How we roll

At Chef2Farmer, we do things a little differently.

We believe in holistic management; all elements of our farm co existing in interactive harmony.

Read more about one of the many 'Aha!' moments that made us shift as far away as possible from traditional farming methods here.

Holistically planned grazing

Healthy, nurtured soils are what makes the rest of it possible.

By moving our livestock on every 24 hours, we ensure grasses aren't overgrazed. This maximises carbon content, meaning soils are fertilised and root systems improved without doing damage to the natural environment.

Placing animals in a smaller area for a short period ensures they graze on all species of pasture, giving our cattle a balanced diet and achieving high animal impact in the designated area.

Although our methods are labour intensive, they provide our animals the life nature intended, and keeps them happily foraging on fresh grasses, completely pesticide free.

Reclaiming our forests

Our pigs do the heavy lifting for us. Their natural instinct to dig, wallow and root around has completely transformed the scrub and overgrowth in the dense timbered areas of the property. Invasive species are decimated, soils fertilised and ground turned, all without machinery. While working away, our pigs are fed a locally milled low GMO grain and are free to graze all day on our diverse pastures.

We always follow the pigs with a multi species cover crop of grasses, legumes, forbes, brassicas and flowers, tailored specifically for the type of landscape they've just grazed.

Rest + Regeneration

Planning also ensures we give pastures sufficient time to recover & regenerate. This time can range anywhere between 60- 120 days depending on time of year. Planning begins months before the animals step foot in the paddock.

Once an area has rested and the cover crop grown tall enough the next grazing species is moved on in.

Chickens

We completely bypass the need for chemical fertilisers by moving in natures best; the meat chickens.

Our chickens are moved daily to ensure they are clean, happy and healthy and to also get the most out of their poop!

Chicken manure adds natural nitrogen, phosphorous & potassium along with trace elements of zinc, copper & magnesium to our soils, whilst they devour any bug in their path; no pesticides needed.

We make the bedding for the brooders with local wood shavings and once used we use the bedding to form contour banks to slow water movement down on our hills. This process increases water retention in our soil and helps drought and flood proof our property.

Improving waterways

Connection to our cherished coastal lifestyle has deepened the commitment to improve the waterways we are caretakers of.

Hear more about this on Todd's recent episode of Fishing Australia Podcast 'On The Sauce'.