Testimonials

We love seeing farmer's share their success stories, working with ECTOL. See below for featured testimonials.

Oats - Hamilton, VIC

“Within three days all the sheep were grazing on the ring where we had sprayed NitrotainTE22. It was obvious there was palatability and a preference for this nutritional input,” Chris & Tania Parker - Summit Park, Hamilton, VIC

Summit Park - Unlocking Nutrition and a New Way of Farming
Chris Parker and his family were among the first breeders to purchase Texel embryos in Australia and their work has since formed the basis for breeding their Texel sheep today.

In 2010 Chris, Tania and their children, Austin, and Emma, moved to Hamilton, Victoria, from the Mortlake area to continue with their love of the land and Texel sheep. It was here Summit Park Enterprises was born.

It did not take long for the Parker’s to realise their soil was low in fertility, and this, coupled with isolated soil types across the farm, including sand, sandy loam, areas with gravel and native river frontage, presented several nutritional challenges.

Initially, these challenges were met by pumping the farm full of synthetic-based fertilisers, like MAP, DAP, and urea. With a genuine love and respect for the land they farmed, Chris and Tania knew there had to be a better way to increase soil fertility and production.

A neighbouring property owner introduced them to the original owners of Southern Soils in 2012, who were trialling lime-based fertiliser blends at the time. After initial success at Summit Park Enterprises, Chris and Tania became eager to lean towards a more natural way of farming using fewer synthetic products to improve soil health and fertility.

Local farming contractor, friend and long-term ECTOL customer, Wayne Vearing, introduced Chris and Tania to NitrotainTE22 (previous formulation), a speciality liquid fertiliser from ECTOL, after citing success on his own farm.

“Wayne dropped a 20L drum of NitrotainTE22 at the front gate, so we filled the boom spray and went for it, completing a test ring around a few paddocks,” said Chris.

“Within three days all the sheep were grazing on the ring where we had sprayed NitrotainTE22. It was obvious there was palatability and a preference for this nutritional input,” added Tania.

The Parker’s describe this moment as their first real opportunity to think innovatively and start to transition away from chemical inputs on farm.

“Our mixed pastures included oats, clover, plantain, ryegrass chicory and mixed hay crops to name a few. The aim was to increase pasture growth, and diversity by unlocking nutrition and making it more available to the plants. It seemed that ECTOL could help us to do this,” said Chris.

Chris Parker completed a test ring around the paddock with 5L of NitrotainTE22 (previous
formulation) and was pleased with the results.

“Speaking with our agronomist at the time about Nitrogen, we broke down the application of granule urea and liquid urea (UAN) against ECTOL’s NitrotainTE22 (previous formulation). She agreed, even a small application of 3-4L per hectare of NTE22 would deliver the required N, along with the added benefits of trace elements, and a product that is more plant available,” he added.

NitrotainTE27 (current formulation) is a highly efficient liquid nitrogen fertiliser, providing 27% total nitrogen that is fully utilised. It is formulated to retain nitrogen in the plant or soil, minimising atmospheric and leaching loss and the acidification of soils.

Chris and Tania noted the ease of working with the ECTOL team, with on-site visits from John McKay (ECTOL Director) and Russell Speed (ECTOL Representative). John, taking the opportunity to stay on farm and learn about the operation in detail. Now farming 300 acres, Summit Park Enterprises has significantly pulled back their use of conventional fertiliser, whilst still achieving strong pasture growth. Insecticide use has also dramatically reduced, which the Parker’s put down to using the nutritional inputs from ECTOL, designed to support natural farming systems.

"Our plants and pastures are less attractive to insects, so we have less need for insecticide. And on occasion, if insects are present, we notice the plants are more resilient. The balance seems to have changed and it is these little observations that make a significant difference to our operation,” said Chris.

Chris and Tania’s confidence in the ECTOL range has expanded to the use of bio-stimulant products, like ECTOL Protect and Grow and harnessing the power of ECTOL Micro Max, a complete mineral nutrition, with elevated micronutrients. They have also found success with ECTOL’s certified organic Guano and Phosta K products (both prilled) to supplement other chemicals for phosphorus and potassium.

