Observations from Oxhill Organics April 26

Observations from Ochill Organics April 2026

Last week, Lee and the kids paid a visit to Chris Eggert at Oxhill Organics, and it’s worth a discussion.

Background

Chris is a Biocast customer, and he always inspires us with the different things he’s trying to improve the family’s organic dairy farm.

We should preface this chat by saying that wherever Chris is now regarding soil function, your place is probably 5 years behind, at least. That’s nothing on your efforts, Chris is just that far ahead of any farm we’ve ever seen. He’s the one who expands our minds into what might be possible.

Also for background, the property is near Wauchope on the mid north coast of NSW. Since August (i.e. the past 8 months) he estimates that he’s had less than 150 mm of rain on country with an average annual rainfall of 1500 mm that is summer dominant. It’s dry, but he had reasonable rainfall for the past several years and he utilised it well. He’s also not the kind of fellow who collects data, so apologies if that’s something you’re after, we can’t help you.

Current status

Four weeks ago, Chris planted a mixed summer and winter multi seed mix bioprimed with Biocast into some of his perennial pasture. He uses a seed drill on recently slashed or grazed pasture and is fairly liberal with the Biocast (see the reel at the end of this article of a previous seeding). The mix has things like mung beans, buckwheat, sunflowers, rye, oats, peas, and more.

Observations

Here’s what Lee observed:

The seeds have germinated without rain. You can see the seedlings in the photo gallery 18 days post sowing.
Both summer and winter species are doing well.
The soil is noticeably cool and moist.
There is active biology on the roots of the older plants.
Great nodulation on legumes (we’re not sure if he included a Rhizobium inoculate this time but he has in the past)
The soil is friable, and would easily uptake 100% of any rain that were to fall (our fingers are crossed for you Chrisso!)
On parts of the property there has been a lot of self-seeding, especially buckwheat, and sorghum resprouting from its base.
Where there is tree shade from afternoon sun the pasture plants are noticeably taller and lusher.
Fall armyworm is completely absent, despite growing corn and sorghum, and despite it being a problem in the district.

This is definitely not the best we have seen this property. It is dry-affected, and was showing some signs of wilt on the 30 degree day Lee was there. The new seedlings are not as big as they would have been if there were rain. Nevertheless, you would still say it looks good compared to other places nearby and Chris says the milk quality of his herd is still fine.

What we’re seeing in action is climate resilience earned through years of prioritising the soil, and a multi-pronged management approach. I’m sure we will all be interested to see how the property fares over this coming season with more dry forecast!

Get in touch if you would like to discuss using Biocast as part of your farm improvement program.