Month: June 2025

From Europe to Australia

When Besenthal Rollrasen, one of Germany’s leading turf growers, set out to solve the challenge of post-harvest turf deterioration, they turned to a technology that was about to transform their operations: vacuum cooling.

Their goal was simple yet ambitious, to deliver turf that stayed fresher for longer, travelled better, and delighted customers days after harvest. The results were immediate.

By adopting vacuum cooling technology, Besenthal was able to dramatically extend the shelf life of their turf, reduce waste, and offer greater flexibility to their customers. Now, this same innovation brought to you by Heuch Cooling Solutions is reshaping the future for Australian turf growers.

The Turf Grower’s Challenge

Across the world, turf growers face a shared challenge: preserving quality between harvest and installation. Turf remains biologically active after cutting, trapping heat and moisture within densely packed pallets. The soil backing each roll acts like an insulator, allowing internal temperatures to soar, sometimes climbing past 60°C in just a few hours, triggering a process known as turf/sod heating. The consequences are immediate: yellowing, spoilage, wasted product, missed deliveries, and lost revenue. Growers are locked into a race against time — a race that until now, has been difficult to win.

Vacuum Cooling

Recognising the need for a smarter solution, Heuch Cooling Solutions introduced vacuum cooling technology to the Australian turf market. Vacuum cooling works by lowering atmospheric pressure around the harvested turf, causing moisture to evaporate and rapidly cool the product. Within minutes, turf temperatures can drop from around 30°C to just 1°C. By halting turf heating before it begins, vacuum cooling doesn’t just preserve freshness, it rewrites what’s possible for turf supply chains.

Besenthal’s experience speaks volumes. Using vacuum cooling, they were able to keep turf fresh, vibrant, and installation- ready for far longer periods, even across longer, more complex distribution networks. The result? Less waste, fewer lost sales, and a stronger reputation for delivering premium-quality turf, even under tough conditions. Their success proved that with the right technology, freshness could be extended, logistics could be simplified, and turf operations could be revolutionised.

The Australian Breakthrough

In March 2025, Heuch Cooling Solutions completed a landmark trial with a major turf grower here in Australia. Freshly harvested pallets of Sir Walter DNA Certified and Eureka Kikuyu turf was cooled using vacuum technology. Initial turf temperatures ranging between 26°C and 28°C were reduced to a crisp 2°C in less than 35 minutes.

Data monitoring revealed:

• Turf maintained optimal low temperatures for over 40 hours, without the need for re-cooling.
• Humidity stayed consistently high, preserving turf vitality while preventing dehydration.
• Dew point and temperature tracking confirmed moisture was managed effectively, protecting against microbial risks.

Practical benefits:

• Resilient Deliveries: Turf could enter the logistics chain already stabilised, reducing risks during transit.
• Higher Quality: Visual appeal, root health, and moisture levels are preserved far longer.
• Operational Flexibility: Growers could harvest and cool in advance, reducing reliance on perfect delivery timing.

Australian growers now have local proof that vacuum cooling is not just a theory, it’s a proven tool for protecting quality, profitability, and reputation.

Competitive Advantages

For turf growers, the implications of this technology extend far beyond freshness.

Vacuum cooling unlocks a series of competitive advantages:

• Wastage Reduction: Modern turf varieties are especially vulnerable post-harvest, with up to 20% loss common under traditional methods. Vacuum cooling stops this loss in its tracks.
• Better Labour Management: Harvesting can now happen during daylight
• hours, making roles more attractive and improving staff retention.
• Weather Resilience: Rain forecasts no longer derail operations. Turf can be harvested early, cooled, and stored until needed.
• Next-Day Delivery Capability: Having cooled turf in storage opens opportunities to fulfill urgent orders at premium prices.
• Moisture Control: Vacuum cooling minimises surface moisture loss (just 1–3%), making pallets lighter, easier to handle, and less prone to spoilage.

In an increasingly competitive market, these advantages don’t just add value, they can define success.

