Producer profiles
Phil and Simone Coop
"Ravensworth"
Armidale NSW 2350
phil.coop 'at' southall.org.au
Phil and Simone own and operate an organically certified beef cattle enterprise at ‘Ravensworth’ on the New England Tablelands. The property runs around 150 Murray Grey breeding cows. The calves are sold to other organically certified producers who in turn finish them for the consumer market. The calves leave Ravensworth around May each year and weights are between 200 and 250 Kg.
“We prefer to specialise in producing calves rather than trying to finish them for the meat market – Simone has a real affection for her cows”
The management of the cattle on ‘Ravensworth’ revolves around rotational grazing principles. The stock are moved every day or two to a new paddock. Other management features include the supply of all water to stock through reticulation rather than gaining access to dams or creeks.
“We really love the lifestyle that this style of management provides for our family as well as the longer term benefits for the long-term productive capacity of ‘Ravensworth”.
Richard Harrison
"Megan Nursery"
Megan NSW 2453
Located in the hamlet of Megan, near Dorrigo, Richard and his family grow several hectares of garlic and run their cattle organically. They also have a nursery where they grow a wide range of cold climate ornamental plants, and they are regulars at the monthly Sunday Markets in Armidale where they sell their plants and other produce.
Tom and Marguerite Hackett
"Kiwi Down Under"
Bonville NSW 2441
Tom and Marguerite have been organically farming their property at Bonville for over 25 years. As well as growing a wide range of sub-tropical tree crops including kiwifruit, macadamias, pecans, bananas and star fruit, they have a busy farm tourism and teahouse operation and run sheep on the farm for fibre, meat and lawn-mowing.