Cool Compost

Episode 1: How commercial compost boosts soils and profits

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Compost has been used in agriculture for centuries, but the widespread potential of commercial compost in the grazing industry remains largely untapped. Why?

In this episode, we talk to a grazier who used compost to transform his farming landscape from dirt poor to rich pasture. And we hear from an environmental scientist who’s used the power of compost pellets to boost a farmer’s crop by 30%.


Tune in to learn

  • How grazier Steve Leisk and his wife transformed their property in central west NSW into rich fertile soils using compost. (02:35)


    • How grazier and compost spreading contractor Tim Mendham improved his farm and others by applying compost with a state-of-the-art spreader. (08:39)


      • How a ground-breaking trial using compost pellets could change the way compost is used, increase yield and open the market for compost in broadacre agriculture. (13:40)


        • How using commercial compost benefits farms by putting carbon and vital trace elements into the soil, improving water retention, becoming more drought resilient and helping with erosion control. (23:09)


          • How to start using commercial compost on your farm. (29:36)


            • About our guests

            • Steve Leisk is a grazier and regenerative farmer near Molong in central west NSW. https://dolittlefarm.com.au/


              • Tim Mendham is a grazier and compost spreading contractor near Orange in central west NSW. https://mendhamcontracting.com.au


                • Virginia Brunton is a principal consultant (Organics and Community Engagement) at MRA Consulting Group. https://mraconsulting.com.au


                  • Resources and links

                  • Pelletisation trial results - https://mraconsulting.com.au/compost-pellets-down-the-tube/


                    • To learn more, visit www.circularag.com.au/compost
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                      Cool CompostBy NSW Environment Protection Authority