Back in 2013 after losing our beloved dog Sunny way too soon, my husband and I did some serious soul searching and is the reason we took the leap and bought a farm! The journey we went on with our Sunny, meant much time was spent researching options to halt progression and help alleviate his symptoms. We discovered the importance of organic foods, herbal supplements and many complementary and alternative medicines as tools on our journey. We highly value the benefits of holistic care and we carry this values through in the decisions we make with all the flora and fauna that call the farm home.
So the bungalow went on the market! Within couple of weeks we had accepted an offer and agreed to purchase the farm.
We found ourselves at the bottom of a no through the road, in the middle of nowhere, on what felt like an expanse of wilderness. Chicken barns and buildings that were just waiting, in hibernation. This was beyond my wildest dreams!! My husband Gideon was more reserved, he is the cautious one, however with encouragement and support from Gideons Dad, who could see the possibilities and I will be eternally grateful to, meant the adventure began.
We were overwhelmed with the rows and rows of fruit trees, abundance soft fruit bushes, meadows and paddocks covered with lush green grass. The many, many weeds (still here) dispersed thoroughly and overgrown vegetation throughout the farm meant the hardest work of ours lives , thus far was about to begin and a complete change in lifestyle.
All this and being first generation ‘farmers’ or probably my preferred title ‘complete trainee’, was more than a little overwhelming! The farm and how it has evolved and diversified to try to continue to stay ‘above the water’ continues challenge us!
Our Background
Gideon’s background and studies were in engineering, this has meant he has been very useful with all the machinery break downs and constant maintenance required. His knowledge of mechanics, plumbing, carpentry and electrics with heaps of resourcefulness to boot, has meant he had put this to good use over the last decade and been indispensable on the farm!
When it comes to caring for dozens of animals and the orchards though, he was not in his comfort zone. This is where I could bring some value in. My passion and studies have always surrounded animal care, welfare and behaviour, also studies in ecology and conservation. I love the physicality of the job, always in motion and never knowing what surprises the day may bring…
With our joint knowledge and experience, we had a team that could pull together on our strengths and help with each other’s weaknesses..
This has been and continues to be a deep learning experience, each day brings new challenges and well as a journey of healing. No better place than being surrounded by nature.