Tradie turned farmer builds a small, successful, sustainable farm | ABC Australia

Summary

Luke Winder, a former electrician from Sydney, transformed his life by becoming an ethical, regenerative farmer in New South Wales. Despite no prior agricultural experience, he built a multi-species farm producing chemical-free beef, pork, lamb, poultry, and sought-after free-range ducks. Luke emphasizes biomimicry, regenerative practices, and vertical integration to control production and profitability. His journey was shaped by personal loss and good fortune, with support from his wife, Pia. Luke is passionate about proving that farming can be profitable and sustainable, inspiring future generations to pursue agricultural careers while maintaining ecological responsibility.

Takeaways

• 😀 Luke Winder transitioned from being a city tradesperson to a regenerative farmer, driven by a desire to create a sustainable farming model.
• 😀 After his father's death, Luke realized his passion for farming and decided to try his hand at agriculture despite having no prior experience.
• 😀 Luke's farm, located in New South Wales' southern tablelands, focuses on ethical, chemical-free farming practices for beef, pork, lamb, and poultry.
• 😀 One of Luke's standout products is his free-range ducks, which are highly sought after by top Australian restaurants for their unique flavor.
• 😀 Luke's farming approach includes biomimicry, where he replicates natural ecosystems in his farming practices to boost productivity and sustainability.
• 😀 The land Luke purchased was initially covered in blackberry, but after trying goats and then pigs, he successfully cleared the land using natural processes.
• 😀 Luke’s farm operates on just 48 hectares but produces between 7.5 to 9 tons of protein weekly, making it highly productive despite its small size.
• 😀 Luke vertically integrates his farm's operations, from growing the animals to processing and selling them directly to restaurants and markets, ensuring profitability.
• 😀 Duck farming, especially in Australia, faces challenges, including consumer unfamiliarity and low demand for the product outside fine dining.
• 😀 Despite the financial risks involved, Luke credits his wife Pia for supporting him emotionally and financially during their transition to farming.
• 😀 Luke believes that young people can be encouraged to pursue agriculture if they can see it as a viable career with fair living wages and a sustainable lifestyle.
• 😀 The current high cost of land makes it difficult for farmers like Luke to expand, and he advocates for policies that support affordable land for food production.

Q & A

What motivated Luke Winder to transition from being an electrician to a farmer?

Luke's motivation came after the death of his father, who asked him questions that made him reflect on his passions. Despite having no ties to agriculture, he felt a deep calling to pursue farming and decided to give it a try.

What challenges did Luke face when starting his farm?

Luke faced several challenges, including financial struggles, lack of experience, and the poor condition of the land he purchased. There were many moments when he considered quitting, but he persevered due to his passion and commitment.

How did Luke's pigs help him with his farming challenges?

Luke used pigs to clear a blackberry infestation on his farm. He let them do their natural work without using chemicals or mechanical means, which ultimately led to the eradication of the blackberry problem.

What does Luke mean by 'beyond free-range' farming?

Luke's 'beyond free-range' approach emphasizes regenerative farming practices, such as using no chemicals, focusing on rebuilding ecosystems, and improving soil health. It goes beyond traditional free-range by encouraging animals to live in conditions that closely mimic natural ecosystems.

How did Luke's ducks become a sought-after product?

Luke's ducks are known for their superior flavor, which has been praised by chefs, especially during colder months when the ducks produce desirable duck fat. They are raised with minimal interference, given predator protection, and allowed to roam freely, resulting in a high-quality product.

How does Luke ensure the welfare of his ducks during their early life?

Luke raises his ducklings in a 'deep carbon brooder,' a compost heap that generates heat to keep the birds warm. The compost requires no electrical energy, relying on human effort instead, and is tilled daily to maintain its heat. The ducks are also provided with predator protection and are monitored to ensure they eat and drink.

What is Luke's strategy for managing his farm's profitability?

Luke's strategy is to vertically integrate as much of the production process as possible, allowing him to control nearly every step, from raising the animals to processing and packaging. By adding value to his products, such as turning carcasses into steaks and sausages, he maximizes profitability.

What is one of the difficulties Luke faces when marketing his ducks?

One of the difficulties Luke faces is that ducks are not commonly eaten in Australia, making it challenging to market them to everyday consumers. He has spent years trying to educate people about how easy it is to cook duck, but it remains under-consumed.

What are Luke's views on land ownership and the cost of farming?

Luke believes the high cost of land is a significant barrier to young people entering farming. He thinks that prime grazing land should be used for food production and is concerned about the unaffordability of land for new farmers. He advocates for a system where land designated for agriculture is actually used to grow food.

What is Luke's ultimate goal for the future of farming?

Luke aims to inspire others to pursue farming by demonstrating that it is possible to farm in an ecologically responsible way while maintaining financial viability. He also hopes to create a training program to teach others how to farm sustainably and earn a reasonable income from it.