Now, in the business world, that’s not exactly headline material. We didn’t get a ribbon-cutting ceremony or an invitation to Morning Sunrise. But it does mean one thing—we’re not just a pop-up stall at the Eumundi Markets, run by Jan and Bruce flogging off ceramic bongs, herbal infusers and repurposed hubcaps.

The Idea has not just landed, it’s fueled up and taken off, as whilst the destination is unknown. We’re enjoying the flight with you all.

Gus Hickman rang the other day (the owner of the first BLADERUNNER) and said he was listing BLADERUNNER serial number 0001 on Facebook Marketplace in the hope to upgrade to the new hydraulic model. That one sentence has made me reminisce like a proud dad and consider the last 5 years.

Battling Giant Rats Tail (GRT) on our 400-acre coastal property led us to an innovative solution: the BLADERUNNER, engineered and manufactured by Joe Fleming of Evolve Engineering. This specialised crimp roller, a variation of the original design, has been engineered specifically for Australian conditions.

Our strategy involves multiple passes with the BLADERUNNER, followed by over seeding with cover crops. The roller's chevron-patterned blades effectively crimp the GRT, breaking up its crown and encouraging cattle grazing on new shoots. This process, combined with strategic reseeding, aims to transform our pasture without relying heavily on chemicals.

While it's early days, the results are promising. The BLADERUNNER is performing well in our challenging terrain, and we're seeing increased cattle activity in previously impenetrable areas. Our ultimate goal is to establish a diverse, productive pasture that outcompetes the GRT, using minimal chemical intervention.