General News
4 May, 2026
Cheers to locally grown barley
A partnership between a leading university and Wimmera farmers will monitor carbon emissions from barley used in several of Australia’s most popular beers.
Climate scientists from Charles Sturt University’s Cool Soil Initiative are working with nine local farmers whose barley is used to brew Asahi Beverages’ flagship beers, including Carlton Draught and Victoria Bitter.
To analyse carbon output, scientists collect soil and crop data from each farm, including fertiliser use and field operations.
Scientists then conduct a detailed analysis and provide each participating farmer with a report that breaks down emissions by farm activity.
Kewell-based barley farmer Justin Ruwoldt described the Cool Soil program as “good business management” that will help future-proof farms.
“We want to run the best possible business practise so that we not only survive the test of time, but prosper. The program gives us a seat at the table and a better understanding of emissions reporting,” he said.
In its first year, the partnership has generated valuable data on fertiliser and herbicide use, technology adoption to minimise soil compaction, and growing practices that protect soil health and reduce carbon-intensive interventions.
Asahi Beverages’ Regional Category Head Dave Engel said the results highlighted that Australian grain growers were “at the leading edge of sustainable growing practices”.
“Barley is the heart and soul of beer because it defines its taste and colour, and we buy around 75,000 tonnes of it nationally,” Mr Engel said.
“We’ve got dozens of terrific barley farmers around Australia supplying Asahi, but until now, the support and know-how were not in place for them to understand and report on their emissions from growing barley.
“The Cool Soil Initiative helps farmers understand the emissions of individual farm activities and processes, compare them to others within their growing region and enables them to take focused action to reduce their emissions footprint.
“Farmers’ critical role in the supply chain means they are uniquely placed to help Asahi track barley emissions as we work towards a lower emissions future.”
Matthew Muller, Director, Cool Soil Initiative and Sustainability, Charles Sturt University, said “farmers are already doing the hard work of producing high-quality barley”.
“Our role at Cool Soil Initiative is to provide scientific measurement and benchmarking that makes emissions reporting insightful, not burdensome. A certified and tailored report for each paddock will provide growers genuine evidence to access markets, evaluate productivity and identify opportunities that optimise soil health, yield and support climate-smart agriculture.”
Kewell-based barley farmer Justin Ruwoldt described the Cool Soil program as “good business management” that will help future-proof farms.
“We want to run the best possible business practise so that we not only survive the test of time, but prosper. The program gives us a seat at the table and a better understanding of emissions reporting,” Mr Ruwoldt said.
In 2020, Asahi launched the Victoria Barley Program to partner with dozens of Victorian farmers.
Their barley is now used to brew about 300 million litres of beer annually at the Abbotsford Brewery.
Previously, farmers sold barley to bulk handlers who combined grain from many sources before it reached Abbotsford.
The partnership now establishes a direct relationship between brewers and farmers, providing clear oversight of the growing process to ensure only the highest-quality, most consistent barley is used in our beers.
The Victorian Barley Program is delivered by Riordan.
Managing director Jim Riordan said the program benefits both Victorian farmers and beer consumers.
“For several years, the Victorian Barley Program has given farmers the confidence and financial security to invest in new technology and make improvements in farming sustainability and efficiency,” Mr Riordan said.
“But the Cool Soil Initiative announced by Asahi and Riordan takes the program to the next level by giving them scientifically-backed support to understand their emissions and promote climate-smart agriculture practices taking place right here in Australia.
“This has the potential to sure up and open up markets where sustainable practices are central to market access.’’