Unearthing local greatness

A RIVERLAND worm farm is now thriving thanks to the support of the local community, with the backyard business now hoping to “give back” by providing premium products for the region’s gardeners, growers, and anglers.

Since beginning the business in January of this year, Berri-based Riverland Backyard Worms has grown into a circular economy success story, with the local farm collecting organic waste donations from Riverland residents and food operators to produce nutrient-rich worm castings and liquid fertiliser.

“It was a hobby to begin with, as we are a huge fishing family,” owner Randell Smith said.

“However, the business took off after the birth of our daughter… when we had to spend more time at home.

“It was a bit of a reset on life, because we had to put family first – but it has been a really great decision, and now we have a thriving business in our backyard.”

Riverland Backyard Worms farm both tiger worms – which produce worm castings and worm juice – as well as European nightcrawlers, with these worms – which grow up to 30cm – providing local fishermen with premium bait.

According to Mr Smith, managing the two distinct species requires completely different types of care.

“Tigers are the best for compost, as they chew down the food pretty fast. However, you cannot combine the nightcrawlers with them as the (fast eating of the tigers) can cause them a lot of stress.

“Nightcrawlers also require you to be a lot more delicate with them – they’re big and they’re picky, so you need to be conservative with both the temperature and their water.

“Nightcrawlers are also seasonal, so once it gets above 30C they die, whereas the tigers are pretty resilient and can tolerate our 50C summers fine.”

Mr Smith described developing the business as a “huge learning experience”, with the farm centred on steady evolution and responding to opportunities for growth.

“We had a huge population explosion of worms, and decided to look at all the possible product options,” he said.

“We began with polystyrene farms – where people can build their own worm farm – which became really popular. However, we noticed there was a lot of run off from the worms… which then (birthed) the idea of selling the worm juice.

“After trialling the juice on our own garden to huge success, we began offering that to the local community, both in 5L containers, and also able to fill up a 1000L intermediate bulk container (IBC).

“(The development of the business) has created fantastic results and products we never considered previously – we weren’t trying to make the juice, it is just a by-product of trying to create the healthiest environment for our worms.”

Mr Smith said the major challenge for the business has been finding enough organic waste to feed the worms, while still making the business profitable.

However, thanks to the support from the local community, Riverland Backyard Farms are now the recycling hub of Berri – the numerous donations a chance for locals to reduce landfill, and an opportunity for Mr Smith to keep his worms happy.

“After doing some research of what are the main foods worms love – which are food scraps and coffee grinds – we approached the Berri Hotel if they had any use for their coffee grinds, and they offered it to us for free.

“On top of the Berri Hotel, we have also received a lot of support from other (cafes and restaurants), now and receive around 40 to 50 kilos of coffee grinds a week.

“We also reached out to the local community to donate their (green) waste, and so many have come on board. It’s been amazing to see all the donations – between May and June, we received 1008kg of green and brown waste.

“This has turned us into a circular economy business and we’re just so thankful for the support.”

Mr Smith said Riverland Backyard Worms tailor their products for local community members, whether that is a hobby gardener or a local industry farmer, and are constantly looking to improve the results of their products.

“We are very much focused on providing our product to the Riverland, because, that is where our support has come from,” he said.

“We just want to be able to give back to those who are passionate about gardening with the best product possible.”

For more information, to purchase products, or to get in contact with Riverland Backyard Worms, visit the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587032163073), email (ordersriverland@gmail.com), or call 0400 288 535.