The story behind Riverside Farm and Dairy begins just outside the Barossa Valley town of Lyndoch, where brother-sister duo Richard and Ellen Chatterton make up the sixth generation to work the farm, with Richard's partner Kane working alongside.
For the last 170 years, the mixed farming property has been dedicated to the production of prime lamb, wool, cereal crops and vines. However, more recently its focus has changed to reflect Richard and Ellen's passions.
Both Richard and Ellen spent their early years away from the farm studying and pursuing careers in various industries, eventually returning to the farm to pursue new opportunities.
Working alongside their father, Ellen has been able to bring her two passions together, sheep and quality produce. After a few years building up her flock of Awassi and East Friesian sheep - lauded for their superior milk producing qualities - she now operates a small dairy. From this she produces high quality yoghurt, labneh, haloumi and ricotta as well as smaller runs of manchego and ice cream.
Richard's passion for all things plants has translated into an organically grown garlic patch on the property. In addition to this and along with Kane, the first flock of hens was introduced to the property in January 2018, keeping it in line with regenerative and rotational style farming practices.
Riverside now has several flocks of hens roaming free. The hens are able to forage in the paddocks and surrounding flora, providing a multitude of benefits to the soil and pasture through manure and soil agitation.
Prime lamb, wool, vines and crops remain Riverside's mainstay, however, the future of the farm looks exciting. The diversification that comes with the new generation of farmers allows them to meet the ever-changing agricultural landscape as well as consumer preferences.
Find us at the Barossa Farmer's Market or the Adelaide Farmer's Market. If you would like to get a closer look, we have farm stay accommodation. Visit our Facebook for more details.
