BASF Australia will establish a Community Paddock at the Serviceton Recreation Reserve in 2025, with Josh Merrett’s application driving the project to support agricultural innovation and the local community.
What is a Community Paddock?
Started by BASF Australia in 2022, the Community Paddock program creates demonstration paddocks to showcase crop protection and agronomic practices. These sites allow farmers and agronomists to observe BASF’s solutions, like herbicides and fungicides, optimising yields and sustainability. Harvest proceeds fund local projects. Past paddocks include Paskeville, Maitland, and Nhill.
Serviceton Recreation Reserve’s Community Paddock
The Serviceton Recreation Reserve, a community hub for local events, will host the 2025 Community Paddock. No longer used for sports, it remains a key gathering place. The paddock will demonstrate crop protection techniques using BASF’s Voraxor® herbicide and Revystar® fungicide. Harvest funds will support the reserve’s maintenance and programs.
“This paddock unites cutting-edge agriculture with community spirit,” said Luke Collier, a BASF Australia broadacre crop specialist. “Josh Merrett’s expertise will make it a shining example for Serviceton.”
Josh Merrett’s application process
Agronomist Josh Merrett led the effort to bring the Community Paddock to Serviceton. Using his crop management expertise, he applied through BASF, showing the reserve’s land suitability, alignment with BASF’s goals, and community benefits like reserve funding. His proposal was selected for its agronomic and community potential.
Looking ahead
The Serviceton Community Paddock will be planted with Maximus CL barley in the near future. All the work done at the Serviceton Recreation Reserve is completed by volunteers, an extraordinary commitment in today’s times. BASF will host a growers’ event to unite farmers, share paddock outcomes, and highlight crop protection products. For Serviceton, the paddock represents collaboration and progress. Josh Merrett said, “I’d like to thank BASF for supporting a small community like Serviceton. The funds will be invaluable for the recreation reserve’s future.” He added, “It’s a great opportunity to see BASF’s range of products, but the real value is bringing our community together for events, something rare in small towns and busy lives.”
For more on BASF’s Community Paddock program, visit crop-solutions.basf.com.au.
This article appeared in Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times, 28 May 2025.
