THE BIGGER PICTURE: a celebration of stories
I read a quote the other day, from an unknown source, that really struck a chord and it said…
“When another mum helps you and she’s struggling too, that’s not help.
That’s love.”
There is no better feeling than when you give your own time to help out someone else or to give a ‘shout out’ and say “I think what you’re doing is AMAZING!”
We’re all busy, we all have families and kids and jobs and commitments and believe me, like most exhausted mums, come 7pm I’m slumped on the couch with a block of chocolate and nobody dares approach me for fear of having their head bitten off! And on top of that, many of us are trying to build a small business on the side in our own time. Life gets crazy! We get caught in the fog of busy-ness and that can sometimes weigh heavily.
So, my hope is to create a NETWORK and build CONNECTION. By reading about THE BIGGER PICTURE behind all of these blog editions, I hope that we gain a new understanding, find some perspective, share solidarity and not feel quite so alone. Because, let’s face it, running your own business sure can be a lonely place.
I am so fortunate to be surrounded by incredible small businesses in the South West run by mums in their spare rooms or out in their gardens and they each have a unique story to be told; a BIGGER PICTURE to be discovered.
My feature for September, is a woman who understands the need to foster and nurture community. Dairy farmer, loving partner, mum to a gorgeous little boy, green thumb, amazing home cook and an advocate for the dairy industry, I am proud to introduce you to:
Renata Cumming
FARM GARDEN TABLe
When I first met Renata I felt an instant affinity. Like most country people, she was warm and friendly and her table was overloaded with the most delicious home cooking imaginable. Alongside her partner and son, she runs a dairy farm in South West Victoria and showcases her life on her Instagram page @farm.garden.table which is a mish mash of what’s happening on the farm, what’s growing in the garden and what’s being cooked up in her kitchen. Her aim is to not only showcase farm life, but also show consumers how farmers are producing a quality product with love and integrity and to help people connect with where their food comes from.
It's so important that we, in the agricultural industry, advocate loudly for our way of life because sadly, some people forget that whether you are directly involved in agriculture or not, you are affected by it. What would we eat? What would we wear? Unfortunately, not everyone truly understands agriculture’s contribution to our daily lives and Renata’s mission is to engage the everyday town or city follower, by sharing her three passions; gardening, cooking and farming in a way that is wrapped up in wholesome goodness!
Tell us about your business and what services you offer.
We are dairy farmers close to Warrnambool in South West Victoria. I am a proud farmer and advocate of the Australian Agriculture industry and love showcasing how dairy is produced.
Farm Garden Table was created to share how we, as dairy farmers, produce high quality milk with the upmost care for our animals and the land we farm on.
As a keen gardener with a love for cooking, particularly using seasonal produce, I saw an opportunity to share these loves with people who share my interests and are open to learning about how their food is produced.
Is there a story behind the name you chose?
I have an Instagram account @farm.garden.table where I showcase what is happening on our farm, in our garden with a particular interest in the veggie garden, and what seasonal produce I am cooking up, so the Instagram name represents those three areas that are really important to me.
I grew up in Melbourne but spent many weekends and holidays on my uncle and aunt’s farm where my father grew up and loved life on the land. This led me to study agriculture and have a career working with farmers. I believe farmers in general are doing their very best to produce high quality food while improving the land they are custodians of.
I did grow up in a home where my mum was a gardener for work and both my parents cooked, I have probably taken it to the next level creating my own recipes now though.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Everything we do is driven by the seasons. When we have an excess of grass we make silage, when it's hot and dry we feed that silage to the cows and it's the same in the garden and what I'm cooking; excess tomatoes are made into preserved pasta sauce and we focus on eating what is fresh and in season. It's the most cost effective way to eat too!
What is your favourite part of your job?
I am involved in many parts of our farming operation but by far, my favourite job is weighing the heifers which is a great indicator on how well we are feeding and looking after our young stock. They are the future of our dairy herd and so important to us.
Cooking for others is definitely my love language! I love nothing more than delivering meals to a new mum, serving up a dinner party for friends or sharing recipes and tips on my Instagram account. I just think we eat multiple times a day - a farmer was involved in some part of every meal we eat and why not make it a celebration!
What do you offer your clients that no one else does?
Whilst I derive no income from my Instagram account I love showing people where their food comes from, that it is produced by a family who love our cows and are proud stewards of the land we are farming on. I also hope to inspire people to grow their own food and cook fresh and seasonal food.
And now for something a little extra…
You know how Renata loves to cook and share recipes? Well, here’s her Number 1 recipe from her website, ready for you to whip up and WOW your family! Enjoy!
I really love following social media platforms like @farm.garden.table whose aim is not to sell anything but to educate, inform and inspire. It’s a sad fact that many children in today’s society don’t realise that meat doesn’t come from a Styrofoam tray and milk is not naturally chocolate flavoured. To be reminded of the simple joys of getting your hands dirty and growing your own veggies, of cooking fresh, wholesome food to nurture your family and to love and be proud of being a farmer, is definitely worth sharing with the world.
Edwina xx
If you would like to know more about Renata’s work on the farm or cook some of the delicious recipes she shares, please give her a follow (and your support) on her website and social media…
Website: www.farmgardentable.com
Instagram: @farm.garden.table