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Location: Cudgen Organics is located on the far north coast of NSW, just minutes inland from Kingscliff Beach, and 10 minutes from the Queensland border. The property has views of the Pacific Ocean in one direction and Mt Warning in the other.
History: Ken’s grandfather first purchased the property in the early 1920s. Since then the farm has been handed down from generation to generation. Ken first started farming at an early age when his father became ill. It was originally a sugar cane farm, which grew small crops only when the ground was being rested. The sugar cane market crashed in the early 1980s causing Ken and Lyndel to switch to full time vegetable growing.
Sustainability: Family health was an important factor in converting to growing organically. As was the fact that they didn’t want to be part of the ‘chemical round-a-bout’, where the use of fertilisers and synthetic sprays became increasingly necessary to produce crops.
Certification: The Smalls first converted to growing organically in the late 1980s. Trialing products for a company, which supplies certified organic growing products, eased the conversion process. Ken and Lyndel received their certification from BFA in 1990.
Products: Mild frost-free winters and hot wet summers enable sweet potatoes, peas, beans, and zucchini to be grown at Cudgen Organics.
Pests: Ken and Lyndel say the best resistance to pests is a healthy plant fed by healthy soil. They provide wildlife corridors as a preventative measure and use Neem oil when necessary.
Water and Soil: Cudgen is an indigenous Australian word that means ‘red soil’. This is the volcanic soil that is found throughout the farm. Rain water (average of 165cm per year) and spring fed dams are used to irrigate the property.
Crop rotation: Like most organic farms, crop rotation is used to maintain the health of the soil. Soil tests and previous and experience allow Ken and Lyndel to decide which crops to plant next. Because Ken and Lyndel grow peas and beans, a legumus cover crop is not used. Cover crops such as Saia Oats and Jap Millet are grown.
Composting: Ken and Lyndel make their own compost. They buy chicken manure mixed with sawdust, which they compost according to the conditions stipulated by their certifying authority.
Short and long term goals: Ken and Lyndel are happy to continue what they are doing. They are always working hard to improve the quality of their produce and their way of life. The long term goal is to teach as much as they know to their children in preparation for the next generation to take over the farm.
Dear Customer,
We grow a sound nutritional product, which is grown in conjunction with nature to protect the environment and us.
If you choose to buy Cudgen Organic produce you know that the Smalls are putting in 100% effort to produce it.
Growing Organically: Food for life
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