For 4 th and 5th generation cereal and legume farmer, Chris Routley and son Nick, tending and
managing their 4000-acre farm is serious business.
Surrey Brae in the York Peninsula, South Australia, and is known for growing wheat, barley,
chickpeas and lentils and is set on a farm that is 102 years old.
And for Chris, the health of the soil is of number one importance.
Chris has always used a range of pesticides and fertilisers to keep pests away and to maintain soil
health.
But it is one key ingredient which Chris introduced in 2016 which has created a significant difference
to the quality and health of the soil. And that is PyroAg Wood Vinegar.
“PyroAg Wood Vinegar is applied at a rate of two liters winter and three liters summer of PyroAg per
1000 liters of water. PyroAg is also used to lower the pH in water from 8.2 to 6.2 and we are now
reducing our chemical up to 20 per cent,” Chris said.
“I have noticed healthier crops as well as there is a better kill on the weeds which is another bonus.
“Every year, I use 5000 liters of PyroAg Wood Vinegar often spraying part of the farm eight times a
year.
“This was the first time I dipped my toe into regenerative farming, and I have not looked back. I
clearly see the benefits of PyroAg Wood Vinegar with not only the crops but also on the seeds as
well.
“I use PyroAg Wood Vinegar as a seed dressing 50ml per ton plus 2Lt of zinc 24 hours prior to
seeding and I am finding it acts as an accelerator, allowing the seeds to absorb the fertilizer more
quickly and with improved regrowth.
“It is also very reasonably price and that is an important part of the equation in the industry I am in.
“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.”

Photograph names – Left to right
L to R Harry (6th gen) with Nick (5th gen) my father Robin (3rd gen ) Myself (4th gen) with
Hudson(6th gen)