Drought Resilience Farming Practices Program
What we achieved - An Australian First!
At MADE, we are dedicated to enhancing the resilience of farmers in the face of drought.
Our Future Drought Fund project, completed in 2025, focused on the adoption of bio-fertilisers that have been proven to significantly increase soil water holding capacity, yields by 64% and soil carbon levels.
By using digestate from Anaerobic Digestion of organic wastes we were able to demonstrate to farmers that MADE's unique technology was able to help farmers achieve better yields, even during a drought!
Our team of experts provides comprehensive support and resources to ensure that farmers can implement these practises effectively. Together, we are building a sustainable agricultural future that can withstand the impacts of climate change.
Media Releases
February 2026
MADE leading the way in Digestate Innovation — Real Results, Real Impact for Aussie Farmers – Canola Trials
MADE’s latest on-farm canola trials using digestate from our Anaerobic Digestion system delivered yield boosts of 18–68%, even in challenging conditions.
That translates to an increase in farm profitability of $180–$700 per hectare — a potential game changer for Australian agriculture.
These results build on our #FutureDroughtFund work, which showed a 64% lift in wheat yields, reinforcing the impact of MADE’s unique technology and approach.
Australian Agritech Startup Receives EPA Approval for Ground
In a major win for Australian agriculture, MADE, a leading Australian agritech company, has received approval from the Victorian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to conduct field trials using its novel biofertiliser, MADE digestate. This milestone paves the way for a new circular bioeconomy, empowering farmers to create their own sustainable, cost-effective biofertilisers and biofuels.
“This EPA approval is a gamechanger for Australian agriculture,” says Joe Finneran Founder and CEO of MADE. “Our MADE technology transforms high-risk agricultural waste, including manure, into biologically diverse biofertilisers. This not only reduces reliance on synthetic inputs and disease management chemicals, but also creates a valuable resource for farmers.”
The approval comes after extensive collaboration with the EPA. “We appreciate the willingness of the different teams at the Victorian EPA to work with us,” says Joe Finneran. “We’ve demonstrated that our innovative approach can upgrade digestate incorporating manure to meet stringent regulatory requirements.”
This approval is particularly timely. Over 300,000 farmers across Europe, China, and the US are already benefiting from Anaerobic Digestion (AD), a process that repurposes organic residues like straw and manure into biofertiliser for their fields. AD not only reduces reliance on chemical inputs but also promotes soil health and contributes to a more sustainable agricultural system. Over 85% of our food is still grown in soil and soil is the largest carbon sink on the planet!
“With this critical EPA approval in hand, we’re excited to launch our novel field trials,” says Joe Finneran. “These trials will showcase the potential of MADE digestate to build drought resilience for Australian farmers, a critical issue in today's climate as part of Future Drought Fund project.”
For further information, please contact:
Joe Finneran, CEO, MADE. joe@madeenergy.com.au
MADE Biofertiliser Trials Sprouting Across Victoria
Mollongghip, Victoria 11/06/24 – In a promising development for Australian agriculture, MADE, a leading agri-tech company, has commenced field trials for its novel bio-fertiliser strategies across five locations in western and central Victoria.
Year-Long Development Culminates in Field Trials:
This exciting project follows 12 months of intensive research and development by MADE and its partners. The research team conducted a comprehensive review of global research across agriculture, hydroponics, human health, and cosmetics! This was followed by over 300 seed germination tests and extensive pot trials to evaluate the effectiveness of various biofertiliser approaches.
Real-World Conditions for Accurate Results:
Partnering with five progressive farmers, MADE has planted wheat cultivar trials incorporating five unique biofertiliser treatments. These trials aim to demonstrate the potential of alternative nutrient management strategies for building drought resilience, enhancing water holding capacity, and improving soil carbon content. Importantly, each trial site reflects real-world conditions.
- Baseline Soil Analysis: Trial paddocks were prepared in various ways (canola stubble, burnt, worked up, direct drill) to mimic the heterogeneity of farmland.
- Baseline Soil Analysis: Detailed soil tests, along with soil structure, water penetration, and biological analysis, were conducted at each site to establish a baseline for comparison.
- Microclimate Variations: Each trial site boasts distinct microclimates, further mirroring the complexities of real-world farming.
Testing a Range of Biofertiliser Solutions:
The trials include a control plot replicating the farmer's usual practices. Alternative biofertiliser approaches being tested include:
- Seed treatments
- Biological treatments
- Anaerobic digestate – a bio-fertiliser derived from agricultural residues
Precision Ag for Enhanced Monitoring:
The project utilises innovative precision agriculture technologies to meticulously measure plant health and soil health throughout the growing season.
Sharing Knowledge and Early Observations:
MADE plans to share regular updates on the trials, including:
- Demonstration Days: Farmers will have opportunities to visit the trial sites, ask questions, and learn from the research team.
- Website Updates: Regular updates will be posted on the MADE website detailing observations, disease management strategies, and the use of technology to forecast microclimate conditions.
- Knowledge Workshops: On the 7th & 8th August we will be holding workshops in Avoca, Victoria so you can learn more about practises to improve your profitability and productivity
Early Signs of Promise:
While the trials are in their initial stages, preliminary observations offer a glimpse of potential benefits. Some farmers have reported earlier emergence of crops treated with biological solutions compared to the traditional approach.
Stay Tuned for More:
MADE encourages researchers and farmers to stay connected for further updates. Subscribe to the MADE newsletter for insights on the progress of these groundbreaking trials.
For further information, please contact:
Joe Finneran, CEO, MADE. joe@made.au
This program/project received funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
The Four Key Components of the Program
Practical Demonstrations
Practical Demonstrations
Practical Demonstrations
- Unique Pot Testing of alternative biofertiliser
- In Paddock Trials at 5 broadacre farms in Western & Central districts of Victoria using a typical wheat variety
- Production of tailored biofertilisers using anaerobic digestion (AD) digestate as an input. Digestate produced using typical farm residues from the local area
Knowledge Building
Practical Demonstrations
Practical Demonstrations
- A series of workshops for farmers to build skills in managing drought periods
Precision Ag Tools
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- Tool library for farmers to try, test and use tools that help make informed real time crop nutrient decisions
- Demonstration of tools that help farmers understand soil/crop levels of NPK and soil biology health
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- 2 x 2 day Regenerative Farming workshops focusing on drought resilience, soil health, soil biology. Free for trial farmers
- Publish research in an academic journal
- Series of podcasts on building Drought Resilience with global leaders in regenerative farming
- Various field days to visit trials over the course of the project which is due to complete in June 2025
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Opportunities for Farmers
Opportunity for Farmers to
- Build capabilities & an understanding of how soil biology & plants work together
- Learn simple techniques to help making inputs more efficient & cost effective
- Get to see trials that have never been done before in Australia
- regenerative farming workshops
- Demonstration of innovative & practical technology to help growing decisions
- Podcasts to listen to whilst in your four-wheeled offices
- Access to our website with reference materials & trusted source of information
- Learn more about advanced anaerobic digestion & how it may fit different farm or community needs
- See how agricultural residues with a bit of tweaking, can help replace synthetic fertiliser & fuel in the future
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