Pig and Earth Farm: The value in small scale agriculture

Will Bennett says the lamb side of his business is unviable since small scale service kills were ceased by Hardwicks Meat Works.

Will Bennett has lost customers since small scale service kills were ceased by Hardwicks Meat Works.

Based at Kingston in Victoria, Mr Bennett, who rus Pig and Earth Farm, runs Large Black and Berkshire pigs, while also fattening lambs.

He said a decision made in late 2024 by Hardwicks to end small kills has already impacted his customer base.

“We’ve still got a lamb problem. Normally we (have them processed) every month. This month I might just buy carcasses … I’ve already had people say they won’t buy off me until I’m selling my own lambs again,” Mr Bennett said.

“They want to know who grew them, and who butchered them. I’ve already lost customers.”

Before the Hardwicks decision, Mr Bennett would buy weaner lambs from a neighbour and fatten them on his property, processing three to four lambs a month.

Will Bennett with his pigs at Pig and Earth Farm at Kingston. Picture: Zoe Phillips

“Basically, the lamb side of the business is unviable.”

Since establishing his farming operating on his current property seven years ago, Mr Bennett has been disrupted by abattoirs, including the closure of Castle Estate where he had pigs and lambs processed.

The value of his business, he said, is built into the benefits of small scale farming instead of farming at scale.

“The main principals (of the farm) are direct to market meat, being able to sell meat direct to customers, and being as sustainable as possible,” Mr Bennett said.

“By butchering and delivering myself, I can make more money and a livelihood, I can manage the whole thing on 40 acres, and make a living off it.”