What was to be a quick stint on the family farm has turned into a career spanning 10 years and counting for current VFF President and Gippsland farmer Emma Germano.
Read below as we get a look #BehindtheFarmGate at Emma’s mixed-use Mirboo North farm, specialising in delicious veggies, farm fresh lamb and also an on-site store showcasing the region’s best produce.
Q: Why did you become a farmer?
A: Emma
It was a very fortunate accident! It wasn’t my intention to be a farmer, but what was supposed to be a quick stint on the farm has turned into a 10 year and counting, career.
Q: Did you grow up dreaming of having your own farm?
A: Emma
I grew up knowing one day I would inherit part of the farm as Dad and Mum always had the intention of holding the property.
We were forced into succession, but it resulted in me purchasing the land from them and we still operate the farm as a family together.
Q: If you weren’t a farmer, what would you be?
A: Emma
Who knows! I think by now I may have completed a law degree.
I guess my primary passion is advocating for those who can’t advocate for themselves.
Q: What makes your product so special?
A: Emma
The love and care that we put into growing all of our products, the special attention we pay to soil health and the fresh water of the Gippsland hills in our beautiful location.
Q: What’s your farm doing to combat climate change?
A: Emma
Trees, trees and more trees!
We’re also increasing soil carbon using trace elements and specific crops, reducing our inputs and the rotation of livestock and crops.
Q: How do you use technology on your farm?
A: Emma
We use GPS technology for planting and harvesting crops, an online sales platform in our farm gate shop (honesty system/self-serve) and utilise tru-test software to manage our livestock.
Q: What is your favourite salad recipe?
A: Emma
Potato salad! (I know I’m supposed to say cauliflower but can’t go past the humble spud!)
Start with the right variety (ours are ‘Gippsland gold’) extra virgin olive oil, oregano, sea salt and vinegar.
It’s perfect with our lamb chops!
Q: How do we get our hands on your products?
A: Emma
I Love Farms has an on-farm store, and we sell our lamb directly off-farm from our website.