A Tale to Tell
Our Story
Our Beginnings
In October 2015, our story began with the purchase of Hunterlea — nearly 280 acres of farmland in Smithton, on Tasmania’s far north west coast. Our goal was simple: use agistment cattle for income while gradually building our own herd. It was a tough time to enter the cattle market, as prices were soaring, but we pressed on. By 2018, we had a small herd of odds and sods that would make a beef farmer cry, but they were ours. When agistment opportunities faded, we faced a choice: sell everything or return to the dairy life we knew so well. The decision was made to fight for our dream.
Finding a Different Way
In 2019, we began a five-year share farming agreement, focused on building a sustainable future. Traditional farming wasn’t meeting financial expectations, so we looked for a new approach. During the COVID lockdowns, one book changed our direction — Gabe Brown’s “Dirt to Soil.” It inspired us to question everything we thought we knew about farming. We started experimenting with multi-species pastures and cut out fertilisers altogether. By 2022, our farm was completely fertiliser and spray-free — a big step toward sustainability.
How Chickens Changed Everything
Our entry into egg production was never planned. To naturally fertilise the paddocks, we trialled 50 hens in a converted horse trailer. A big start to our new venture, our local IGA manager, Margaret, agreed to stock our eggs. Our first batch of 20 dozen sold out almost instantly. That’s when we realised — this might be something bigger than we imagined. Demand grew rapidly, leading us to expand and begin the accreditation process, which would soon become one of our greatest challenges.
Becoming Accredited
In April 2024, we purchased Mooreville Gardens’ existing egg business and relocated it to our farm. What followed was a journey filled with frustration, miscommunication, and endless delays. Our first building plans were mistakenly marked as completed before approval, setting us back months. We redesigned and rebuilt multiple times — every change draining our savings but strengthening our resolve. After years of persistence, and even building a “shed within a shed” to meet unclear regulations, we finally achieved full accreditation — three years after submitting our application.
Gratitude and Growth
Our journey has been filled with lessons — from mistakes that taught us resilience to challenges that strengthened our spirit. Farming, especially egg farming, is never easy, but it’s honest work that keeps us grounded. We owe everything to our supportive Smithton community and loyal customers across Tasmania. To everyone who believed in us — and to our lively, hard-working hens — thank you. You are the reason Hunterlea continues to grow stronger every day.
Elle Arnold
Owner
Makenzi Turner-Eaves
Manager
Brad Arnold
Owner