How a South Australian Broadacre Farm Reduced Chemical Inputs with PyroAg Wood Vinegar

For more than a century, the Routley family has farmed Surrey Brae on South Australia's Yorke Peninsula. Today, fourth and fifth generation farmers Chris and Nick Routley continue that legacy while embracing new technologies that improve soil health, crop performance and long-term farm sustainability.

One product that has become a consistent part of their farming program is PyroAg Wood Vinegar. Introduced in 2016, it now plays a role across multiple stages of crop production, from seed treatment through to foliar applications. The family has observed healthier crops, improved weed control and a reduction in chemical use while maintaining a practical and commercially focused approach to farming.

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The Routley family at Surrey Brae, a fourth and fifth generation broadacre farming operation on South Australia's Yorke Peninsula.

About Surrey Brae

Surrey Brae is a 4,000-acre broadacre farming operation on the Yorke Peninsula, South Australia.

The family grows:

• Wheat

• Barley

• Chickpeas

• Lentils

  
  

With more than 100 years of farming history behind them, maintaining productive soils for future generations is central to every management decision.

Looking for Better Ways to Farm

Like many Australian grain growers, Chris Routley had traditionally relied on fertilisers and crop protection products to maximise production.

However, he was also interested in improving soil function while making better use of existing inputs.

After learning more about PyroAg Wood Vinegar, he introduced it into the farming program to complement existing practices rather than replace them.

Since then, it has become a regular part of spray operations across the property.

Improving Water Quality and Spray Performance

One of the first practical advantages Chris identified was PyroAg's ability to improve spray water quality.

By reducing water pH from approximately 8.2 to 6.2, PyroAg helped create more favourable conditions for spray applications while also supporting crop health.

At the same time, Chris estimates the farm has reduced chemical use by up to 20%, providing both economic and operational benefits.

Seed Treatment That Supports Establishment

Seed establishment is one of the most important stages of any broadacre crop.

To support early growth, Surrey Brae uses PyroAg as part of its seed treatment program.

The seed dressing includes:

• 50 mL PyroAg Wood Vinegar per tonne of seed

• 2 L of zinc

• Applied approximately 24 hours before sowing

  
  

Chris reports that this approach helps seeds absorb nutrients more efficiently while encouraging stronger early regrowth following emergence.

Healthier Crops and Improved Weed Control

Beyond establishment, the family has continued to notice improvements throughout the growing season.

According to Chris, crops appear healthier while weed control has also improved during spray applications.

Those practical observations have reinforced their confidence in continuing to integrate PyroAg throughout the farming program.

Rather than creating additional work, the product fits naturally into existing operations.

Eight Spray Applications Each Year

PyroAg is now applied extensively across Surrey Brae.

Chris estimates the farm uses approximately 5,000 litres each year, with some paddocks receiving up to eight applications annually depending on seasonal requirements.

This long-term use has provided valuable experience in understanding where PyroAg delivers the greatest value across the production cycle.

An Investment in Long-Term Soil Health

Chris describes introducing PyroAg as his first step towards a different way of thinking about soil management.

Rather than focusing only on annual crop performance, the family now considers how today's decisions influence future soil productivity.

Maintaining healthy soils remains one of the property's highest priorities, and PyroAg has become one of the tools supporting that objective.

Practical Value for Broadacre Farming

Broadacre farming demands products that are practical, cost-effective and easy to integrate.

Chris believes PyroAg meets those requirements because it works alongside existing equipment, fertilisers and crop protection programs.

"I would highly recommend farmers invest in PyroAg Wood Vinegar as it is an investment for your farm as you reap the benefits in the short term and long term."

For Surrey Brae, that combination of operational simplicity and observed crop improvements has made PyroAg an ongoing part of the farming system.

Key Takeaways

• 4,000-acre cereal and legume farm on South Australia's Yorke Peninsula

• Using PyroAg Wood Vinegar since 2016

• Reduced spray water pH from 8.2 to 6.2

• Reports reducing chemical use by up to 20%

• Used as a seed dressing before sowing

• Approximately 5,000 litres applied annually

• Supports healthier crops, improved weed control and long-term soil health

Download the PDF Case Study

Read the original Surrey Brae grower case study to learn more about the application program, crop management practices and observations from Chris Routley and his family.