How Andrew Smith Uses PyroAg Wood Vinegar to Support Healthier Crops and Soil Biology

For South Australian broadacre farmer Andrew Smith, producing healthy crops starts below the surface.

Operating a mixed farming enterprise across Brinkley and Ettrick, Andrew has spent years refining a farming system that supports healthy soils, resilient crops and practical long-term management. Since introducing PyroAg Wood Vinegar, it has become an important part of that system, complementing everything from seed treatment through to herbicide applications and periods of increased pest pressure.

Andrew Smith has incorporated PyroAg Wood Vinegar throughout his broadacre cropping program, from seed treatment to crop management during periods of increased pest pressure.

About the Farm

Andrew Smith operates approximately 2,500 acres across Brinkley and Ettrick in South Australia.

The mixed farming enterprise includes:

• Wheat

• Barley

• Sheep

Farming is a true family business. Andrew's eldest son works on the farm, while his youngest son is an agronomist, creating a strong foundation of practical farming knowledge and technical expertise.

Looking for Practical Solutions

Like many grain growers, Andrew continually evaluates products that can improve crop performance while fitting within everyday farming operations.

Healthy soils, strong plant growth and resilient crops have always been central to his management philosophy.

After learning about PyroAg Wood Vinegar, he began integrating it into his farming program across multiple applications rather than relying on it for just one purpose.

Managing Aphid Pressure

Before introducing PyroAg, aphids were one of Andrew's ongoing challenges.

He incorporated 1 litre per hectare of PyroAg Wood Vinegar with a small amount of clear dishwashing liquid during periods of increased pest pressure.

Andrew observed healthier plants and significantly less crop stress while also noting an important difference compared with conventional insecticides.

Beneficial insects, including ladybirds and bees, continued to remain active throughout the paddocks.

A Flexible Management Tool

Today, PyroAg is used across several stages of Andrew's farming program.

Applications include:

• Seed treatment with beneficial microbes

• Liquid injection during seeding

• Herbicide applications

• Crop management during periods of increased pest pressure

This flexibility allows PyroAg to fit naturally into existing farming operations without requiring additional passes across the paddock.

Supporting Soil Biology

Andrew believes healthy soils provide the foundation for productive farming.

He considers PyroAg an important tool for supporting microbial activity while helping build resilient cropping systems that continue performing season after season.

Rather than relying on repeated insecticide applications, his focus has shifted towards strengthening crop resilience through better soil management and healthier plants.

Multiple Benefits from One Product

One of the reasons Andrew continues using PyroAg is its versatility.

Rather than performing a single task, it has become part of several different management programs throughout the season.

As Andrew explains:

"Because PyroAg wears so many hats, it is as versatile as it is cost effective."

That versatility has made it an ongoing part of the farm's approach to building healthier soils and productive crops.

Committed to Long-Term Farming

Andrew describes healthy, regenerative farming products as an important part of protecting both current production and future generations of farming.

His approach centres on improving soil health while reducing unnecessary chemical pressure wherever practical.

For Andrew and his family, PyroAg has become one of the tools supporting that long-term vision.

Key Takeaways

• 2,500-acre mixed farming enterprise in South Australia

• Producing wheat, barley and sheep

• Integrated into seed treatment, herbicide and crop management programs

• Used during periods of increased aphid pressure

• Supports healthier plants and soil biology

• Helps protect beneficial insects during crop production

• Practical, versatile addition to long-term farm management

Download the PDF Case Study

Download the original to learn more about how PyroAg Wood Vinegar has been integrated into his broadacre farming operation.