JARNADUP FARMS: GROWING FOR THE FUTURE IN THE SOUTHERN FORESTS

When Sheralee Stoddart first joined Mark and Caterina Bending six years ago, she was keen to understand where food comes from and how it is grown and handled. With a background in hospitality, administration and retail management, farming gave her a new perspective on the journey from paddock to plate. Today, she and her husband, Andrew Stoddart, manage the day to day running of the farms, bringing different skills and experience to the business. Andrew, a butcher by trade, began his farming career in Nannup more than a decade ago, working mainly with cows and calves. Together, they oversee the avocado and beef enterprises established by owner Mark Bending.

Mark and his wife, Caterina, have since stepped back from daily management and relocated to Albany, although Mark remains connected to the operation and lends a hand when needed. For Mark, supporting the next generation of farmers is an important part of the journey, while his own achievements reflect decades of work, curiosity and commitment to agriculture. As Mark puts it, he reckons he is a better farmer now that Andrew and Sheralee are running things, a reflection of the trust he places in their approach and their ability to take the business forward.

Mark’s path to farming began in forestry, where he spent many years in consultancy and contracting, working across Australia. He and Caterina gradually transitioned into full-time farming, building their farming operation across the Southern Forests and Great Southern. Caterina grew up on the property at Diamond Tree, where her parents farmed beef and potatoes, giving her a strong connection to the land and the region

The couple established their first five hectares of Hass avocados in 2013, followed by another five hectares in 2022. Harvest generally runs from November to January, with most fruit heading to wholesale markets in Melbourne and Sydney. In higher-yielding years, production can average around 25 tonnes per hectare, although avocado trees naturally alternate between heavier and lighter cropping seasons.

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  Farmers sitting on avocado bins looking towards camera in shed

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  Cows looking forward in field

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  Farmer and dog walking through avocado orchard

The team is also comparing different rootstocks in the newer plantings to see how they perform under local growing conditions. It is a long-term approach to understanding what works best for the orchard. Harvest brings a little friendly competition, too, with everyone making their own guess at how many bins will be picked each season.

Beef is another important part of the Jarnadup Farms business, with Mark playing a leading role in bringing local cattle producers together. As a founding member of a Western Australian beef farmers’ co-operative, Mark has helped build a collaborative approach that allows producers to work together to supply quality WA beef to consumers year-round. Today, around 12 producers are involved, collectively supplying 100 per cent of the Woolworths Macro beef range sold in WA.

At Jarnadup Farms, the team purchases young cattle and raises them to market weight, helping maintain a consistent supply throughout the year. More than 1,100 cattle were sold in the past year, a record for the business. The team takes pride in finishing that number of cattle on a relatively small area of land, while working alongside other local producers through a co-operative model.

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  Farmer holding box of avocado in orchard

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  Dog sitting in front of young avocado tree

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  Hands holding Avocados

Mark’s contribution extends beyond his own farming operation. Through his involvement with the Southern Forests Food Council, including six years on the Committee of Management from 2014 and a further two years later, he has contributed to the broader work of building recognition for the region and supporting its farming industries. His interest in new ideas and the future of agriculture is reflected in the way the farm continues to evolve.

Andrew and Sheralee continue that focus through their own farm management. Both took part in SFFC’s Carbon Calculator Pilot Program and use data to identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce inputs. Sheralee has also joined the SFFC board, bringing her practical experience as a farm manager to conversations about the wider challenges and opportunities facing local growers.

For Andrew and Sheralee, one favourite way to enjoy their own produce is a simple meal of oyster blade steak with hand cut local potato chips cooked in tallow and roasted vegetables from the garden. It is a reminder of the connection between the farm and the food on the table.

For the team, the Southern Forests is a place where growers share knowledge and help one another, particularly those beginning their farming careers. They are proud to be part of Genuinely Southern Forests and its commitment to quality produce. By sharing the story behind their food, they hope consumers gain a greater appreciation of the care, hard work and passion involved in farming. For Andrew, Sheralee and Mark, the aim is to keep improving their business and caring for the land so future generations can continue to enjoy quality food from the Southern Forests.

Discover more about Jarnadup Farms and the beef and avocados grown in the Southern Forests on their website.

Follow Jarnadup Farms on Instagram to keep up with life on the farm, seasonal updates and the people behind the produce.

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  Avocado on a wooden board

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  Cows in a field

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  Farmers standing in field with cows in background

Photography by Genuinely Southern Forests and Jarnadup Farms