Science meets tradition

Darryl and co-founder Mic Black have harnessed the power of electricity to sustainably influence plant growth.

Darryl said Rainstick treated seeds with electric frequencies for growers.

“Rainstick aims to mimic the natural effect of lightning and thunderstorms,” he said.

“We’re building a seed treatment machine where we treat seeds — some growers might want more roots, some want more shoots, some in dry areas want better establishment.”

Inspired by the traditions of the Maiawali people of central-west Queensland, Rainstick builds on knowledge thousands of years old — the effect of lightning on plant growth.

As global food demand rises and crop yields decline due to rising temperatures and other climate impacts, Rainstick wants to offer a chemical-free option to growers.

Darryl, whose family has a farming history, said the idea was prompted by a conversation with Mic about electro-culture.

Rainstick’s process aims to supercharge plant growth without using chemicals.

Electric fields can influence how plants grow and adapt to their environment, with Traditional Owners and farmers noticing plants grow better after a thunderstorm.

Darryl said he and Mic were working with the CSIRO and universities to validate hypotheses on why this might be.

Initially working out of Mic’s garage, the pair built the technology and discovered “some amazing results” along the way.

“I’ve got a big responsibility as chief rainmaker,” Darryl said.

“I’m driven to make this work ... part of that comes from history. My grandfather lost his farm to drought and my dad was really affected when he got his dream to go back on the farm and he got knocked around by drought.”

Rainstick is starting to run trials with growers interested in the technology.

“We’re focusing on leafy greens, lettuces and Asian greens, tomatoes and canola,” Darryl said. “We’re also building a commercial seed treatment facility where we can treat the seeds.”