EWAN EATTS: THE YOUNG GROWER SHAPING SOUTHERN FORESTS PRODUCE
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
In the Southern Forests, great produce begins with the land and the people who know it best. For Ewan Eatts of Morning Glory Farms in Manjimup, that connection runs through four generations of knowledge, care, and a commitment to growing food that reflects the quality of the region.
Ewan has been farming full time since finishing school nearly eight years ago, but his story began much earlier. Growing up on the farm, the path into agriculture felt natural. Working alongside his father, Bevan, he is continuing a family legacy while helping shape its future.
Morning Glory Farms spans 700 acres in the Manjimup region, an area known for its rich soils and reliable climate. Warm days and cool nights help build flavour and consistency into every crop, creating the conditions the Southern Forests is known for. For Ewan, there is no question about the value of the region. It is, in his words, the best growing region in the world.
The farm produces a range of crops, including potatoes, with an average of 450 tonnes grown each year. However, spaghetti squash has become a defining part of the business. It is also the crop Ewan feels most connected to, having started growing it at just 13 as a way to earn pocket money. What began as a small side project has grown into a key focus for the farm.
Today, Morning Glory Farms is one of the largest growers of spaghetti squash in Australia. While Ewan shares this with a sense of humour, it reflects years of experience, refinement, and commitment to producing a consistent, high quality product.
Spaghetti squash fits naturally within the Gen Fresh story. Grown in season and harvested at the right time, it offers a fresh, flavourful alternative that brings something different to the plate. It is versatile, nutritious, and offers something different for consumers looking to cook with fresh, seasonal produce. For Ewan, the priority across all crops is clear. He focuses on growing nutritionally dense food that supports the health of the people who eat it.
That commitment begins with how the land is managed. Ewan incorporates regenerative farming practices wherever possible, aiming to improve soil health and ensure the long term sustainability of the farm. By focusing on soil condition and efficient water use, the farm is better equipped to produce consistent quality year after year. Alongside this, improvements in irrigation efficiency have helped strengthen productivity while using resources more carefully.
Like many farms in the region, Morning Glory Farms has evolved over time. A significant shift came when the family moved away from growing plums after 20 years and returned to vegetables. This change opened new opportunities and allowed the business to adapt to changing conditions and markets.
Seasonality remains central to life on the farm. Autumn is a standout time of year, when spaghetti squash is harvested and potatoes are lifted from the ground. It is the point where the season comes together, with fresh produce moving quickly from paddock to plate. It is a busy period, but also one of the most rewarding, marking the result of months of planning and effort.
Farming also comes with its daily challenges. When asked what he enjoys most about a typical day, Ewan’s answer is simple. He enjoys the days when nothing breaks. It is a lighthearted comment, but one that reflects the constant problem solving and resilience required in agriculture.
Beyond the farm, Ewan plays an active role in the Southern Forests community through his involvement with both the Southern Forests Food Council and the Southern Forests Young Growers. Supporting the next generation of growers is an important part of strengthening the region and ensuring its future.
Building connections with consumers is equally important. Ewan believes that helping people understand where their food comes from creates greater appreciation for the work behind it. From planning and planting through to harvest, every step requires careful thought and effort.
In the kitchen, spaghetti squash offers a simple and satisfying option. A spaghetti squash bolognese is a favourite, and for those looking for ideas, the QR code on the product provides easy access to recipes developed to make the most of the ingredient. It is a simple way to enjoy fresh, in season produce with confidence.
At its core, Ewan’s story reflects the values of the Southern Forests. It is grounded in heritage, driven by quality, and focused on the future. Every harvest is the result of careful decisions, long hours, and a commitment to doing things properly. That care is what ensures produce is harvested at its best and delivered with the quality the region is known for.
Comments