Local lamb producer sells through farmer's markets

She supported the farmers markets in Sydney, because of the chance to know the provenance of her food: but even though each had pursued city-based careers, and lived an inner-city lifestyle, Ms Freckelton said she and David always thought they lived “in the wrong place”.

“We lived in Marrickville, and we both worked at the University of Sydney,” she said.

“But we were also keen bushwalkers, and we wanted to live in the bush.”

The chance came, four years ago, when Ms Freckelton took a voluntary redundancy from her administrative position, and they both decided to purchase a country property.

“We sold our house and moved here for the lifestyle rather than any intention of farming,” she said.

Mr Bray continues to work in Sydney, and Ms Freckelton said, after considering their options with the property, a small flock of Dorper ewes would fit well with their lifestyle aspirations and aesthetic inclinations.

“A flock of crossbred ewes came with the property, but wool is not my passion,” she admitted.

“Meat and food is what I am really interested in, and so we purchased 38 Dorper ewes to get us started.”

The Dorper ewes were purchased for their shedding traits, but more importantly for Ms Freckelton there was the attraction of having gorgeous sheep in her paddocks.

“I love their compact fat bodies, but they are also tough little animals and they do well on our native pastures,” she said.

“And their meat has a great taste.”

Ms Freckelton said they had no prior farming experience, so they started with a small flock to gain some knowledge of both sheep and property.

The decision to sell through local farmer’s markets was easy.

“David and I used to go to the Orange Grove and Eveleigh markets in Sydney, and liked the interaction with the farmer who actually produced the food,” she said.

“We appreciated the freshness and the quality.”