WHERE CRAFT MEETS CONNECTION
BEYOND THE BOTTLE, OUR COMMUNITY STORY
THE DYNAMIC DUO BEHIND SUSTAINABLE GRAIN RECYCLING
Dennis, a dedicated farmer since 1960, has partnered with Peter a retired Anaesthetist and Doctor to create an innovative and sustainable way to repurpose our spent grain.
After the mashing process, we are left with a large volume of barley. Instead of letting it go to waste, Dennis transforms this spent grain into high-quality silage—a nutrient-rich feed for his cattle.
TURNING SPENT GRAIN INTO NUTRITIOUS SILAGE
DRAINING EXCESS WATER
Spent grain contains a high level of moisture, so it is carefully drained over several days to achieve the desired water content. Even the liquid extracted during this process is put to good use—it's fed to Dennis's cattle, ensuring nothing is wasted.
ENHANCING NUTRITION
Once the grain reaches the right consistency, molasses is added to boost its sugar content. An inoculant is then introduced to promote the production of lactic acid, which is essential for preservation.
PACKING AND SEALING
The prepared grain is tightly packed into large, airtight containers to create anaerobic conditions. This environment prevents spoilage, while heavy-duty plastic sheeting and weights ensure that no air can enter.
FERMENTATION
Over the next 4 to 6 weeks, natural lactic acid bacteria convert the sugars in the grain into lactic acid. This fermentation process lowers the pH, preserving the grain and turning it into high-quality silage.
LONG-TERM STORAGE AND FEEDING
The resulting silage can be stored for several months, providing a reliable source of high-protein, high-fiber feed for Dennis's cattle.
WHY IT MATTERS
This process is a perfect example of sustainable farming in action:
- Nutritious Feed: Silage made from spent grain is rich in protein and fiber, making it an excellent choice for livestock.
- Reduced Waste: Repurposing our distillery byproducts minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency.
- Environmental Benefits: By working together with local farmers like Dennis, we're supporting sustainable agriculture and contributing to a greener future.
At the heart of this initiative is a shared commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community partnership. Together, we're turning byproducts into benefits—for farmers, livestock, and the planet.
A COLLABORATION WITH LOCAL ARTIST VANESSA PERSKE
Renowned Sunshine Coast Artist, Vanessa Perske, embarked on an extraordinary journey in 2018, circumnavigating Australia and creating art inspired by her travels. Her paintings reflect the intricate details and vibrant colours of the landscapes she encountered, characterised by heavy texture, patterns and layering.
Vanessa's affinity for the Sunshine Coast is evident in her works, which often depict local flora and fauna. Her art is held in high esteem, with numerous pieces featured in private and corporate collections across Australia, Europe, the US and Asia. Vanessa's work can be viewed nationally and internationally.
OUR LOCAL LENS: CAPTURING THE SPIRIT OF HUNCHY HILLS
Margriet Adams was born in the Netherlands and discovered her love for photography at 13 when she received her first camera. As she traveled the world, she captured moments that told stories and deepened her creativity and connection with people.
In 2020, Margriet decided to turn her passion into a career and started a photography course. Now, with a busy young family, she focuses on family shoots, portraiture, and product photography. For Margriet, the fun of it all is catching a glimpse of an idea that blooms in her mind and bringing it to life. A natural people person, she thrives in groups and always finds joy behind the lens, constantly learning and embracing new opportunities.
