Tracing the Legacy: A Historical Perspective on Bendigo Fresh
Todays report is of a different nature, taking a turn into some history of our farming family.
The Phillips family farm, Bendigo Fresh Farms, began in 1955 on 10 acres in Kangaroo Flat where a bumper crop of tomatoes propelled our success toward becoming passionate producers.
Austin Phillips began farming tomatoes with the help of his neighbour and soon employed many locals to keep up to the demand.
In 1975 he purchased the current property in Maiden Gully, a 40-acre Apple Orchard. After restoring the soil and watering systems with much trial and error, the farm produced a number of products. Carrots, Tomatoes, Lettuce, Cauliflower, Onions and Parsnips were all trialled.
When we first planted lettuce, 4 cents was the going rate per lettuce. Austin sold his entire crop for $80. With that money he soon realised he would need to plant a crop per week to make a go of it.
A family story that is fondly recalled is the making of the Cauliflower/Cabbage planter. After seeing a machine at the Elmore field days for a few hundred dollars, Austin thought he could make something similar himself. Made from scrap steel for a mere $2, this planter was revolutionary for our development. Still in full working order it will go down in our history as the most cost effective machine.
In 1984 Gavin Phillips, the youngest son of Austin took over the operations. New tractors, trucks and forklift were all necessary and helped to mechanise our farm. The years of drought were tough but he adapted to the conditions finding new varieties that would thrive in the Bendigo extremes. Salad Onions were an addition to the current major products, these not only took up less footprint but were not commonly grown. Thus leaving an opportunity to create a market.
Growing, harvesting and selling 80,000 cauliflower and cabbage throughout winter, 140,000 lettuce, 96,000 onions in summer keep us all head down and bum up! (A common saying in the paddock as we manually harvest the crops)
During the last 10 years the 3rd generation Annie, Ricky & Rochelle have all found their niche working in the family business.
Pete & Rochelle originally began the wholesale and home delivery arms of the business, which has now grown to a major part of the daily operations.
Annie is now also co-owner and has been a leader in developing our retail sector in both home delivery and our store. The past year has seen us expand into the picturesque regional town of Swan Hill, where we have been warmly welcomed and supported by locals in what has always been the towns local fruit and veg shop.
As general manager Rick now find himself overseeing our team which we feel honoured to say, includes our both our Mum & Uncle.
It’s a genuine privilege to work together as a family and brings joy to our daily life.
Working hand in hand we grow, transport and supply for each other. Together it is our mission to bring QUALITY to the homes of Bendigo and beyond.