The Team

YLAD Living Soils and YLAD Living Compost are pioneers in new science, agriculture and education for organic and sustainable farming and living. They are committed to offering new, more natural and sustainable systems in regenerative farming around Australia as well as in communities at large. YLAD use Humus Technology® and Microbial Balancing Technology to benefit mainstream, biological, organic, biodynamic and permaculture farmers in food, fruit and cereal crop production, as well as the wellbeing and welfare of animals.

How did this enterprise emerge to become one of the most innovative providers of biological fertilisers and a force for change in the way farming is done in Australia? The answer is found in a deep commitment to the land that began four generations ago, and an unwavering dedication that continued with the establishment of YLAD Living Soils in October 2002, and later YLAD Living Compost in 2006 by Bill and Rhonda Daly. Today its manufacturing and operating base is in Young, NSW where YLAD products and services are widely offered across Australia.

Bill Daly - Chairman & Co-founder

Bill, a fourth-generation farmer, began questioning the direction of conventional agriculture on his mixed farm ‘Milgadara’ over 30 years ago. He observed that the ever increasing amounts of synthetic fertilisers, chemicals and pesticides, together with the then current land management practices were leading to a decline in soil fertility, yields and associated problems with animal and human health. This led Bill to look for a system that would restore the balance in the soil leading to healthy plants with less disease, weeds and pests.

Bill’s role in YLAD Living Soils is involved with working with customers to give expert agronomic advice as well as been a Humus Compost Consultant with the philosophy of using local waste to produce local fertiliser for local food production. Using ‘Milgadara’ as a model farm and benchmark for biological/regenerative farming has allowed us to illustrate the benefits in productivity and profit of a more natural system.

Bill is constantly working towards improving the health and well-being of the agricultural culture and the people who work in it.

Rhonda Daly - Managing director, Consultant, Sales manager & co-founder

As the founder of YLAD Living Soils Rhonda Daly is a passionate earth activist. She has built a life of purpose with a mission to transform the legacies of the land underpinned by the health of our soils.

As a survivor of toxic chemical poisoning, Rhonda realises that optimal soil health is crucial, and she strives to empower farmers with the knowledge and tools to effect long term regenerative change.

Rhonda co-founded YLAD Living Soils in October 2002 and YLAD Living Compost in 2006 to support farmers and agricultural businesses with their sustainable journey towards successful regenerative practices.

For 19 years Rhonda has engaged in an educational crusade. Providing educational opportunities to empower farmers to a more ethical, regenerative food and fibre production system whilst increasing production and profitability, are key imperatives for Rhonda.

Rhonda is respected for her comprehensive soil, root and plant agronomic knowledge in form sustainable soils and agriculture around the world but especially here in Australia.

With an infectious nature, and an ability to make even serious topics like soil tests an experience that will make you laugh, Rhonda captivates those around her, encouraging people to closely inspect their own personal learning, life choices and legacy.

As a certified Humus Compost consultant Rhonda has set up over 50 Humus Composting operations in Australia and New Zealand.

Rhonda is in demand as a speaker and educator on biological/regenerative agriculture at field days and farmers symposiums in Australia and overseas.

In addition, Rhonda gives her YLAD Living Soils customers a personalised tailored consultation, a toolbox of management skills and fertility options and ongoing support to achieve optimal success.

After 19 years Rhonda’s passion and enthusiasm for change and improvement in farming systems remains an important beacon of light in the world of agriculture.

Jim Emery – Compost Operation Manager

Jim joined YLAD Living Soils and YLAD Living Compost in November 2018 to oversee production and operations to ensure optimal functioning and continuous operation at the YLAD Living Compost Site to produce YLAD Humus Compost.

Recipe formulation, windrow building, daily monitoring and turning is Jim’s speciality area, knowing that after a full ten week cycle a quality product is produced.

Jim manages and evaluates machine resources to ensure productivity with minimal downtime.