Summit Park's award-winning sheep grazing on oats treated with NitrotainTE22 (previous formulation)

Anecdotally, the Parkers’ have noticed a positive flow on effect to the health of their animals. Since the reduction in the use of chemical fertilisers, their sheep are well indexed and tend to require less vaccines and drenching. Even with routine testing, WEC markers are still low.

Furthermore, Tania cites the health of 600-year-old red gum trees, which she believes is due to their commitment to sustainable land management, a practice she is trained in.

“A ram client of ours recently noted the poor health of his red gum trees, with some dying off completely. He felt this was connected to a history of fertiliser application and chemical use on-farm. In the grand scheme of things, our opportunity to farm on this land is really quite short, but the footprint we choose to leave will last well beyond our time, we are just the current custodians doing the best we can to look after our land,” said Tania.

Some of the 600-year old red gum trees still thriving on the property today.

“It is our intention to look after the land on which we live to the best of our ability and show others what can be done with some innovative land management, including the use of more natural inputs, like ECTOL Plant & Crop Nutrients,” she closed.

For more information about Summit Park and their Texel, White Suffolk, and Maternal rams, visit their website www.summitpark.com.au or follow on Facebook/Instagram.

To discuss your on-farm nutritional needs with an ECTOL team member call +61 02 9816 2057.

About Summit Park

Chris, Tania and their children, Austin, and Emma

The farming component of Summit Park Enterprises produces Texel, White Suffolk and Maternal sheep for stud and commercial breeders, with a focus on performance and structural integrity. All animals are performance recorded with LambPlan figures, with our rams consistently having leading traits in the top 5% of all animals in Australia listed in Sheep Genetics.

The sheep scanning component of Summit Park Enterprises involves scanning of stud sheep for fat and muscle for clients across Victoria, NSW, and Tasmania. Chris is an accredited LambPlan scanner and has a passion for sheep breeding and genetics and loves to work with clients to share his knowledge and support our clients’ breeding objectives.

Oats - Tamworth, NSW

“With NitrotainTE27 this product has before my own eyes, doubled the foliage and leaf content available for grazing. We have also produced extra tillers, increasing the overall yield potential immensely."

- Michael, Tamworth, NSW

Michael Brogan runs a mixed beef cattle and cropping farm, located 20km west of Tamworth. Situated in red soil country, this area traditionally has lower rainfall, so crops and pastures tend to suffer quicker than other areas.

In the past, Mr Brogan has applied nitrogen via granule urea (as a top dress). In his experience, results are often mixed, due to the need for rain, as well as atmospheric nitrogen loss.

With losses nearly always guaranteed, Mr Brogan was finding granule urea less beneficial for his farm, not to mention expensive in the current operating environment.

As such, Mr Brogan considered switching to liquid nitrogen fertiliser in the form of NitrotainTE27, following discussions with Cameron Turner, a local representative from ECTOL Plant & Crop Nutrients.

In early April, Mr Brogan applied one 10L/ha application of NitrotainTE27 to oats that had been sown five weeks prior, without any other fertiliser. The timing was perfect, with NitrotainTE27 able to be applied in pre-pass, while doing broadleaf weed control in cereal crops.

“I noticed a difference from traditional urea, which presents the ‘big green bang effect’ post application, but I have come to realise this doesn’t always result in extra production for the costs outlaid,” he said.

“I would highly recommend this product to others considering the switch to liquid nitrogen fertiliser, and I’m excited to see more results and developments with NitrotainTE27 from ECTOL”, added Mr Brogan.

The standard application rate of NitrotainTE27 (via foliar or soil) is 10L/ha, and this can be varied with crop and soil conditions and farm economics, with an estimated cost of $53 per 10L/ha application.

To speak with your local ECTOL representative, enquire via the website, email or Facebook, or call +61 02 9816 2057

Lucerne - Bathurst, NSW

Short edit with subtitles.

