MORE than 300 people attended the highly-anticipated PURE trial farm field day at Boolah Farms, near Pallamallawa east of Moree, on Wednesday.
A mix of industry members, farmers, agronomists, partners, and stakeholders were involved in the Boolah trials, an event that provided a valuable networking platform.
Partnered with Asahi Beverages, the field day showcased innovative sustainable practices, regenerative techniques, and carbon sequestration strategies at Australia’s largest commercial-scale trial farm.
The PURE trial farm, which spans 435 hectares, has become a key site for the trialling of ReGen4Real, a concept developed by Stuart Tighe, which focuses on practical, sustainable grain production systems to reduce emissions and improve soil health while maintaining yield and quality.
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 stakeholders noting the quality of conversations and their potential to drive forward innovations in sustainability.
A panel session featured industry leaders Kristina Hermanson, from Nuveen Natural Capital, David Engel from Asahi Beverages, Barrett Burston Malting Co’s Dean Ganino, and Christian Norgard from PURE Grain.
ABC Country Hour broadcast a live coverage.
The panel focused on integrating sustainability throughout the supply chain and the importance of
collaboration between farmers, businesses, and end-users.
Boolah managing director and founder, Stuart Tighe, said he felt privileged to welcome such a diverse group to the 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,” Mr Tighe said.
“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.”
Regional head of raw material procurement at Asahi Beverages, David Engel, said being part of the field day on the event was “all about collaboration – collaboration is king when it comes to sustainability”.
“None of us can solve these challenges alone. We’re far better together.
“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.”
Head of APAC and Africa at Nuveen Natural Capital, Kristina Hermanson, said the trial day was ground-breaking.
“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,” she said.
“The conversations today have been invaluable, and it’s these kinds of discussions that help us work out how to move forward sustainably.”
