Certified as organic producers in 2003, after taking only three years to convert, Chris and Ann Eggert had a novel idea for natural recycling on their Taree dairy.

After mixed success with chicken manure, as part of their focus on recycling nutrients to improve the soil, they put sawdust on the dairy yard to collect the manure and urine to make their own compost.

This also saved water - no more need to hose down.

As the health of the cows improved, so did the manure, which in turn improved the compost; the compost improved the soil and the pasture, which the cows ate.

This further improved the manure for the cycle to begin again.

"As far as the Eggerts know, no one else has tried this revolutionary but simple method," NSW Department of Primary Industries dairy officer, Ray Johnston, said.

"Chris and family now produce about 1000 tonnes of compost each year, which they put back on the farm."

They bought a compost turner and trommel to make the process more efficient and produce a superior product.

They also have the beginnings of a worm farm, as improving biodiversity under and above ground is a major priority.

Ground cover has increased since installation of a new K-line irrigation system in 2006, and there is an increased diversity of pasture species with differing water requirements.

In addition to composting, the Eggerts monitor improving soils by testing, using compost tea and foliar sprays.

Organic matter increased from two to five per cent, calcium to nitrogen ratio has improved, nutrients, including trace elements, are becoming more available naturally, soil structure has improved and soil biodiversity, including worms, has increased.

Since converting to organic production and implementing time control grazing, the pastures are exhibiting greater longevity, with some paddocks lasting up to five years, and increased legume percentage.

The pastures also exhibit better recovery from animal impact and climatic influences, and there are fewer weeds.

A National Heritage Trust grant of $19,000 in 2001 helped to fund tree planting, concreting the laneways, installing water troughs and fencing.

Eggert Agripartners’ contribution to this project was more than $80,000.

Funding of $5430 was received through the Streamcare grants scheme in 2006 for fencing, tree planting and weed control.

Chris has participated in extension, employment and education, staging field days on his farm, teaching a TAFE course on organic farming in 2002, an adult education course on nutrition farming in 2005 and is a casual secondary agriculture and science teacher.

He has helped a school farm convert to a more biological farming approach through education and donations of compost and fencing.

The farm has accommodated a number of work experience students, of high school and university age, and has had two apprentices since 2002.