Holistic Pastoral

Farm Gate News from The Holistic Pastoral Company     Hello everyone, Welcome to spring!! It’s been ages since our last newsletter, and last order update -  I’m sorry, but life has been busy!   The winter has nearly passed and we are looking out at sunshine and green grass at the moment, and are hopeful, as always, about the upcoming season ahead.     We have had many challenges to deal with over the winter, but I feel like we are getting better at responding to “farming emergencies” and seem to take them in our stride a little easier.  For us, there have been heaps of frosts, some rain, a few late nights, the usual early mornings, and some lovely patches of sunshine in between.   We have taken a rest from chickens over the winter, because of the challenges in keeping them growing well, amidst the many frosts we have had.  We are currently contemplating the next batch and when they might start, and we will certainly keep you updated on them!     Cattle Our cattle have become the focus of life here on the farm over the past season, and we have kept them moving throughout the winter from Hans Hazelnut Farm in Buxton to Harmonia Grove Olive Grove in Taggerty.    Our cattle have been growing well and our herd has increased with the addition of some more Jersey cows Fiona, and Honey, as well as their heifer calves.  These exciting additions are the start of our breeding herd, and will ensure our supply of beef for the next few years.   We love Jersey cows, because they are quite, great mums, you can milk them, and they seem to manage heat and cold really well, (as well as that they, just look cool)!     We have been milking our own Jersey House cow Eloise regularly and she has been supplying us with heaps of fresh milk that we have been drinking and making cheese from.    Milking Eloise our beautiful Jersey house cow Mike Our farming team has grown with the addition of Mike who has been volunteering and helping us out, on the properties that we are managing.   Mike travels down from Diamond Creek almost every week to help us build chook sheds, clear fence lines, set up fences, move cattle… you name it Mikes been there helping us, and has been a much-appreciated pair of hands to have on our regenerative farm. Mike has been the first person to join us in a Community Supported Agriculture agreement (CSA) whereby Mike volunteers for us in exchange for produce, farming knowledge and some fun times on the farm!   Mike Driving the tractor  CSA is Growing Interest in our Community Supported Agricultural system is certainly growing, and we’ll be catching up soon, with a heap of interested people who are keen to lend a hand on the farm, and be part of our regenerative farming system, to grow food for themselves.    It’s so exciting that so many people are supporting us through both buying our produce and in helping us farm.  It sure does feel like there is a shift happening in the world, with so many people wanting to be connected with where their food comes from.     Beef Orders Orders are now open for our regenerative beef packs. Our packs contain an assorted mix of roasting, slow cook, bbq cuts, sausages and mince.  Prices are listed below, just email or call us to place your order.  The delivery date we are aiming at will be in the first or second week of October.     Regenerative Beef Prices  5kg - $125.00 10 kg - $250.00 15kg - $375.00 Harmonia Grove Extra Virgin Olive Oil   If you’re interested in some organically grown, extra virgin olive oil to go with your regenerative beef, we have some of Harmonia Grove’s olive oil also for sale.  The team at Harmonia Grove share our passion for regenerative and organic farming practices, so much so, that we are working together to grow food in the best way that we can, for the planet.  If you care about where your foods come from, then we highly recommend Harmonia Grove Virgin olive oil.   Prices are as follows: 500ml - $17.00 1Lt - $22.00     Alexandra Farmstay Mini Fest Also a quick plug for the Alexandra Farmstay Mini Fest which is taking place at our friend’s farm on the 21stSeptember. There is heaps of live music, camping, great food and good times for young (with heaps of kids activities) and old, (Drinks and good music).  Get in touch with Neri at info@alexandrafarmstay.com.au for more info or book directly at https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=525594 We might see you there!

We'll leave you with an awesome image of a hill top that we mulched and have been resting from grazing since Autumn.  Check out the difference some rain, some carbon and some rest has made  Bye for now The Holistic Pastoral Team Autumn   Spring (now)