In 2007 when fertiliser prices started spiralling, the Roddau's switched from urea to chicken as the main source of nitrogen on their combined dairying and commercial flower farm. Initially a cost-cutting exercise this manure is now winning favour in terms of sustainability.

Manures are a slow-release fertiliser with the nutrients from one application of chicken manure each year being released over the next four years. About half of the remaining organic nitrogen is mineralised each year. Subsequently in 2009 trials were set up on Roddau's farm by the state Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries to compare ryergrass and kikuyu yields from manure (Entec) and urea fertiliser applications. The results were surprising - see the file below.