency for robust sustainability reporting standards is underscored by the anticipated mandatory regulations within three years, which will require growers to document their practices to maintain market confidence. Boolah's trials aim to produce relevant industry data that proves sustainability can be profitable, rather than waiting for governmental mandates.

As the field day drew to a close, participants were encouraged to think creatively and embrace innovative practices that could yield both economic and environmental benefits. The message was clear: proactive adaptation is essential to thrive in the evolving agricultural landscape. Plans are underway for further discussions with potential grower partners in Western Australia and South Australia, aimed at extending the reach of Boolah's sustainability initiatives.

Looking ahead, Boolah Farms and its partners, including the Henderson family’s Darcra Farming in Victoria, are poised to expand their trial areas significantly, ensuring that the developments in regenerative agriculture reflect the realities of commercial farming while contributing to a more sustainable future.