Farming champions put Mackay on the food map

Fresh, local and sustainably produced meals could be key to Queensland’s pandemic response

Freckle Farm Butcher owner Deb McLucas and Butcher Tony Palmer-Field. The Eton farm has been named as Queensland’s newest #eatqld Champions.

FRESH, local and sustainably produced meals could be key to Queensland's pandemic response, as a Mackay business is recognised for its green farming initiatives.

Freckle Farm has been named as an #eatqld champion, one of only 16 businesses to earn the title.

Freckle Farm owner Deb McLucas said the award was recognition for years of sustainable agriculture, and would help her promote the green farming movement.

"We believe very strongly in the principles of holistic management and work with the natural systems to achieve positive outcomes for our animals and our environment," Ms McLucas said.

Ms McLucas said her 265 hectare Eton property used biodynamics, rotational grazing and multi-species cropping to create fresh, healthy and green produce.

"We are able to produce food which does not rely on artificial inputs and aides in the recovery of the environment and the local community," she said.

"As an #eatqld Champion, we will be able highlight the benefits of sustainably produced food that will further enhance Queensland's reputation for produce that is safe, healthy and delicious."

Owners of Freckle Farm Deb McLucas and Rob Bauman are Queensland’s newest #eatqld Champions.

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Mackay MP Julieanne Gilbert said recognition of Freckle Farm's sustainable and ethical approach to farming was well deserved after 12 years of operation.

"As fourth generation farmers, they have drawn on considerable experience and expertise to pioneer a chemical-free approach to farming that means the cattle, pigs and chickens on their property graze on natural pastures," she said.

Mrs Gilbert said Freckle Farm was no stranger to accolades, with award-winning wood smoked hams, eggs and bacon produced on the farm.

Rob Bauman feeds his pigs at Freckle Farm, Eton.

Agriculture Minister Mark Furner said businesses like Freckle Farm would be essential to the state's economic recovery.

"Freckle Farm's example is truly inspirational as we unite and recover from the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic," Mr Furner said.

"They will be fine ambassadors promoting Queensland's world of flavour from the state of delicious.

"By eating Queensland-produced meat, seafood, fruit, nuts and veggies you support everybody that brings that food to your table."

This is not the first Mackay and Whitsunday #eatqld Champion, with Bowen horticulturalist Carl Walker chosen as the first champion in 2019.

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