Pastures are already pretty green in New Zealand, but this newly married couple wanted to find something extra special. They landed on Gippsland in Victoria where dairy farming became their main source of income, but they value added, bringing in a pick your own strawberry patch, on-farm café, petting zoo and playground. If it all sounds very family friendly, it's because Nicole and Brendan Saunders know a thing or two about kids, having four of their own. Nicole from The Berry Dairy joins me to discuss:
- Moving from New Zealand to have a better life here in Australia.
- Nicole shares her favourite place on her farm.
- In 2018, Nicole and Brendan were newly married and she shares why they decided to move to Australia.
- Brendan grew up on a dairy farm and Nicole is also a generational dairy farmer.
- Diversifying into agritourism and the beginnings of 'The Berry Dairy'.
- The range of people they see coming through and what to expect on a family-friendly day out.
- As well as strawberry picking, customers can have a meal at their on-farm café where 90% of the produce is locally sourced.
- This model has earned them some impressive awards and, the response they have received.
- The highs and lows of the last 12 months and Nicole's openness when it comes to the struggles.
- Strawberries, although generally seasonal have been growing almost all year round.
- What Nicole loves most about life on the land.
- A common misconception about farmers.
- The most unexpected thing to happen since starting.
- Nicole's ultimate dream for the future of The Berry Dairy.
We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.
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