More Than Just Cooling

Heuch Cooling Solutions doesn’t stop at vacuum cooling. Their comprehensive approach to cold chain solutions includes:

• Mobile and fixed cool rooms designed specifically for turf storage.
• Solar-powered refrigerated transport kits for your delivery trucks.
• Industrial ice makers and environmental chambers to protect turf at every stage of the supply chain.

As turf operations across Australia grow larger, faster, and more demanding, the need for smarter cooling solutions is only increasing.

Vacuum cooling doesn’t just help turf survive the journey; it helps growers thrive. It transforms what was once a race against time into a predictable, manageable process.

With decades of engineering expertise and partnerships with leading technology innovators like Weber Group, Heuch Cooling Solutions ensures that Australian turf growers have access to world-class solutions — right here, right now.

MICHAEL AND SARAH BRADY, OWNERS OF MALLEE TURF

The journey of Mallee Turf developed through a passion for nurturing the land. What began in the expansive paddocks of broadacre agronomy has evolved into a premier turf business, helping families, businesses, and communities across the Mildura region create beautiful, thriving outdoor spaces with turf.

Long before Mallee Turf was born, our roots were firmly planted in agronomy research and development. Years were spent working alongside farmers, funding bodies, and industry leaders to improve crop performance, enhance soil health, and develop sustainable farming practices. Through rigorous trials and hands-on experience, we gained invaluable knowledge of plant growth cycles, nutrient management, and environmental sustainability, knowledge that would later become the foundation of the turf farming journey.

But beyond the science, what truly drove us was a desire to create something meaningful, something that would not only benefit large- scale agriculture but also bring beauty and functionality to everyday outdoor spaces.

A New Opportunity: Sunraysia’s Mowing & Maintenance

That passion led us to explore a new path. In 2020, amidst the uncertainty of COVID-19, we launched Sunraysia’s Mowing & Maintenance with a simple goal: to help property owners maintain lush, healthy landscapes. We started with just 45 properties under management, but through dedication and a commitment to quality service, we now care for over 300 properties each month.

From residential backyards to commercial spaces, our team provides essential lawn care, weed management, and grounds maintenance services because we believe a well-kept lawn isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a space where families gather, businesses make a great first impression, and communities thrive.

The Birth of Mallee Turf

As our maintenance business grew, so did our vision. We knew we could take our expertise even further, not just by maintaining great lawns, but by growing them from the ground up.

That’s how Mallee Turf was born.

What started as a simple property purchase to store our equipment soon became the foundation for something much greater. With seven acres of land at our disposal, we saw an opportunity to cultivate premium turf varieties tailored to our local climate. A visit to the Melbourne Flower Show sealed the deal, we knew the turf industry was where we needed to be.

In mid-January 2025, we planted our first turf crops, focusing on high-performance varieties like Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo and TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda, grasses known for their resilience and ability to thrive in Sunraysia’s conditions.

Starting a turf farm from scratch hasn’t been without its challenges, but we’ve been incredibly fortunate to have the support of industry experts like Gavin Rogers and Brent Redman at Lawn Solutions Australia and Paul Daniel at The Turf Farm in Pinnaroo, whose guidance has been instrumental in bringing our vision to life.

A Commitment to Community

At Mallee Turf, we believe a great lawn is more than just grass, it’s the foundation for moments that matter. It’s where kids take their first steps, where friends gather for weekend barbecues, and where businesses create welcoming outdoor spaces. Our mission is to provide high-quality turf that not only looks stunning but also stands the test of time in our unique climate.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to expand our production capacity, introduce innovative solutions like auto-mowers, and continue providing premium turf to homeowners, landscapers, and businesses across the region.

Being part of the Lawn Solutions Australia network gives us access to the latest industry advancements, ensuring that every roll of turf we supply meets the highest standards. But more than that, it connects us with a community of people who share our passion for quality, sustainability, and customer care.

This journey, from agronomy research to property maintenance and now turf farming, has been an incredible evolution. While we’re proud of how far we’ve come, we know the best is yet to come.

Whether you’re looking to transform your backyard, enhance your business frontage, or create a greener, more vibrant space, Mallee Turf is here to help. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about growing turf, it’s about growing beautiful, lasting landscapes for the people who call this region home.