When an engineer becomes a farmer, you expect it to be well researched and planned to perfection. However, today’s guest bought her little patch of Beechworth in Victoria within a week of seeing it advertised in 2009. The parcel of land was 12-acres, so she had to get creative, choosing two niche crops that don’t need much space. Artisan table olives and prized saffron have been her bread and butter ever since. Incredible, considering she had never even tried saffron prior! Gamila MacRury has just finished the year’s saffron harvest, which can require picking up to 3 times a day. Today we discuss the magic that is Gamila at Beechworth.
Gamila’s favourite place on the farm.
She grew up working in Apple orchards in the region and has always had a love for this part of the world.
Gamila shares the unique story of purchasing her farm in 2009, which is only 100 metres by 500 metres, at a very young age.
She is an engineer by trade and has found creative problem solving has given her the skills to build her farm.
The farm is 12 acres, so Gamila needed to make the choice to grow niche crops that don’t need a lot of space, one of those was table olives.
The journey to producing the exotic Saffron, which is mostly produced by Iran.
The challengers in growing Saffron and why the harvests are incredibly time consuming and a very delicate process.
Gamila’s favourite thing about life on the land.
The most unexpected event where Liz, her cattle dog, had notified Gamila of a fire out of control in the yard.
The two most common misconceptions about Saffron.
Gamila’s ultimate dream for the future of her farm.
Gamila’s ultimate dream for the future of her farm.
We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.
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