2024 has been another productive and most enjoyable year at ‘the farm’ - known to the public as Peak Organics.
As well as lots of time spent playing in the garden plots, we have witnessed and welcomed a diverse range of visitors – human and in other life forms!
The farm offers a nice way to connect Ivorys Rock with the local community and general public, and this has strengthened over the years. Regular local shoppers call in to purchase the nutrient dense produce and our VA products. We again participated in some local events and welcomed hundreds of delightful visitors to the ‘Destination Scenic Rim Farm Gate Trail’ day in late winter.
Several high school groups visited throughout the year in conjunction with the curriculum unit of ‘Paddock to Plate’ which addresses food security, biomes, sustainability and so on. These bookings have occurred over several years.
This year some students excelled in their engagement with the topic, asking some probing questions as to how we deal with issues such as our carbon footprint off setting and utilising and conserving natural resources – very refreshing to witness.
Rosellas were harvested in the autumn and the new season’s large plot has just been planted in the spring. Fingers are always crossed that they will come through and provide a good harvest in April – juggling with El Nino or La Nina can be a dance.
Improvements have been taking place. Some deteriorated garden edging has been upgraded and pavers laid to replace temporary ground coverings, which is safer and much more aesthetic. We keep the focus on making the farm attractive among the ongoing activities.
Fire ants have been a major hindrance over the past few years. Due to an increase in their presence in 2024, and after much serious research, we have had success. We are confident that a non-chemical approach is genuinely do-able.
Use of specialised equipment that forces steam under immense pressure deep into the nests to kill the queen has given satisfactory results. We are relieved to see evidence of the imploded and now non active nests. A big win for our organic status and a reassuring approach if we have to deal with future issues.
Attendees at the international peace event in September were invited to use the farm as a place to chill out between events each day. Some guests returned each day to enjoy the quiet zone and ambience. The nature photographers delighted in what they discovered perched or sleeping in trees just over the farm fence or hopping by in the area.
The seasons and weather have been irregular at times, and therefore challenging. However produce has continued to be grown and harvested and a regular financial contribution has been made each month to Ivorys Rock.
Our volunteers are an amazing (though small) bunch of helpers who are sincerely valued and appreciated for all of their efforts and the positive outcomes. As well as having heaps of enthusiasm and delight for the project, the farm team has a solid underpinning of knowledge and skills in regenerative growing practices.
Casual and regular helpers are always welcome - there is a diverse range of tasks that can suit many levels of fitness. You are invited to find out if this is a team that interests you!
