Young and dynamic farmers creating sustainable change
For 33-year-old Miranda Pritchard and 37-year-old James Allen, their passion and commitment as young and hard-working farmers shines through in their work ethic and commitment in succeeding with their farm in the Mallee.
And more than that, they are a dynamic duo who are committed in leading by example in discovering and implementing smart agricultural choices to amplify their farm’s soil health.
With 2500 acres in the Mallee (1800 acres leased from James’s parents in 2018 and 711 acres recently purchased), growing pulse crops lentils, canola, lupins, beans and cereal crops wheat, barley and triticale. James and Miranda are talking the talk and walking the walk when it comes to minimising chemical interferences and still run a profitable business.
Introducing PyroAg Wood Vinegar into the soil in late 2020 has been a significant turning point for James and Miranda in the way they approach successful agricultural techniques.
“We decided to use a natural cocktail of PyroAg Wood Vinegar, kelp and BAM (Beneficial Anaerobic Microbes) for our seed treatment rather than using chemicals and results are clear,” James said.
“We use 100ml to a tonne of seed with 5l of water dilution and we found that is the right combination to get the results we want.
“We also use PyroAg to increase chemical uptake for weed control in sprays such as glyphosate and paraquat.
“We have always been in the mindset of looking for sound alternatives that move against the tide of mainstream agriculture.
“PyroAg Wood Vinegar was one of those answers.
“Miranda and I are confident that PyroAg Wood Vinegar plays a significant role in not only in the soil’s health but also the greener canopies we are seeing in our crops across our farm.
“We have used PyroAg Wood Vinegar a number of times in the last seven months as we try to steer away from chemical insecticides and fungicides as much as possible.
“While we are still young farmers, our mission is clear.
“We want to set the foundations for our five-year-old son, Jack, a next generation farmer, to have the best chance of success with the healthiest soil possible.
“Products like PyroAg are the only ways in moving forward with a clear conscience that is also profitable and sustainable.”
