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Why we farm
Margaret River Organic Farmer's aim is to revive healthy
connections between country, animals and community.
By growing nutrient-rich, delicious food, we hope to help create a healthier future.
We want to show how it's possible to raise animal protein ethically in an ecologically responsible way.
Who we are
The farmily behind Margaret River Organic Farmer are Lawson Armstrong, Laura Bailey and our 3 children. We are living our dream on a small farm established in 2015 in the beautiful Margaret River region of Western Australia. From this slice of paradise, we are committed to produce good food for our family and yours.
Lawson is from a fourth generation farming family. With a degree in viticulture, he has specialised in organic and biodynamic growing since 2001. He achieved Organic certification for 3 different vineyards across Australia before moving into ethical protein farming.... switching an annual grape harvest for a daily egg harvest!
Laura is a qualified teacher & has a background in curriculum development, renewable energy & permaculture. She facilitates eco workshops on regenerative & waste-free living, including the Living Smart community sustainability course hosted by local Governments and NGOs across the south west WA region.
The lifelong passion that unites us is health; environmental, animal & human. We have volunteered & worked around the globe, undertaking extensive training with some of the world's most respected practitioners. From a range of schools of thought, we continue to learn how to best regenerate soils, grow vibrant plants, raise happy animals and nurture healthy people.
How we farm
We work with nature to revitalise our environment!
Nature relies on birds & animals to cycle nutrients. At Margaret River Organic Farmer, beef cattle, sheep & laying hens rotate around our pastures in our Holistically Managed cell-grazing system.
Each paddock recovers 90+ days between rotations. Close time management is key for regenerating pastures. We follow a short period of mob grazing by a long recovery period to mimic grazing patterns in nature.
Animal welfare is our priority. We do not use medications, drenches or vaccines. To keep our animals calm and happy, we practice low-stress stock handling techniques. Frequent interaction with our livestock enables us to closely monitor animal, plant, soil and water dynamics and respond quickly to changing conditions.
We're growing diverse perennial pastures. To rejuvenate our soils, we use organic compost, biodynamic preparations, minerals, biological brews from MasHumus, and Elaine Ingham inspired compost teas. We also practice minimum till and leave pasture residue to act as a mulch layer to cover & protect the topsoil.
We encourage biodiversity and wildlife habitats to restore a more natural ecological balance. Happily we've seen the return of species such as Quenda and Western Spinebill. A tributary of the Margaret River flows through our property, and it's crucial this water catchment stays clean and free of pollutants.
We practice closed-loop waste recycling as part of our sustainability policy. Nothing is wasted on our farm. In fact, when you visit you might spot piles of 'resources'! Even our egg cartons are made from recycled cardboard and are free from single-use-plastic labels. A small ink stamp is designed to encourage consumers to compost their cartons to make soil for their own backyards! Waste is our pet hate and in 2013 Laura convened the Cape to Cape Plastic Free group and introduced initiatives to Margaret River like Plastic Free July, Boomerang Bags, Responsible Cafes & Wash Against Waste.
We connect with our local community through membership of groups like Transition Town Margaret River, and we enjoy working alongside our local Shire, where Laura sat on the Sustainability Advisory Committee since 2013. We love showcasing regenerative farming at local events, and until recently we coordinated the popular 'Sustainability Shed' activities at the annual Margaret River Agricultural Show.
Farm tours
Transparency is crucial to us and we encourage you to get to know us, and ask questions about our food, our farm and our practices. We host educational farm tours for the public as well as schools, interest groups and environmental organisations.
Because the only way to truly know your farmer is to ask the questions & visit the farm. To meet the animals, see how they live, find out what they eat (& how & where that was grown), explore what sprays, fertilisers are used, discover what vaccines, drenches & medications are given.
So we encourage our community to join a farm tour. Feel the earth. Smell the air. Meet your farmers. Ask the questions. Get on the ground and discover what goes on behind the scenes of the pretty picture on the label. Find out what happens to your food on its’ journey from soil to your stomach.
Empty talk?
It's wonderful to see global trends pointing towards sustainable farming. Sadly though, terms like 'regenerative agriculture' & 'sustainably grown' have become green-washed, over-used marketing buzzwords, hijacked by financial interests.
We believe that without being organic, you cannot be regenerative. If pesticides, fungicides or herbicides are used, these bio- (life) -cides (killers) are doing the opposite to regeneration. Likewise with unnecessary medications, drenches, and synthetic fertilisers. There is always a healthier, natural option. The regenerative path is not fast or easy, but it's the right way forward.
We feel that organic certification represents the only current third-party system in which consumers can have real confidence that their food producers are not cutting any corners... Because of this reason, we are in conversion to organic certification. We also acknowledge we are a tiny cog in the machine and believe that we need to support the greater organic movement.
While we are not yet certified, we always have & always will go above and beyond the Australian Organic Standards in our practices.
Australian Government WA Landcare Farming Award
October 2019
‘It’s an honour to be able to recognise the great work being carried out by Margaret River Organic Farmer,’ said Dr Norrish.
‘A hugely deserved winner, they have not only significantly contributed to the protection of native flora and fauna species through on-ground, grassroots activities. But through their tireless work, Margaret River Organic Farmer is nurturing the voices of international environmental leadership and we’re incredibly proud to help shine a light on their inspiring, important efforts.’
Australian Government WA Landcare Farming Award winner Margaret Organic Farmer.
(L-R) Lawson and Laura with Keith Bradby OAM, Chair of WA Landcare Network