"We’ve been using ECTOL Protect and Grow and NitrotainTE for six years. They give a really good response to legumes and every year the paddocks are constantly getting better and better."

- Rob, Bathurst, NSW

Watch Rob's testimonial video below, with subtitled and extended edits.

Extended edit.

Sheep Farming, Riverina - NSW

“We’ve been able to move to a more natural system and produce better quality, nutrient-dense feed, for a lower price.

“If we were not using ECTOL Plant & Crop Nutrients, we would likely be spending double the cost on synthetic fertilisers.”

- Jarrod Andrews, Riverina, NSW

CHALLENGE

Jarrod Andrews and his father, Jeff, have been running a sheep farm for over 30 years in the NSW Riverina. They have approximately 4,000 head of sheep over 1,100 hectares.

For grazing, they grow barley, lucerne and medic, as well as vetch and peas for hay production.

After many years of using granulated fertiliser, the Andrews’ wanted to transition their farm to a more natural system and were considering liquid nutrients.

The transition needed to ensure a quality, nutrient-dense pasture, more so than quantity, as everything grown on the farm goes back to the sheep or put into hay and silage.

Eight years ago, the Andrews came across ECTOL Plant & Crop Nutrients.

“We’d been looking for liquid nutrients for some time, so when we came across ECTOL, we were ready to jump straight in”, said Jarrod.

OUTCOME

Using ECTOL Crop and Pasture, the Andrews spend approximately $50 per hectare on liquid nutrients and have more than enough, nutrient-dense, high-quality feed for their 4,000 sheep.

They have also found their sowing and spraying to be more efficient, spraying herbicides and fertilisers out in one go.

“With ECTOL, the dirt just keeps getting better and better,” said Jarrod.

“We know the micronutrients is doing its job and the product is working, because the sheep are still feeding well.”

“We’ve been able to move to a more natural system and produce better quality, nutrient-dense feed, for a lower price. “If we were not using ECTOL Plant & Crop Nutrients, we would likely be spending double the cost on synthetic fertilisers”.

“I’d say, if you’re thinking of making the transition to more natural farming, just give it a go and get started. You might not see a huge change straight away, but you’ll definitely reap the benefits over time,” he added.

APPLICATION

The Andrews’ started with a couple of half paddock trials using 5 litres of ECTOL Protect and Grow.

Shortly after, Jarrod noticed that the sheep were grazing on the treated paddock first, before moving to the rest of the non-treated paddock.

With the decision made to proceed with ECTOL, the Andrews’ started blanket spraying the rest of the property with ECTOL Protect and Grow and NitrotainTE

to boost the health of their soil.

Now, eight years later, they do a blanket spray with one, 5 litre application of ECTOL Crop and Pasture per hectare. They have also found NutriSoil to be very complementary to ECTOL and use a combination of both products on their property.

In some cases, like this year, Jarrod has completed a follow-up 5 litre application after grazing, (approximately 4-6 weeks later) which has resulted in some great benefits for the soil, plants, and animals.

The continued use of ECTOL Plant & Crop Nutrients has helped to maintain their good soil health, as well as boost the microorganisms and micronutrients in the dirt.

Peas

Popany Vetch

Planet Barley

Popany Vetch

Dairy Farming

"Our property is more environmentally friendly, producing healthy plants, crops and animals – it’s better for the family too." - Tony, Merrigum, Victoria

Download a print-ready version of Tony's testimonial here.

CHALLENGE
Tony and Kath Hogan, based in Merrigum, Victoria, have been successful dairy farmers for many years. The Hogan’s were conventional in their practice of applying nutrients to pastures, lucerne and fodder crops, using superphosphate, DAP, MAP and urea. However, after years of using acidic fertiliser and

chemicals, the Hogan’s became concerned about the impact these products and practices may be having on their soil, animal and family’s health. In 2011, Tony and Kath explored their options to transition to regenerative farming practices, looking to replace the products they’d been using for decades with more natural options.

