Little Farm, as the name suggests, is a small (17 acre), developing, hobby farm, home and horticultural project on the edge of Trentham Village in Central Victoria. It is something of a realised dream after spending many decades working in and around horticulture and nature conservation. The property which is a 20 minute walk into Trentham, has provided an opportunity to explore food production (currently blueberries) alongside ornamental gardening and landscaping, with the aim of eventually showcasing small scale organic, sustainable practices right on the edge of a significant Central Victorian tourist town. Several paid workers are making a significant contribution to the project alongside some wonderful Wwoofers. Brad shares the property with two exuberant dogs named Rudy and Dermot, a bunch of chooks and a growing flock of ducks.
Being a WWOOF host is enjoyable, productive and mutually beneficial on many levels. One of the significant way’s it’s been beneficial for me is by enabling me to get more enjoyment from living on my property. The bigger tasks become less onerous and there’s more time to enjoy the ‘fine tuning’ and tasks which benefit from more attention to detail. Blueberries are picked from January to March and mostly sold at the Castlemaine weekly Farmer’s Market. This time of year is particularly good for WWOOFers to stay and the assistance is particularly appreciated.
Organic/Biological methods we use
‘Little Farm’ has been described as a farm restoration project. Practices aim to continuously improve soil health after a history of conventional potatoe farming and grazing. Main practices are ongoing mulching with lucerne and pasture grasses, composting, use of worm castings and worm wee, chicken ‘processing’ of soft weeds and use of commercially available organically certified fertilizers. Sprays are limited to the use of pyrethrum, occasionally, over about a three week period during spring, and only on ornamentals.
Skills WWOOFers can learn here
Organic practices & techniquesRegenerative Agriculture practices & techniquesGardeningCompostingSoil conservationPropagatingMulchingPruningEnvironmental recovery/regeneration workWorm farmingPoultry careUsing & caring for toolsBuildingHandymanFermenting foodsMarketing produce
Farm type
Small/Non-commercial farm
Farming methods
Organic
Courses & Events
Courses are currently not held at Little Farm but the local Trentham Neighbourhood Centre offers a wide range of courses including regenerative farming, many aspects of gardening, fitness classes and a wide range of activities.
The Stay
3 WWOOFers
2-4 weeksWhatever suitsLonger stays by negotiation
In Our HomeCaravan
No Smoking InsideChildren allowed by arrangementPets allowed by arrangement
The Stay
Share most mealsShare cooking
Mixed mealssome meatsome vegetarianBYO Special diet foods pleaseVegetarian mealsVegan meals
