THE FARM
Howieson Farm was not an enterprise that was intentionally created, it just kind of happened!
We purchased an existing stone fruit property that was set up growing apricots and peaches to be cut and dried and supplied to Angus Park. Neither of us had a farming background, but at least Farmer G had green thumb and a keen eye for detail.
Our first season we produced 5 tonnes of dried apricots and 1 tonne of dried peaches and nearly wore ourselves out in the process. Over the next few years we changed some of the varieties we had planted and in 2011 began selling some of our Elberta peaches as fresh fruit, and the rest, as they say, is history!
We have put in place some very important criteria for the fruit the we produce and sell:
- Most varieties we grow have been around for years and stood the test of time
- Fruit is allowed to ripen on the tree before being harvested
- Fruit is not allowed to be stored in the cool room for more than a few days if it is to be sold at market
- Fruit that has spent more than 5 days in the cool room is cut and dried
- We will not cover fruit in chemical sprays to produce ‘pretty’ fruit
Our top priority is flavour, not looks!
Categories
- Stone fruit – apricots, peaches, nectarines
- Citrus – blood oranges
- Apples
- Dried Fruit – apricot & peach, fruit treats
- Jams & marmalade
- Garlic