Darren and Ryan Kuchel
Biological farming is a method of farming that focuses on improving the soil's microbiology as a way of increasing fertility and yield. With healthy and biologically active soil, plants become naturally healthy and pest and disease resistant. Biological farming aims to reduce and/or completely eliminate reliance on synthetic chemicals because of its self-sustaining health fertility.
Darren Kuchel's biological farming journey began when he was experiencing poor-quality pastures on his grazing property. Unfortunately, unhealthy pastures almost always lead to unhealthy stock, and Darren was noting a decline in his stock health. He decided to transition to biological farming and started brewing a liquid microbe mix to apply to his pasture to kickstart his soil's biological processes.
Slowly, as friends and neighbours witnessed the results Darren saw on his property, they began asking to buy his brew.
As his biological input gained interest from friends, neighbours and then complete strangers, he decided to create his business, Microstart Farming. He worked closely with world-renowned soil and plant biologist Dr Mary Cole to perfect his biological application so that it would be as efficient at kickstarting the soil's biology as possible.
Today, Darren and his son Ryan run the business together, providing liquid microbe mixes for cropping and grazing enterprises of all scales. They also consult with farmers who are transitioning away from synthetic inputs and practices. The pair help producers re-establish the land's natural fertility by educating them on the management practices that support a biological farming model.
