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25/03/2025
Michael and Edwina Beveridge
Determined to mitigate rising input costs across their Central NSW piggery, Edwina and Michael Beveridge used a novel solution – and one that was right underneath their noses all along.
For over a decade now the couple, of Blantyre Farms, has been converting pig manure into renewable electricity.
The installation of a methane digestion system captures methane gas generated from the manure, with the gas then converted into electricity to supply 100 percent of the farms’ energy needs.
The excess is sold to the national grid, turning their monthly gas and electricity bill into a credit, with the initiative making Blantyre Farms the first farm in Australia to have a registered project with the Clean Energy Regulator, permitting the Beveridge’s to claim they are the first carbon farm.
The couple proved equally resourceful when it came to lowering the exorbitant feed costs across their intensive 2,200-sow piggery, with 80 percent of the menu now consisting of food waste that would otherwise go to landfill.
These innovative solutions have been financial and sustainability wins, earning a swag of accolades – including a Green Globe Award for Resource Efficiency from the NSW EPA in 2018 and the Woolworths Sustainable Supplier of the Year in 2017.
Michael and Edwina receive their Green Globe Award for Resource Efficiency from the NSW EPA
It’s progress that Edwina admits was realised thanks to new-found motivation underpinned by Rabobank’s Executive Development Program (EDP).
Amidst business growth and a busy farm, Edwina and Michael looked to Rabobank’s agribusiness-focussed EDP, completing the program in 2013 and providing, as Edwina explains, “an enormous boost of motivation”.
EDP’s inspiring network and skills to grow a strong business
The EDP is one of Australia’s leading development programs, helping agribusiness owners build strategic planning capabilities and commercial management skills to explore options for business growth.
A chartered accountant, Edwina was well-versed in the financial aspects of her business covered within the program, yet the learnings she gained from the wider-network, and the thought-provoking program content, were invaluable.
“It was incredible to mix with people who give you energy, you come away with a big dose of motivation and inspiration to keep growing.”
Whilst grateful for the opportunity to take over part of her parents’ business at a young age, the Beveridge’s admit there was also an initial overwhelming feeling of being thrown in the deep end.
Completing the EDP a few years into her tenure was, she believes, beneficial.
“Having experienced a few years in the business before embarking on the EDP was good, it gave me a chance to get my head around the business, and the program really validated and solidified the direction we wanted to take, and gave us the confidence to execute our strategy.”
Blantyre Farms has evolved into a leading Australian agribusiness
Doing the program together was also a highlight.
“Michael and I completing the program together was so valuable, we came home encouraged and with the same drive, and that ability to workshop ideas and learnings when you’re both on the same page was really exciting.”
“I would highly recommend the EDP to anyone curious, it gave us the drive and motivation to move our business forward, and it was so valuable meeting so many progressive farmers, all doing really exciting things in their businesses.”
The Beveridges have extended their cropping and grazing operation, expanding through the purchase of additional land, and are always trying to improve farm initiatives.
“Whilst we always had growth ambitions, the EDP really gave us the drive we needed to get on with it, and we certainly grew faster as a result.”
Taking the opportunity to utilise food waste, whilst reducing their feed costs is another practical solution the family is extremely proud of.
More than a semi-trailer a day of packaged milk and juice, that have gone past its used by date is delivered to the farm, where it is depackaged and utilised as pig feed.
This is in addition to a myriad of other food waste, including pasta, flour and fish fingers.
The food waste is then mixed with vitamins and minerals, plus grain grown on farm, and fed to the pigs.
Dedicated to making a difference
An impassioned industry advocate, Edwina describes pigs as “amazingly efficient animals designed to feed the world”.
Edwina is an active industry participant, and is the Chair of NSW Farmers Pork Committee, an Australian Pork Limited delegate.
In an effort to educate and connect rural and urban Australians, the Beveridge’s frequently host school groups and university students at the piggery, further showcasing the pork industry.
Edwina has also been a generous contributor through the Rabo Client Council, a group of client volunteers who work with the bank to develop and deliver grassroots initiatives, and prioritise where funding can make the greatest impact within the community.
Having recently stepped down from the Riverina Rabo Client Council after six years, Edwina said she was particularly proud of the support directed towards Boys to the Bush.
Blantyre Farms supporting Boys to the Bush
A local initiative expanding across the regions, Boys to the Bush is focused on prevention and early intervention strategies for disconnected boys.
Edwina and Michael regularly host these boys on-farm, whether it’s for a farm tour or to simply go yabbying in the dam, and Blantyre Farms are proud to sponsor the schools’ program at their local branch of Boys to the Bush.
“It’s an initiative that really makes a difference in our local town, we can see the difference it’s making to these boys. We’re so pleased we heard about Boys to the Bush through the Rabo Client Council, and to have the opportunity to lend our support.”
Applications for Rabobank’s Business Development Programs, including the EDP, close on March 31. For further details and to apply, visit https://www.rabobank.com.au/agribusiness/business-management-programs