Nicole and Brendan Saunders took a leap from New Zealand's fertile farmland to Gippsland, Victoria, driven by a shared passion for farming. Although Brendan's dairy roots were deep, Nicole's journey into agriculture was less conventional.
"I swore I'd never be a dairy farmer and never be a dairy farmer's wife," she laughs.
I went and studied law. And here I am.
The couple's bold vision for The Berry Dairy has transformed their farm into a family-friendly agritourism destination, blending dairy farming with unique attractions. With 25,000 strawberry plants, the farm also features a petting zoo with farmyard animals, a playground for children, and a bustling café offering local treats.
"We didn't want all our eggs in one basket," Nicole explains. "We wanted the other business we diversified into to complement the dairy as well, which I think the Berry Dairy does well." Having four children of their own has also given some unique insight into what families want.
Local ingredients are at the heart of the farm's offerings.
"Over 90% of our ingredients are locally sourced," Nicole proudly notes, underscoring their commitment to supporting the community. The café serves a full menu alongside delicious desserts, with a range of local products also available in the gift shop, including their own dairy beef, local eggs, and sourdough bread.
The business is open seven days a week from November to April, offering visitors a chance to pick strawberries throughout the season.
"We've now got five patches of strawberries and a petting zoo with chickens, goats, and more," Nicole shares, describing the farm's expansive and interactive offerings.
However, the past 18 months have brought challenges. Global market shifts, rising interest rates, and severe flooding have tested the Saunders' resilience.
"You don't become an expert sailor without experience in rocky seas," Nicole reflects.
Once we've worked our way through these challenges, I think that's a story we'll really want to share with others.
These obstacles have not been easy, but the Saunders are committed to overcoming them and using their journey to inspire others in similar situations.
Like many farmers, they've also faced industry challenges, including fluctuating milk prices.
"The interest rates and the milk price drop have been hard for everyone," Nicole acknowledges. "But we're staying resilient, and we're hoping that by sharing our experience, we can help others who are going through similar struggles." As the Saunders continue to grow their farm and explore new ventures, including a potential line of pasteurized milk in refillable glass bottles on site, their commitment to diversification remains strong.
"We didn't want just to be a traditional dairy farm," Nicole says.
We wanted to offer something unique, and I think we've done that with The Berry Dairy.
Today, the farm attracts a diverse range of visitors, from elderly groups seeking a quiet day out to couples enjoying a unique date experience.
"People come out on dates, pick strawberries, visit the petting zoo, and have a drink or two-something a bit different than just going to the movies," Nicole says.
The future looks promising for The Berry Dairy, with the Saunders determined to continue innovating, diversifying, and sharing their journey with the broader farming community. Their story is a testament to the hard work, vision, and resilience needed to thrive in agriculture and beyond. Their vision has earned them many community and industry awards, which is testament to their sweet success.
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