APPLICATION
At this time, the Hogan’s completed a trial in spring on two paddocks side-by-side, one using 5 litres of ECTOL Protect and Grow and 5 litres of NitrotainTE and the other with nothing. Over the course of next 2-3 months the Hogan’s saw a noticeable difference between the two paddocks, with the ECTOL/NitrotainTE combination clearly outperforming the other.

As such, Tony and Kath began the process of transitioning their property to use ECTOL Plant and Crop Nutrients exclusively, phasing out the use of acidic fertilisers and chemicals. In the last 8 years, the Hogan’s have tried many
application rates. Last spring, they applied 3 litres of ECTOL Protect & Grow, 10 litres of ECTOLStarter and 10 litres of NitrotainTE, which has boosted the quality and yield of their pasture.

OUTCOME
Overall, Tony and Kath are extremely happy with the transition to ECTOL Plant & Crop Nutrients. The on-farm benefits include:

Reduced costs
* Regular, bi-annual use of ECTOL Plant & Crop Nutrients in spring and autumn has improved soil health, keeping inputs down
* The use of other fertiliser products has been removed, including insecticides and fungicides, making the property more environmentally friendly Improved irrigation
* Regular, bi-annual use application of ECTOL Plant & Crop Nutrients has allowed the root system of the plants to penetrate to a deeper level
* The property is now watered approximately every 21 days, compared with every 7-14 days Tony and Kath wanted to maintain a successful farm, which was more environmentally friendly.

From continued, exclusive use of ECTOL Plant & Crop Nutrients, the Hogan’s property has not only remained very productive, it is now seen as a benchmark for some of the highest quality cattle and pastures in the region, with people asking, what are they doing differently?

“We knew it was time to change our traditional practices and haven’t looked back. With ECTOL Plant & Crop Nutrients, we’ve been able to remove all chemical fertiliser use from the property, which has saved us money in farm inputs annually, whilst still boosting production. Our property is more environmentally friendly, producing healthy plants, crops and animals - it’s better for the family too”. Tony Hogan

Lucerne, Dairy and Grazing

“We specifically looked at getting away from using chemical and acidic fertilisers but didn’t want to compromise quality or production.” Frank, Victoria

CHALLENGE

Frank and Maureen Leyden have owned and operated a lucerne, dairy and grazing property in Merrigum, Victoria for over 40 years.

Already successful farmers, Frank and Maureen were keen to find new ways to increase the quality and yield of their feed.

The Leyden’s were looking for products that were more environmentally friendly and sustainable for their land, hoping to reduce the amount of chemical inputs used in their current practices.

In 2016, Frank and Maureen were introduced to ECTOL Plant & Crop Nutrients. Working directly with ECTOL representative, Russell Speed, the team developed a new protocol that would benefit their operation.

“We specifically looked at getting away from using chemical and acidic fertilisers but didn’t want to compromise quality or production” said Frank.

OUTCOME

The Leyden’s are extremely happy with the results, and ultimately, believe that by using less chemicals on their land, the better their system works, as well as benefiting the overall health of their stock and family.

“Most farmers are unaware of what is in the products they have been using over the years. Many would be shocked if they knew the long-term consequences to their land and personal health”, said Frank.

“The majority of my customers have horses. Since using ECTOL Plant & Crop Nutrients, I’ve had many people comment on how soft and palatable our lucerne is.”

“For farmers considering making a change, I’d certainly recommend speaking to the team at ECTOL,” he added.

APPLICATION

The Leyden’s started doing some trial work with small blocks using ECTOL Protect & Grow and NitrotainTE. Both products were applied at the start of Spring.

Three weeks later the results were visibly impressive, with extra production and a much more palatable fodder for Frank’s horse customers and for his own beef cattle.

Since this time, Frank and Maureen have introduced ECTOL-Starter as a replacement for DAP and MAP. To give themselves more options, they also use ECTOL-Starter, in combination with ECTOL Protect & Grow, and have used NitrotainTE with other products as well.