Our story begins with a woman who grew up on the farm but initially took a path away from agriculture. After pursuing a career outside farming, Lucy found herself consistently drawn back to the land that had defined her early life. In her 30s, she returned to her family’s farm in Bordertown on the Limestone Coast, driven by a desire to live and work in an environment that felt like home. But she also knew she needed a way to sustain this new chapter. With the farm already focused on cattle, she decided to try something different—poultry farming. Chickens seemed manageable, requiring less initial investment than other ventures, allowing her to start with a modest setup and grow over time.
Building a Business from Scratch
In July 2019, she left her full-time job and committed to turning Lowan Park Produce into a reality, joining the Adelaide Hills Farmers market a few months later in November. Like any entrepreneurial journey, it took time to build momentum. She experimented with a few trial runs, learning along the way about the nuances of poultry farming, particularly raising meat birds. Starting small and expanding cautiously allowed her to mitigate risks while gradually increasing her income, setting her business on a solid foundation.
A Holistic Farming Approach
The core of Lowan Park’s philosophy is regenerative agriculture—working in harmony with nature to improve the land’s health. Lucy uses a pasture-raised model, where chickens are moved to fresh pasture every day. This method not only benefits the birds but also enriches the soil, creating lush grass for the cattle that graze after them. This interconnected, sustainable system reflects her commitment to leaving the land healthier and more vibrant than she found it.
A Platform for Women in Agriculture
As a female-led business, Lowan Park also carries a message about opportunity and inclusivity in farming. She advocates for more people, especially women, to explore agriculture. Her work has shown that farming isn’t confined to one type of person or traditional background; it’s a field open to anyone with the passion and drive to make it work.
The Heart of the Community: The Farmers’ Market
The Adelaide Hills Farmers Market has played a significant role in Lowan Park’s growth and outreach. The market offers more than just sales; it builds community and creates connections between producers and the community. Lucy loves interacting with her customers and sharing the story behind the food they eat. Many customers have supported her from the start and continue to buy from her week after week. Over time, this connection has fostered a customer base that values understanding where their food comes from and the sustainable practices behind it.
The market has also been pivotal in spreading awareness of her brand, with her stall being a place where people gather, ask questions, and learn about the care and passion that goes into every product. Although Lowan Park has a wholesale business, the farmers market remains the heart of her customer base and a hub for direct engagement.
A Place in the Future
Reflecting on the journey, she expresses gratitude for the support of the market and her loyal customers over the past five years. The community has been a source of motivation, helping to shape her business and create meaningful friendships. Seeing people make conscious, informed choices about their food is a daily reminder of the positive impact Lowan Park can have.
In the years ahead, Lowan Park Produce Poultry Farm will continue to nurture both the land and its community. What began as a leap of faith has evolved into a thriving business, a platform for women in agriculture, and a model of regenerative farming that inspires others to consider a more sustainable path.
Find Lowan Park Produce at the Adelaide Hills Farmers Market Every Saturday morning 8.30am to 12.30pm at 23 Mann Street, Mount Barker.