How PyroAg Improved Soil Health and Crop Performance at Cangoura Farm

When Hamish began looking for new ways to improve soil health and pasture performance at Cangoura Farm, he wasn't searching for another standalone product. He wanted a practical solution that could work alongside his existing farming program, improve nutrient efficiency and support healthier soils without adding unnecessary complexity.

Several years later, PyroAg Wood Vinegar has become an integrated part of the farm's management program, contributing to healthier pastures, improved nutrient uptake and greater confidence in long-term soil management.

Hamish and his cattle at Cangoura Farm near Bathurst, NSW, where PyroAg Wood Vinegar supports soil health and pasture productivity.

About Cangoura Farm

Located near Bathurst in New South Wales, Cangoura is an 850-hectare beef cattle operation running approximately 300 breeding cows and finishing between 80 and 100 steers annually.

Named after the Wiradjuri word for kangaroo, the property reflects a strong commitment to balancing productive agriculture with responsible land stewardship.

Like many Australian livestock producers, Hamish continually evaluates new approaches that improve productivity while making better use of existing farm inputs.

Looking Beyond Conventional Fertiliser Programs

For many years, Cangoura relied on traditional synthetic fertiliser programs for fodder production.

As farming practices evolved, the business began transitioning towards foliar fertilisers while incorporating humic and fulvic acids into its nutrition program.

During this time Hamish became increasingly interested in research surrounding Wood Vinegar and its role in supporting soil biology, nutrient availability and plant health. Conversations at the Mudgee Field Days ultimately introduced him to PyroAg Wood Vinegar and the opportunity to trial it across the property.

Integrating PyroAg into the Farming Program

Rather than replacing existing management practices, PyroAg was introduced as part of the farm's broader nutrition and crop management strategy.

Today it is used throughout the production cycle, including:

• Termination and fallow knockdown

• Foliar fertiliser applications

• Soil management programs

• Pasture production

• General crop nutrition

  
  

PyroAg is applied at approximately 500 mL per 100 L of water, allowing it to integrate easily into existing spray operations with minimal additional labour or machinery costs.

Early Improvements Observed

Although formal soil testing continues, Hamish has already observed encouraging improvements throughout the farming system.

Some of the earliest observations include:

• Stronger pasture responsiveness following fertiliser applications

• Improved plant vigour

• Better nutrient utilisation

• Greater confidence in the overall soil biology

  
  

These improvements have reinforced the decision to continue integrating PyroAg throughout the farming program.

Working With Existing Inputs

One of the reasons PyroAg has become part of Cangoura's ongoing program is its compatibility with existing farm operations.

Rather than requiring significant changes, it works alongside the farm's current fertilisers and herbicide programs.

The property continues to utilise carefully selected:

• Knockdown herbicides

• Selective herbicides

• Foliar fertilisers

• Macro nutrients

• Trace minerals

  
  

PyroAg complements these inputs as part of a broader soil health strategy rather than replacing them outright.

Building Better Soil Over Time

Healthy soils rarely change overnight.

For Hamish, the value of PyroAg lies in supporting gradual improvements that contribute to long-term productivity.

Improving nutrient availability within the soil profile allows plants to respond more effectively to existing fertiliser applications while helping maximise the return on those investments.

This practical approach aligns with Cangoura's focus on producing profitable beef while continually improving the health of the farming system.

A Practical Investment

Another important consideration has been cost.

Because PyroAg is incorporated into existing spray applications, additional labour and diesel costs are minimal.

Hamish considers this an important advantage.

"PyroAg is a low-cost, high-impact solution that fits within our existing farming practices and delivers tangible benefits."

That combination of affordability, compatibility and observed performance has made PyroAg an ongoing part of the farm's management strategy.

Key Takeaways

• 850-hectare beef cattle enterprise near Bathurst, NSW

• Used across foliar fertiliser and soil management programs

• Applied at approximately 500 mL per 100 L of water

• Supports healthier pastures and improved nutrient availability

• Easily integrates with existing farming practices

• Minimal additional labour or application costs

• Continues to form part of the property's long-term soil improvement strategy

Download the Full Case Study

Want the original grower case study?

Download the Cangoura Farm Case Study PDF for a concise overview of the farm, application program and observations.