With the help of our daughters, Aubrey, Morley, and Bella, we have managed 40 acres in the Byron Bay Hinterland and more recently in Glenugie, NSW.
We use regenerative farming practices with a focus on pasture-raised, rare heritage breeds.
Farms
It all started with just a few chooks, and now Cromwell Farms has grown into something much bigger—two Northern NSW farms, a herd of Dexter cattle, heritage breed pigs and chickens, horses, kelpies, a citrus orchard, fruit trees, supplying produce to local restaurants and butchers and of course, sharing our wonderful spaces with those looking for pet-friendly accommodation. Our farming journey started small and just keeps growing and growing.
Coming from a long line of farmers—Greg’s family has been farming in Canada since 1853—the idea of sustaining our own family from the land really resonated with us.
Greg’s grandpa once said, “As long as we have this farm, you’ll have a roof over your head and food on the table. What else do you need?” – certainly sage words to live by.
With that in mind, we found a 16-hectare block at Goonengerry, bought some chooks, and picked up a few Dexter cattle. That’s how the Three Girl Dexter stud got started.
More recently, we’ve acquired the farm in Glenugie too, a tranquil little spot nestled between Grafton and Wooli in Northern NSW. Most of our herd live here now, as we start to build the farm up – planting and building. It’s a wonderful new project!
Livestock
HERITAGE BREED DEXTER CATTLE
A very manageable heritage breed, Dexter cattle are naturally small with a calm temperament. As naturally small-sized cattle, we have maintained twice the number of animals per acre than others with larger bovine cattle. Additionally, Dexter cattle are not fussy eaters, they browse and eat everything with nutrition that some of the larger breeds refuse to eat. Our grass-fed steers give lean tender meat, full of essential vitamins and minerals that only top-quality beef can provide.
We’re pleased to now offer some of our Dexter cattle for sale. You can find out more about the Three Girl Stud or contact us directly to arrange a viewing.
HERITAGE BREED PIGS
A large framed breed, known for their foraging abilities and maternal qualities. Solid black with lop ears that fall across their face to protect from damage during rooting or foraging. We’ve bred heritage pigs for over a decade now and are big fans of the breed (and bacon!). This slow-growing, resilient breed is prized by small-scale farmers and chefs alike for its sustainable farming benefits and the distinct, high-quality pork it produces, which is often sought after.
KELPIES
Our first Kelpie from a dairy farm, named Red, had four litters and we have kept a pup from most! Our pups make excellent working and companion dogs – but they do need plenty of stimulation and active handlers who are patient and equally hardworking. The Kelpie is a highly energetic and intelligent Australian working dog breed, known for its exceptional herding abilities. Originating from a mix of collies brought to Australia in the 19th century, Kelpies are renowned for their stamina, agility, and tireless work ethic, making them invaluable on farms. Their natural herding instincts allow them to manage livestock with minimal guidance, often seen deftly maneuvering sheep across vast paddocks.
Produce
Our farms produce an incredible array of fruits, vegetables and herbs as well as providing a lush home for our animals. As our original homestead and farm, Goonengerry is well-established. Our orchards of citrus include lemons, limes, oranges, mandarins and finger limes. The Northern NSW climate is perfect for growing citrus, as we experience mild winters, warm summers, reliable (sometimes too reliable!) rainfall, rich soils and a climate less conducive to pests and disease.
At the Goonengerry farm, you’ll also find garlic, pumpkin, cauliflower, spinach, ginger, turmeric, mulberries, mustard greens, bananas, coffee beans and an abundance of herbs. Over the twenty years that we have been there, many harvests have been picked and we’re always interested in what else will grow!
Glenugie Station, our newer farm, also brings us citrus, pumpkin, rocket, herbs, radishes, spinach, grapes and lettuces to name a few. We proudly supply local restaurants with our produce regularly and truly believe that the Northern NSW region is so lucky to have the wide range of incredible eating opportunities that we do. Check out some of our favourite restaurants, pubs and cafes here… and keep your eye out for Cromwell Farms produce on their menus!
While we still keep a few animals at Goonengerry, most of our heritage breed pigs and Dexter cattle now live at Glenugie Station. Some of our livestock is for sale, others are sold to Devine Quality Meats in Mullumbimby and the rest is for feeding our family! We are thrilled to offer you produce from our farm when you stay with us – just get in touch and we will be able to let you know what’s in season and on hand.
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