Yara’s Water-Soluble Fertilizer Help Hydroponic Farm Stay Resilient

Amongst the remnant stands of eucalypts and the green landscape of Benalla, Victoria, a mother-daughter team has been quietly revolutionising hydroponic herb farming for over three decades. Robyn and her daughter, Cindy, have not only built a legacy but have grown it into one of Australia’s leading sources of fresh, high-quality mint. Their journey, filled with innovation and resilience, has led to a production scale that supplies up to 10,000 bunches of fresh mint each week to markets across the country.

What began nearly 34 years ago as a venture into hydroponic tomatoes soon transformed into an herb-focused operation. “When we started, it was all about tomatoes for the Melbourne markets,” Robyn recalls. “But as demand grew, customers began asking if we could try other herbs like parsley and spinach. Eventually, we found our true specialty in mint.” And once they did, there was no looking back. Today, nearly 99% of their 8,000 square meters of hothouse space is dedicated to producing mint.

As small-scale farmers, Robyn and Cindy have faced the familiar challenges of rising production costs and price pressures from major grocery chains. “Keeping production costs low while maintaining quality is a balancing act,” Cindy explains. “Grocery chains are reluctant to increase prices, and that means we need to be creative in finding efficiencies that don’t compromise the product our customers expect.”

Part of their success has come from their willingness to innovate and seek out expertise. “We’ve had to streamline every aspect of our operation,” Cindy continues. “From water conservation to the supply nutrients, there’s always room to improve, and we never stop looking for better ways.” To help achieve this, Robyn and Cindy have partnered closely with Yara, relying on their high-quality products and expert advice to keep the farm’s nutrient solutions at an optimal balance. “The consistency of Yara’s nutrients and their understanding of our needs have been essential,” Robyn shares. “With Yara, we know we’re giving our plants the very best.”

Maintaining a year-round mint operation means perfecting every detail, from controlling light exposure to monitoring soil moisture levels and nutrient concentrations. The results of this careful management are evident in the rows of vibrant green mint that fill the hothouses. Each bunch is hand-picked and inspected, ensuring that customers receive the highest quality product every time. “It’s a labor of love,” Robyn says, “and every detail matters when you’re working to create something you’re truly proud of.”

Beyond the technicalities, what sets Robyn and Cindy apart is their tenacity and the family values they bring to the farm. Robyn and Cindy’s honesty, resilience, and teamwork underscore everything they do. “We’re out here every day, rain or shine, tending to these plants and working to improve with each season,” Cindy remarks. “It’s not an easy job, but it’s rewarding. We’ve built something special here, and it’s all about putting in the work and staying true to who we are.”

Their vision for the future is clear. “We plan to keep going, to continue producing a quality product while staying adaptable to whatever changes come our way,” Robyn says. With their decades of experience, a wealth of knowledge, and the support of partners like Yara, Robyn and Cindy are ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead. They’re not just growing mint; they’re cultivating a legacy of quality, resilience, and commitment in Australian hydroponics, one that they hope will continue to thrive for many years to come.