How we farm

 

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We work with nature to revitalise our environment! 

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Nature relies on birds & animals to cycle nutrients.  We need animals in the system, and

 

At Margaret River Organic Farmer, beef cattle, sheep & laying hens rotate around our pastures in our Holistically Managed cell-grazing system. 

 

Each paddock recovers 90+ days between rotations.  Close time management is key for regenerating pastures.  A short mob grazing time is followed by a long recovery period to mimic grazing patterns in nature. 

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 Animal welfare is our priority.   We do not use medications, drenches or vaccines.  To keep our animals calm and happy, we practice low-stress stock handling techniques.  Frequent interaction with our livestock enables us to closely monitor animal, plant, soil and water dynamics and respond quickly to changing conditions.​​

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We're growing diverse perennial pastures.  To rejuvenate our soils, we use organic compost, biodynamic preparations, minerals, biological brews from MasHumus, and Elaine Ingham inspired compost teas.  We also practice minimum till and leave pasture residue to act as a mulch layer to cover & protect the topsoil. 

 

We encourage biodiversity and wildlife habitats to restore a more natural ecological balance.  Happily we've seen the return of species such as Quenda and Western Spinebill.  A tributary of the Margaret River flows through our property, and it's crucial this water catchment stays clean and free of pollutants.

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We practice closed-loop waste recycling as part of our sustainability policy.  Nothing is wasted on our farm.  In fact, when you visit you might spot piles of 'resources'!  Even our egg cartons are made from recycled cardboard and are free from single-use-plastic labels.  A small ink stamp is designed to encourage consumers to compost their cartons to make soil for their own backyards!  Waste is our pet hate and in 2013 Laura convened the Cape to Cape Plastic Free group and introduced initiatives to Margaret River like Plastic Free July, Boomerang Bags, Responsible Cafes & Wash Against Waste.

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We connect with our local community through membership of groups like Transition Town Margaret River, and we enjoy working alongside our local Shire, where Laura sat on the Sustainability Advisory Committee since 2013.  We love showcasing regenerative farming at local events, and until recently we coordinated the popular 'Sustainability Shed' community activities at the annual Margaret River Agricultural Show. 

 

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Farm tours​

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Transparency is crucial to us and we encourage you to get to know us, and ask questions about our food, our farm and our practices.  We host educational farm tours for the public as well as schools, interest groups and environmental organisations. 

 

Because the only way to truly know your farmer is to ask the questions & visit the farm.  To meet the animals, see how they live, find out what they eat (& how & where that was grown), explore what types of sprays & fertilisers are used, discover what vaccines, drenches & medications are administered (and why!).
 

We welcome everyone interested in farming & food production.  Come feel the earth.  Smell the air.  Meet your farmers.  Ask the questions.  Get on the ground and discover what goes on behind the scenes of the pretty picture on the label.  Find out what happens to your food on its’ journey from the soil to your stomach.
 

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Empty talk?

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It's wonderful to see global trends pointing towards sustainable farming.  Sadly though, terms like 'regenerative agriculture' & 'sustainably grown' have become green-washed, over-used marketing buzzwords, hijacked by financial interests. 

 

We believe that without being organic, you cannot be authentically regenerative.   If pesticides, fungicides or herbicides are used, these bio- (life) -cides (killers) are doing the opposite to regeneration.  Likewise with unnecessary medications, drenches, and synthetic fertilisers.  There is always a healthier, natural option.  The regenerative path is not fast or easy, but it's the right way forward.

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For those at a distance from their growers, organic certification currently represents the only third-party system in which consumers can feel confident that an independent auditor checks food producers are doing the right thing... 

 

However our context is a little different.  Our customers know us, they're our neighbours, our friends, our tribe.  Because we sell 99% of our produce within a 50km radius, we know our customers directly, or we sell to an independent food store, restaurant or cafe owner that knows us! 

 

And when we asked our customer base whether certification was necessary for us, the unanimous answer was no.  Our customers told us that they trust us because they have confidence we do the right thing.  They know we have 30+ years experience growing in the Organic & Biodynamic industry.  That we're certified several properties in the past.  That we go above and beyond the Australian Organic Standards in our practices.  They know they can visit our farm, talk with us and see exactly where and how our animals live.  We are so grateful to hold this trust, especially in these crazy times we deem such human connection sacred and valuable beyond measure.  Thank you for believing in us.  Trust is what holds the fragile web of our special community together.

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