Meet The Local Farmer Changing Up The Way We View Traditional Farming
So technically, Justin doesn’t LIVE on the land [although he might feel like he does considering the hours he’s putting into Duck Foot Farm recently!] but we love the whole concept of land sharing and small scale farming, so wanted to chat to Justin about what that actually looks like.
The good news?
It’s awesome for soil health, the environment and for us locals who get to eat the fruits [+and veggies] of Justin’s labour!
Here’s our chat…
1 :: Have you always been passionate about working on the land?
I always had an appreciation for nature but only started organic farming in 2007 at Moonacre’s Farm.
That’s where my passion for quality food and being on the land came from.
2 :: Where did the name Duck Foot Farm come from?
I was reading a book about agriculture and came across a weed called Goose Foot.
I thought it had an interesting ring to it, but Duck Foot came to mind, and I loved the sound of it.
I also thought ducks have large feet for a small animal symbolising the term ‘tread lightly,’ which is one of my values around land use.
3 :: Tell us more about land sharing and how that works with Duck Foot Farm.
I have three farms running now.
Interestingly, all three land holders have their own particular reason for wanting Duck Foot Farm on their property.
There is the environmental aspect, growing food on the land, building soil, health and community.
Some people have a lot of land but are not capable of maintaining it all. They have a portion of their land looked after and receive free vegetables.
One of the properties I am farming will also be a retreat. Having a beautifully managed vegetable farm on site is an attraction for potential guests.
This is a mutually beneficial arrangement, but it’s also about demonstrating we don’t need to have millions of dollars to farm or do something meaningful.
I believe small scale farming can be a viable business as well as a great lifestyle.
There is an abundance of land here in the Highlands and I believe many people would love to have this on their property.
4 :: Why do you believe creating a healthy localised food system is so important?
So many reasons!
It will take a significant strain off some of the environmental issues we face today due to aggressive large industrial farming.
Small scale farming is more inclined to use better land management practices, eliminating soil erosion, building soil biology and creating a safe environment for us and wildlife.
I believe it’s important to question everything you put into your body and understand where it came from and how it was treated, whether its fruit and vegetables, or animal products.
A localised food system means everybody living in the Southern Highlands has the opportunity to be more connected to their food, know exactly where its grown, know their farmer and support their community.
This holds a great deal of meaning.
Food is the most fundamental element of our lives. It brings us together and it nourishes us. I think that’s worth focusing on and celebrating.
5 :: What’s the most interesting thing about your work?
Soil!
Looking deep into the world of soil is not too different from studying the deepest ocean or even the cosmos.
It’s a complex network of matter and organisms coexisting and also competing.
Life building life.
Even soil scientists admit to only “understanding” 1% of what’s going on.
It’s eternally fascinating.
6 :: What’s the most challenging element of your work and business?
Money is the main issue for small scale farms.
You need to find capital and even if you have it, there is a lot of work involved in producing vegetables. It’s extremely hard to make a profit.
There is also the work life balance which can sometimes be hard to manage.
There is a LOT involved in vegetable production and it’s very easy to end up working seven days a week.
That’s definitely something I’m struggling with at the moment.
7 :: What do you love about living and working in the Highlands?
I grew up in Kiama and moved to the Highlands in 2001.
I traded the beach for the waterfalls and have no regrets.
I’ve moved around and lived in many places since but always came back.
The Highlands has just always felt like home.
Working here on the land can be very challenging but it’s the distinctive seasons that make growing and living here so interesting.
And of course the Highlands is picturesque with the foggy mornings, scattered dams, cattle and beautiful forests.
8 :: Tell us something about yourself that we would be surprised about!
I love playing table tennis, and I’m actually pretty good!
Hey gang, you can order vegetable boxes direct from Duck Foot Farm – head to their website to order online. They also supply local restaurants with fresh produce AND Justin offers a 2 week intensive course on all aspects of small scale farming AND a 3-month internship program training young aspiring farmers – very cool!
