Boeuf Bourguignon, Steak Dianne and Beef Stroganoff. Mushrooms and beef have long been deemed the ultimate food pairing and this family-run farm is serving up both in droves.
Meet Alex Thompson-Welch, and Susie and Bryant Ussher of Eastwell Farms, which is found in the rolling hinterland pastures of Kin Kin and is home to a unique breed of cattle and exotic mushrooms.
“We’re a family-run regenerative farm and take real pride in producing a clean, green product for our local community. We want to ensure that as consumers, we’re eating nutrient-dense foods that are good for us and the environment too.”
- Bryant Ussher, Owner of Eastwell Farms
Oyster and Lions Maine mushrooms at Eastwell Farms
Grass fed beef that’s happy, clean and green
Hard to say, but perfect for lean, clean beef, is the Nguni breed. Indigenous to South Africa, Nguni cattle are highly regarded for their natural resistance to pests. This resistance has allowed Eastwell Farms to produce beef that’s been raised pesticide-free. Combined with the Ussher’s regenerative farming practices of chemical-free pastures and the daily rotation of the herd onto fresh new grasslands, you’ll be hard-pressed to find cleaner beef than this! The result is tastier pasture and happy, chemical-free cattle that produce high quality meat that retains the classic purity of grass-fed beef.
Alex Thompson-Welch at Eastwell Farms
A shroom with a view
The wonder of mushrooms and their nutritional benefits inspired Alex and Susie to build a new business to complement the family’s beef enterprise in 2021. Today, Eastwell is busy growing delicate Oyster mushrooms alongside the intriguing Lion’s Mane and Reishi varieties. All are highly nutritious and delicious, but it’s the Lion’s Mane that really stands out for its unique health qualities.
Looking more like a cauliflower in shape and colour, the Lion’s Mane is the hero of the fungi world – renowned for its juicy flavour and incredible health properties.
Alex Thompson-Welch at Eastwell Farms with Oyster mushrooms
Taste the trail
Eastwell is a working farm, which means you can’t just pop in anytime. However, they run regular farm trails and open days for guests to witness the regenerative farming practice in action, including the all-important produce tasting!
The Ussher's haven’t just stopped there – they’ve also created their own produce brand to market their chemical-free produce. If you head online, you’ll find their farm store packed with a huge selection of beef cuts, sausages, pies and mushrooms. All this goodness is also available at local farmer’s markets including Kin Kin Market which is the first Sunday of every month.
