Groundbreaking innovations that will shape the future of sustainable farming practices in Australia’s agricultural sector were showcased at last month’s PURE Trial Farm Field Day.
A balanced mix of more than 300 industry members, farmers, agronomists, partners and stakeholders took the unique opportunity to see commercial-scale sustainable practices in action at Boolah Farms in Pallamallawa, NSW, just east of Moree.
The focus was on innovative regenerative techniques and carbon sequestration strategies being trialled at Australia’s largest commercial-scale trial farm.
Practical, sustainable grain production systems that reduce emissions and improve soil health while maintaining yield and quality is the cornerstone of PURE Trial Farm, which spans 435 hectares.
It is a key site for trialling ReGen4Real – a concept Boolah managing director and founder Stuart Tighe has developed.
Through a farm tour, attendees explored practical, scalable solutions for addressing key agricultural challenges, including carbon reduction, nutrient cycling and supply chain optimisation for sustainability and profitability.
Feedback from the day highlighted the exceptional networking opportunities, with attendees noting the quality of conversations and their potential to drive forward innovations in sustainability.
Reflecting on the success of the day, Mr Tighe said:
“It was a privilege to welcome such a diverse group to the PURE Trial Farm Field Day.
“What stood out most were the invaluable conversations happening throughout the day. These discussions, where perspectives are shared and solutions are explored, are where real progress begins.
“We are particularly proud of the progress made over the past two years at the trial farm. The work we’ve done here enhances supply chain value while improving traceability and validation for end-users.
“This event was a chance to share our knowledge with the broader community and show how sustainable practices can be both
innovative and practical.”
A dynamic panel session featured industry leaders Kristina Hermanson (Nuveen Natural Capital), David Engel (Asahi Beverages), Dean Ganino (Barrett Burston Malting Co) and Christian Norgard (PURE Grain).
The panel focused on integrating sustainability throughout the supply chain and the importance of collaboration between farmers, businesses and end-users.
Asahi Beverages regional head of raw material procurement at Asahi Beverages David Engel said:
“Being involved today is all about collaboration – collaboration is king when it comes to sustainability.
“None of us can solve these challenges alone. We’re far better together.“
When asked about his experience on the farm, David said: “I loved being out here today. Often, I’m in an office in Melbourne, disconnected from what’s happening on the ground. What excited me most was seeing the innovative thinking. While not everything may end up commercially viable, it’s inspiring to see people approaching challenges in new ways.”
Attendees toured three stations on the farm, each demonstrating practical solutions for sustainability, such as carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling and integrating regenerative practices.
These stations provided real-world examples of how sustainable methods can be commercially implemented to ensure profitability alongside environmental responsibility.
Kristina Hermanson, Head of APAC and Africa at Nuveen Natural Capital said:
“In my career in agriculture, I’ve been involved in many trials, but what Boolah is doing here with large-scale trials is truly unique.
“The conversations today have been invaluable and it’s these kinds of discussions that help us work out how to move forward sustainably.“
