NNNorthern Valley News
Norcia • Regans Ford • Wannamal
A festive feast of Northern Valleys flavours
Canola Harvest
Liftout Pages 13-15
Page 7
Love of pigs!
Brenden, Fletcher , Emmett & Annette Howard
december
Bindoon • Bullsbrook • Calingiri • Chittering • Gingin • Muchea • Mooliabeenie • New
To the Howard family of Wannamal, pigs are more than livestock, they are a way of life. Three generations live on the farm, working 365 days of the year, running a “grow out unit”, which is essentially a feed lot for pigs. They are one of many locals who are contract growers to Westpork, one of Australia’s largest pork producers, based at Gingin. Under the contract, Westpork supply the piglets, the feed and the Howards provide the management and infrastructure. Wannamal is one of the biggest pig areas in the state. Selected because of access to water, proximity to market and feed mills, a good sea breeze and affordable land. Brenden, the oldest son of Annette & Errol Howard, now runs the “grow-out unit” with eager assistance from his toddler son, Emmett, who spends most weekends with his dad learning the ropes from a young age. Brenden says he always wanted to farm. Lucky for dad Errol, who built the business from scratch. Brenden shares, “Dad tries to avoid the piggery like the plague, he prefers sheep and cattle and during harvest he’ll be on a truck”. Errol & Annette, are understandably proud of what they have created, having invested years of hard labor. Errol was bought up in Corrigin on a sheep, wheat and cattle property. The Wannamal sandy country wouldn’t support such farming so Errol started a 15 sow piggery. Annette recalls, “It was very small, everything was second hand, as cheap as we could do.” Annette shares, “We did it all ourselves, I’d get up at 5am, help load the pigs, I’d come home and get the kids ready for school, load them on the school bus, Errol would take the pigs to Perth and I’d be in the piggery for the day.” Today life as a “grow out unit” is about precision turnaround and adhering to strict bio security guidelines. What you’ll also find at the Howard’s is a healthy dose of family love and an obvious respect and care of the pigs. It is quite amazing to watch young Emmett walk among the piglets, seemingly oblivious to the flies and the aroma.” 750 piglets arrive every fortnight at the premises at 4 weeks and go out at 22 weeks old. They are 8 kilos on arrival and leave at 110. The workload is constant, as Brenden describes it as, “same thing, different day”. Continued page 13
GINGIN
$770,000
chittering
34 Lefroy St Gingin Sub Division potential, 6 acres on the
Gingin Brook, Gardeners paradise with over 100 fruit trees. Landscaped gardens, incl. veggie plot, potting shed and greenhouse, b/g swimming pool, big workshop, water license. Brick and iron 4 x 2 with many features. 2.4 Amorphous Solar Panel Generation and smart power connected to grid. This is an outstanding property and you will be impressed upon inspection. Tom Cabassi 0429 095 864
Lot 860 Ghost Gum Ridge, Space for the family to grow Your family will love this modern 4 x 2 ross squire home on 5 acres in Chittering Rise Estate. Gourmet kitchen, large open plan family/ meals, separate lounge and dining (or study). Wood heating and r/c air-con. Excellent ground water supply. 9M x 8m powered shed with toilet and shower. Craig Hyne 0448 825 833
4 Brockman Street, Gingin WA 6503
Ph: 08 9575 2566 Fax 08 9575 2568
$525,000
E: cabassirealty@bigpond.com W: www.cabassirealty.com
Bindoon
$485,000
4.1 Acres
19 Lakeside Grove ONE FOR THE HORSE OWNER Comfortable 4x2 Cedar & Iron home adjoining bridal trail. B/G swimming pool, split system a/c, wood heating, large entertaining area, paddocks, sheds, fantastic views and location.
gingin
$460,000
1 acre
27 Fraser Street SELF SUFFICIENCY IN TOWNSITE Great 3x1 brick & tile home in town site, new kitchen, sunroom, ducted evap a/c, dishwasher, 3.6 solar system. Outside is set up for self sufficiency with water provided from brook, sheds plus much more!
Liz Connell Realty, 27B Binda Place, Bindoon, WA 6502
P: 08 9576 0626 M: 0428 836 856 E: liz@lizconnellrealty.com