Update on the current seed supply

Dear Valued Customer, I hope that this finds you well.

As we know there are many things that can affect the seed supply like unfavorable seasons, weed competition and insect attack all preventing the crop from thriving.

In addition to this we are finding there are fewer farmers willing to grow Linseed because there are higher yielding easier crops that they can get a better return on their investment with or it is just easier for them to leave the pastures in and run a few more head of sheep and capture the record high stock prices for example.

Due to this we are finding that Australian Linseed crop is diminishing dramatically and we have to reconsider our supply options. Therefore we are excited to announce that we have decided to introduce a new product line to our collection, and this is our Regenerative Flaxseed Range coming mid-November.

Regenerative farming focuses on sustainable farming practices that strengthen the biodiversity, soil health and ecosystem resilience so that the atmospheric carbon is returned to the soil, the emissions are reduced and the farm productivity is increased.

To achieve this, the farmer will participate in restorative farming practices like

• Reduce chemical inputs and instead use organic amendments
• Adapt rotational grazing to avoid overgrazing and improve pasture health
• They will integrate trees and shrubs with crops and livestock, promoting ecological diversity and enhancing productivity.
• They practice No-till farming which is a technique that the seeds are sown directly into the soil using a special tine or disc seeder that slices the soil drops the seed and soil amendments in and presses the soil back down without plowing, this method preserves the soil structure and can increase the water infiltration into the soil.
• They farm with a holistic approach that not only aims to increase yield but also focuses on creating a sustainable future for the planet and the inhabitants.

We were very lucky to have leading regenerative farmers Brian and Carol from north-west Victoria approach us with their 2024 Linseed that they grew after only five years of adopting regenerative farming methods. We are very excited to have them aboard and although they are also at the mercy of Mother Nature, we are excited to support them, learn from them and hopefully together fulfil the need for top quality Australian grown and produced Flaxseed products.

You can follow this link below to learn more about what Brian, Carol and others are doing to make the change: Biological Seed Treatment Practice Guide | Soils for Life

Image: Brian delivering their seed to Stoney Creek

Another thing that I would like to share with you all is that Mark and I have decided to take on a more formal roll and continue the Stoney Creek’s legacy as Fred and Coral are finally retiring from the hot seat. We will announce this in more detail in the coming weeks but I am mentioning it now because with Mark and I comes the opportunity to grow some of our own Linseed as we farm just over 400acres when we are not at the factory here. And we have also decided to adapt a regenerative farming method and we want to share our journey with you all.

I will endeavor to share regular updates so that you can see our progress.

Image: Kids helping with the 2020 sowing

Image: Some of the remaining stone wall here at Stoney Creek last year in the worst of the drought.

Regards,
Lisa Coates