CROPPING

World-first application for lupins

Lupins are being value added and turned into high-protein food for human consumption.

Staff writer

This article is 5 years old. Images might not display.

As the nation's only processor of albus lupins as a food product, Lupins for Life, will be dishing up its new range to visitors at the Farm Gate Produce Market at this year's Henty Machinery Field Days (HMFD).

The Brocklesby, NSW, grain grower behind Lupins for Life, Gary Drew, will be at Henty to meet with field day visitors and launch the company's latest product, Toasted Protein Flakes.

The business embodies the true spirit of paddock to plate, low food miles and local expertise.

"Those flakes have been sown in local soil, harvested by local farmers, and carted to the local town for processing and packaging,'' Lupins for Life managing director Roger Drew said.

The Drew family has been growing lupins as a traditional break crop in their rotation since the 1980s. They grow high-yielding Rosetta and Luxor sweet albus lupins, boasting protein levels of more than 40 per cent.

Catering for the gluten free market, much of the Lupins for Life range is Coeliac Australia and New Zealand approved, and milled at the company's Jindera, NSW, plant.

"There was no blueprint for a process which steams, rolls and toasts a whole kernel,'' Drew said.

"The resulting lupin flake can be blended through a muesli mix, eaten with yoghurt, as a salad topper, used in baking or add texture to main meals and desserts.

"The protein level at 43 per cent is higher than steak and it has a low glycemic index, giving a feeling of fullness.''

Last year's HMFD was the first public debut for the company, showcasing their range of lupin flour, semolina, crumb, kibble and flakes.

TOPICS:

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

editions

Research Report: Cordless Impact Wrenches (July 2025)

Six battery-powered impact wrenches were bench tested in this month's Research Report, focusing on their ability to get nuts done up and undone.

editions

Research Report: Mouse Bait Applications (June 2025)

Mice remain a significant issue for cropping regions and the June Research Report, supported by an investment from the Grains Research and Development Corporation, brings together the latest research and practical recommendations for bait spreading and machinery performance to help growers improve mouse control strategies.

editions

Research Report: Farm Labour (May 2025)

Farm labour, whether temporary, casual, contract or permanent staff, is an essential part of agriculture. This Research Report provides insights to help better source and manage one of the farm’s most valuable assets – its people.

editions

Research Report: Sheep Yards (April 2025)

This month's Research Report includes more than a dozen case studies of new sheep yard builds and renovations from around the country. There are plenty of ideas to make the handling of stock more efficient and stress-free.