Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Manjimup, Ash Lane Estate stands as a testament to passion, innovation, and a deep-rooted connection to the community. With an 80-acre property adorned with an array of garden and orchard greenery, this boutique farming operation offers up premium produce grown with passion.
At the heart of Ash Lane Estate are Alex and Jaki, a dynamic husband-and-wife duo who pour their hearts into every aspect of the farm's operations. From tending to a flock of 330 Kelso/Merino cross ewes to nurturing over 1100 feijoa trees and handcrafting 100% soy candles, their dedication knows no bounds.
The journey of Ash Lane Estate began with a vision to create something truly unique. Originally a cattle property with a mixed orchard, the farm underwent a transformation over the years. In 2005, the decision was made to shift towards breeding ewes for lambs, followed by the planting of the first feijoa trees in 2015. The estate's namesake, "Ash Lane," pays homage to the two long rows of evergreen Ash trees that line its driveway, which create a memorable entrance to the property.
Feijoas, often hailed as a hidden gem of the Southern Forests, thrive in the perfect growing conditions offered by the region. However, despite their unique taste and health benefits, introducing this fruit to the market posed its challenges as it’s a relatively unknown fruit for the Australian market. Yet, Alex and Jaki embraced the opportunity, driven by their love for a challenge and a desire to offer consumers the highest quality produce.
Sustainably producing a consistent and high-quality product lies at the core of Ash Lane Estate's ethos. Through limited pesticide use and a focus on soil health and fruit quality, the farm integrates sustainable and regenerative practices into its operations. Biodiversity flourishes, and essential microbes enrich the soil, ensuring a harmonious relationship with the environment.
When it comes to enjoying the fruits of their labour, Alex and Jaki revel in the versatility of feijoas. Whether relishing them in their natural state—cut in half and scooped out with a spoon—or indulging in delectable creations like feijoa loaf, feijoa paste, or the heavenly feijoa ice cream, every dish is a celebration of this remarkable fruit. The diverse possibilities with feijoas highlight the fruit's adaptability and endless culinary potential.
Beyond the farm gates, Ash Lane Estate plays a vital role within the local community through their other local business interests and many community activities. Whether through supporting sporting organisations or engaging with fellow farmers at rural events, Alex and Jaki are deeply ingrained in the fabric of Southern Forest life. For them, living and working in this region is a privilege—a testament to the abundance of natural beauty, vibrant community spirit, and unparalleled opportunities it offers.
As ambassadors of the Genuinely Southern Forests brand, Ash Lane Estate embodies the essence of the region—showcasing the passion, quality, and authenticity of our local farmers and produce. From the fertile landscapes to the diverse produce, every aspect reflects the dedication and pride of its stewards.
As the sun sets over the farmlands of Manjimup, Ash Lane Estate stands as a testament to the timeless connection between farmers and the land they steward. And to those yet to experience the delight of a feijoa, Alex and Jaki offer a simple invitation: "If you haven’t tried a Feijoa, give it a go. Hopefully, you will enjoy them as much as we do.”
You can follow the journey of Ash Lane Estate on Instagram: @ash_lane_estate
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