NNNorthern Valley News
Norcia • Regans Ford • Wannamal
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january
Two for the price of one
Splash test at the Maze
2014
Bindoon • Bullsbrook • Calingiri • Chittering • Gingin • Muchea • Mooliabeenie • New
Making a success of family farming
Marty, Karen & Brendan Van Beek and a trailer load of patient rams off to do their job at the Mogumber property. Jackie Shervington
For Karen and Marty van Beek who have raised 4 boys; the desire of oldest boy Brendan and second oldest Bradley to farm was welcomed and has inspired the family to expand their farming properties.
To celebrate the start of 2014 and the International Year of Family Farming, we are pleased to share the story of the van Beeks. Most images of family farmers show a husband and wife, young children on hip, and bright with the promise of a farming future. Unfortunately the reality often sees children drift away from the farm, and seek work further afield.
What started as a pig and sheep farm in the light sandy soils of Gillingarra, west of the railway line, has expanded to include a cropping and sheep farm in Mogumber and more recently the pending acquisition of another 4,500 acres property north of Gillingarra for cropping and sheep.
The van Beek family pictured above offer a picture of sustainable family farming; the next generation choosing to continue the tradition of life on the land.
gingin
A formidable result when you consider Marty & Karen are first
$545,000
bindoon
Fantastic location and investment opportunity.
Built in 2012 this 4x2 Queenslander homestead is situated on a picturesque 2.38acre block, and boasts Jarrah floors, r/c air conditioning, fully insulated walls and ceilings, a massive 5KW solar power system and a 3000lt water tank. Adjacent to the house is a large 10x15m shed, half of which has been converted to an ideal teenage retreat/ games room or living quarters, with a full kitchen, large shower room and open plan living area, this also has a/c and a unique fire place.
Tom Cabassi 0429 095 864
Marty bought his first 300 acres when he was 20 years old at Beverley. He built that up to 700 acres and sold the land to buy at Gillingarra. In 1985 they decided to add a piggery to their property. Marty recalls, “Farming was tough and pigs offered us a more reliable income. The farm is ideal for pigs; with plenty of good quality water”. They currently run a grow-out system with almost 30,000 pigs a year. The Gillingarra property also
This impressive rural lifestyle property ticks all the boxes. • Spectacular hill-top location with views in every direction. • Near new home with 3 bedrooms, 2 bath/r, well-appointed kitchen and wrap-around verandah with timber decking. • 25 acres of quality red loam, ideal for hay cropping, sheep or horses. • Excellent water supply from two spring-fed wells. • Large enclosed shed with ablutions and hws. Contact Craig Hyne on 0448 825 833.
E: cabassirealty@bigpond.com W: www.cabassirealty.com
runs approximately 1200 ewes. Like any great team it pays to have a good skill mix and luckily they have all found their role. Marty steers with a healthy balance of good sense of humour and hard work, and Mum, Karen is clearly the glue that keeps it all together – and is in charge of the bookwork. Brendan enjoys working with the livestock, and Bradley (a fifo who is returning to the farm this year) is a diesel mechanic by trade, and his skills are welcome at harvest time. An ideal combination for a diverse farming enterprise of livestock and cropping.
Karen and Marty’s two younger sons (who also had to do their fair share of “farm chores” over the years) are currently living in Perth – one studying at UWA and the youngest halfway through a mechanical apprenticeship. The van Beeks provide a snapshot of a sustainable family farming enterprise. Marty and Karen stress that it is the boy’s choice to return to farming, and there was certainly no expectations. The future is exciting as they look forward to working and growing their family farming enterprise.
$790,000
25 Acres with 360 degree views
4 Brockman Street, Gingin WA 6503
Ph: 08 9575 2566 Fax 08 9575 2568
generation farmers. Marty has always wanted to farm and whilst he and Karen started life in the suburbs of Perth they now call the country their home.
bindoon $695,000 74 acres. 151 Kay Road Gorgeous private retreat minutes from town—would suit retirees or a couple looking to live off the land. Uniquely designed cottage split in two sections featuring slow combustion heaters, claw foot bath, gas cook top to kitchen, loft study or guest bedroom above living area, and built in wood dining table, all completely made of natural materials. Outside features a machinery shed, tool shed, bore, dam, water tank, 800 producing Sandalwood Trees, fruit trees, 23 acres of paddock for hay or sheep and gorgeous spectacular bushland.
Mooliabeenie $565,000 47 acres. 81 Kinkella Rd
Great lifestyle property is perfect for weekend retreat or permanent country living. Situated at the end of a no through road 15 minutes to Bindoon or Gingin, privacy is assured. Comfortable fibro and iron 3x1 home with spectacular views over rolling hills, vineyards and orchards. Also features a 9x6 shed, large rainwater tank, dam and old original dwelling.
Liz Connell Realty, 27B Binda Place, Bindoon, WA 6502
P: 08 9576 0626 M: 0428 836 856 E: liz@lizconnellrealty.com