Subscription model the whole package for Pig and Earth Farm

This Kingston farm switched to a subscription model of selling their free-range pork after dabbling in farmers’ markets — and hasn’t looked back.

Will Bennett and his dog, Roo, from Pig and Earth Farm. Photo by Chloe Smith Photo by Chloe Smith.

MONTHLY pork subscription boxes are delivering the goods for both farmer and customers at Pig and Earth Farm in Kingston.

Will Bennett, alongside his partner Emma Horsburgh, runs the free-range pork and egg farm on 16ha outside Daylesford.

They have been doing the monthly boxes as part of a community-supported agriculture program for almost three years but Mr Bennett said things really picked up during last winter’s lockdown.

“We increased the number of boxes in June and July and that sold out straight away,” he said.

“We’re now producing a bit more and looking to get some more members in the next few months.”

Currently the subscription program has 50 members who receive a share in a changing-selection of 200kg of meat each month.

“It’s a mix of things. I butcher it all and make bacon, chops, roasts, mince, ribs and they get a mix of those things,” Mr Bennett said.

It’s an arrangement that works well for the couple, with drop-off points in Ballarat and Melbourne.

“We did a farmer’s market for a little bit and I hated that – it was just so up and down.

“This way locks in the sales and I’ve got more control over the whole thing,” Mr Bennett said.

The couple are passionate about sustainable agriculture and run their property with a holistic approach to farming, incorporating permaculture, free-range, and organic principles.

Mr Bennett said he stumbled into the job but wouldn’t want it any other way.

“I like being on the farm, I enjoy the challenges and the work — it’s a lot to do but everyday is a little different,” he said.

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