Farm Chats last year was a hit and we’re continuing on in the new year to chat about all things food & agriculture – you can look forward to hearing from some more panels of innovative farmers and makers, discussions on new and slightly taboo crop choices, a look at how soil health affects your health, and more to come.
Why do we do this? We’ve found ourselves in a community of like-minded humans who want to hear more in-depth discussion about food in Australia, and what better place to hold this than our urban farm in Camperdown. We believe that real-life interaction, conversations and local Australian stories will allow us to take discussion and action to the next level. So get on board, come to a farm chat to be well watered and filled with ideas.
On the week of International Women’s Day, we’re bringing you a chat with WOMEN WHO FARM - showcasing just a smidgeon of Australia’s impressive women working in various agricultural fields. The discussion will be focused around what these incredible women are doing with their work and empowering women and young girls to pursue a career in what has been generalised as a masculine gendered field for years.
When: Wednesday March 6th, at 6pm. Panel will finish by 8pm and beers & chats are welcome to continue.
Cost: $20
Provided: Your first drink (thanks to our brewing mates Young Henrys) + nibbles
Bring: Coins for beer donations. All donations go directly to our school education program.
THE PANEL
BELINDA SHEEKEY (Singing Seeds Farm) is a first-generation farmer, currently tending a small market garden on Yuin country, on the far south coast of NSW. Driven by a passion for local food security, Bel sells her veg direct to local customers through her own weekly veg box program.
JO LANE ‘The Kelp Lady’ from Sea Health Products wild harvests and processes kelp products on the South Coast of NSW. With experience as a seal trainer and diver, she carries on the legacy of the ‘Original Kelp Lady’ Betty Long and her innovative use of kelp for food products. Jo is soon to travel the world with the Churchill Fellowship to continue researching kelp farming systems and bring them back to the east coast to establish the first in-ocean kelp farm in Australia.
JESS MICALLEF of Camden Valley Veal and A Smart Farmer . Jess and partner Luke raise milk-fed pastured calves on the edge of Sydney, and take their mobile dairy classroom on the road to teach kids about the dairy industry. Jess and Luke built the farm from the ground up and their veal continues to win produce awards, a testament to their commitment to good pasture and milk nourishment for their calves!
RITA KELMAN of Rita’s Farm. Rita and her family grow organic vegetables on the outskirts of Sydney. With 20 years experience, she supplies numerous farmers markets in Sydney and Canberra as well as veg box delivery services. Rita loves what she does and is every keen to share that love with others.
WITH CONVERSATION DRIVEN BY
SOPHIE HANSEN is a freelance food writer, home cook and fledgling photographer. She lives with her family in Orange, NSW where she and her partner raise deer according to holistic practices with their business Mandagery Creek Venison. Sophie has years of experience working in journalism, advocacy and communications and in 2016 was named the Australian Rural Woman of the year. Sophie has a TON to share about restorative farming practices and the people behind those practices. There will be a few advance copies of her new book A Basket By The Door available for perusal on the night.