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History: Five generations ago, in 1850 George Bremner’s ancestors arrived from Scotland. They worked as saw millers and farmers before deciding to purchase the current property in 1890. In each of the five generations there has always been a George Bremner working the land.
The property is named ‘Wombat Forest’ because one third of the property is bordered by the beautiful Wombat State Forest on the southern side.
Location: Wombat Forest is located on top of the Great Dividing Range at Lyonville, midway between Daylesford and Trentham, Victoria. The area’s altitude (760 m) and cool climate benefit the quality of carrots and potatoes, and helps reduce the number of pests.
Products: The property has always grown potatoes. Currently, the main crops are carrots, parsnips as well as seven varieties of potatoes: sebago, pontiac, desiree, binje, nicola, kippfler, and purple congo. Trial crops of beetroot are also grown on the farm.
Certification: Wombat Forest was first certified by NASAA in August 1991. George and Anne converted a small potato paddock to grow potatoes for local demand.
Reasons for converting to organics: When a contract with a soup processor finished, the Bremners decided to take a different direction with their growing. George was never comfortable with the recommended chemicals of the time, and felt that chemical inputs were detrimental to all forms of life. Since converting to growing organically, George and Anne have noticed a marked increase in the presence of life on their farm such as worms, frogs, and birds.
Soil and Water: The soil in the area is volcanic and is known to produce the sweet carrot for which Wombat Forest is renowned. High rainfall (100cm per year) is complemented with irrigation water sourced from spring fed dams.
Sustainability: George and Anne grow to the one-year-in-three system.
Green manure crops such as rye corn and oats are grown at the end of summer and are ploughed into the soil at the end of winter in preparation for the carrots or potatoes.
Certified organic composted fertilisers are purchased and used when required.
George and Anne regularly conduct soil analyses to determine which nutrients are needed throughout the year.
Dear Customer,
We strive to produce a product that is second to none. That’s why you should look for Wombat Forest carrots and potatoes at your local organic produce supplier.
Growing Organically: Pure as the driven snow.
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