We are proud to represent a small but diverse range of sustainable, ethical foods produced on farms and thoughtfully harvested from our own Australian landscapes.
We only work with animals in the way nature intended: naturally. This means no chemical intervention unless critical to the animal’s health or welfare. No prophylactic antibiotics, no growth promotants, no hormones. No unnecessary antibiotics. Pastures that are free of synthetic pesticides, fertilisers, and herbicides. Clean land where pasture grazing stock or game can roam, be it on rotational pasture or open fields, encouraging natural rejuvenation, optimum soil fertility and plant growth.
Very few of our farmers are ‘certified’ organic. Regenerative farming goes well beyond the catchphrase that has come to represent very little in the table meat community. Rather, our animals are naturally fed – a diet that is indigenous to the breed of animal, and one that does not rely on purchased feed grown outside the farm. Oftentimes, small producers raising limited or seasonal produce find organic certification cost-prohibitive. Instead, they embrace biodynamic, regenerative farming without seeking certification. We guarantee that each and every farm is running breeding, growth and life systems that are ethical, natural and sustainable.
Each of our farms is family-owned, and our produce is always raised by those that run the land. Our hunters and harvesters are fully trained in ethical animal collection. We like our animals to be happy.
MICHAEL & KATHRYN SOMMERLAD – FOUNDERS OF SOMMERLAD CHICKEN
Until late 2017 the Sommerlad family personally managed, bred, and developed their exclusive heritage table poultry for the Australian market. Diverse pedigree strains, specifically bred to thrive in free-range pasture rearing environments, well suited to Australian climatic conditions. Sommerlad chickens are, by nature, active foragers. They boast long, strong legs, colourful plumage and walk tall and proud due to pasture grazing and a natural diet. Unlike commercial strains, Sommerlad birds are naturally slow grown for 10-12 weeks before processing. At a time when nearly all chicken farmed and eaten in our country comes from the same imported genetic stock, Sommerlad chicken represents a quiet revolution in Australian chicken farming. Sommerlad chickens are used in many of the top restaurants in Australia.
HERB AND LUCY MACKENZIE – UGOOSE
The fourth-generation family farm Seaforth borders the tiny town of Llangothlin, outside of Guyra, NSW, where Herb and Lucy take pride in nurturing their birds from the naturally laid eggs under the Eucalyptus Gums in the paddocks right through to plump, flavoursome geese for the table. Winner of the 2017 & 2016 NSW Producer of the year awards for Delicious Magazine; 2016 Winner of Best New Business; the MacKenzies were selected to take part in the SBS Television series and book “For the Love of Meat” by Matthew Evans. Lucy and Herb also grow and finish the giant Muscovy ducks, prized for their rich, sweet flesh, and Lucy’s range of charcuterie is handmade in the family kitchen using 100% Aussie produce. UGoose is the only fully integrated goose meat operation in Australia.
BRYAN & KIM KISS – GRASSLAND POULTRY
Bryan and Kim Kiss run “Meramie”, a 1500ha farm at an altitude of 540m to 640 in the foothills of the Central West Slopes and Plains, NSW. Their property vision is to maintain an environmentally friendly and productive farm with healthy perennial pastures. It’s a return to nature in many ways with a simple, low input philosophy that involves synergistic projects that benefit each other and the land. Their aim is to be better than organic (yes, that is possible, says Kim), and to have a balanced active connection to everything they do. Grassland Poultry are fully PROOF certified and believe in having access to healthy, ethically grown food that tastes great. Grassland’s product is truly healthy and regenerative, with animal welfare and sustainable farming taking priority.
JONAS WIDJAJA – FAIR GAME WILD VENISON
Based on the northeast NSW coast, Jonas brings us premium quality, wild-caught venison delivered straight from the wilderness. Un-farmed, all-natural, free from added hormones and antibiotics, Jonas’ produce originates from wild grazing animals with unrestricted access to native Australian bush-food and prime grazing land. Our field harvesters work with landholders to control deer numbers on their properties, reducing grazing competition with livestock and crop damage in horticultural enterprises. In recognition of the quality, ethos and sustainability of the product, Fair Game was recently awarded a Gold Medal at the Delicious. Produce Awards 2020.
JOHN & CHRISTINE KERSLEY – HILLTOP HERITAGE
The Kersleys live on remote Kangaroo Island, overlooking the 360-degree views of both bush and the Southern Ocean, on a 200-acre bush block on the Dudley Peninsula. With just 30 acres able to be used, the remaining 170 acres is Heritage listed. It is here the lucky birds of Heritage Hill Partridge and pheasants breed, hatch and grow to maturity before being processed and sent to our foodservice clients.
BETH & HAYDEN McMILLAN – BURRAWONG GAIAN
Pekin Ducks: Burrawong Gaian is an award-winning , vertically integrated Humane Choice accredited poultry farm near Bellingen on the Eastern Coast of New South Wales, that pride them selves on sustainable organic farming practices. Their produce is raised in a natural open range environment, allowing them to forage and express their character. They are free from chemical additives, artificial hormones and medications. The McMillans support the Rare Breeds Trust providing ethically produced food, and process poultry on site.
JUSTIN & RITA PORKER – KINMANA ORGANIC FARM
Justin and Rita Porker run Kinmana Organic Farm with their 5 home-educated children in the Mallee of South Australia. Their philosophy is simple: “Our farming methods reflect our desire and commitment to provide e a safe and sustainable place for future generations.” Justin is a fourth generation Mallee farmer, and Rita is from organic farming background in central Queensland. Together, they have developed a specialised farming system to suit the delicate Mallee environment, thus ensuring a balance of production and maintaining ecology. Dedication to organics began for the couple over a decade ago when Justin’s health necessitated changes. His personal journey with severe chemical sensitivity makes him committed to producing 100% natural, chemical-free meat available for others to enjoy. Kinmana are fully PROOF certified.
