Local Knowledge Archives

The Farm Gate Championing Mornington Peninsula Produce

On the back roads of Dromana, amidst acreages and farmland sits Torello, a farm gate, produce shop and grocer all rolled into one. Established back in 2017 by long-time grocers, farmers markets and produce advocates Sophie and partner Mark Brancatisano. The shop has steadily built its reputation and loyal customer base by serving the highest…

7 October 2024BySimon Cassar

Agriculture Victoria

The Best Alpaca Farms to Visit Near Melbourne

When the hustle and bustle of Melbourne city life gets overwhelming, a visit to one of the picturesque alpaca farms nearby can be the perfect escape. These interesting creatures offer a unique and memorable experience that's is sure to be a heap of fun for the hole family.e\ Also Read: What's the Difference Between Llamas…

4 October 2024ByJohn Taylor

Agriculture Food & Drink Victoria

Grampians Olive Co. Clinches Triple Gold Victory at 2023 Australian Olive Awards

In a triumphant sweep, Grampians Olive Co., the foremost olive producer in the Grampians region, has secured two Gold medals and the prestigious Champion Best in Class title at the recent 2023 Australian International Olive Awards. The recognition underscores the company's commitment to quality and sustainable farming practices. The spotlight shines on Grampians Olive Co.'s…

16 November 2023ByBen Tyers

History Nature Victoria

Guildford’s Majestic River Red Gum Crowned 2023 Victorian Tree of the Year

In a prestigious nod to natural beauty and historical significance, a towering River Red Gum tree, affectionately known as "The Big Tree," has claimed the title of 2023 Victorian Tree of the Year. The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) bestowed this honour upon the ancient Eucalyptus camaldulensis, which has graced the Midland Highway near Guildford…

31 October 2023ByBen Tyers

Agriculture

What Is Community Supported Agriculture?

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a distinctive food distribution system that offers an exciting opportunity for consumers to directly support local farmers while gaining access to fresh, locally sourced produce. This article will delve into the world of CSAs and explore the benefits and considerations surrounding this sustainable, community-centric approach to food. Community Supported Agriculture…

4 October 2023ByThe Roustabout

Agriculture

The Most Popular Goat Breeds in Australia

The goat is well and truly part of the farming mix in Australia, with the first goats arriving on land with the First Fleet in 1788. There are many types of goat in Australia, history suggests that cashmere goats arrived in South Australia as early as 1837, and angora goats arrived in the 1860s which…

29 September 2023ByThe Editor

Nature

Fire Regimes Around Australia Shifted Abruptly 20 Years Ago—And Falling Humidity Is Why

This century, Australia has suffered more frequent and more severe bushfires. The Black Summer fires of 2019–20 were the worst on record for the area burned and property loss. How much climate change has contributed to these increases is a hot topic. Bushfire risk is dialled up by four switches: fuel amount and condition, fire weather…

11 September 2023ByRoger Jones

Nature

The Humble Spotted Gum Is a World Class Urban Tree. Here’s Why

Most of us find it very difficult to identify different species of eucalypt. You often hear people say they all look the same. Of course, they don’t. There are over 700 species of the iconic tree genus, and they can be very different in form, height, flowers and colours. Also Read: Where to Find the Tallest Trees…

4 September 2023ByGregory Moore

Agriculture

5 Kinds of Sheep That Don’t Need Shearing

Self-shedding sheep are a unique and fascinating breed of sheep that have the ability to shed their own wool. These sheep have been bred to have shorter, finer wool fibres that are easily shed from their bodies, eliminating the need for shearing. This trait has been developed through selective breeding, and has been found in…

1 September 2023ByThe Roustabout

Agriculture

Are Teacup Pigs Legal in Australia?

A teacup pig is a small breed of pig that has been bred to be especially small. They are also sometimes referred to as miniature pigs or micro pigs. Teacup pigs are usually no more than a few feet tall and can weigh anywhere from 10kg to 50kg when fully grown, depending on the specific…

11 August 2023ByThe Roustabout

Agriculture New South Wales Victoria

Why Mildura Is a Grape-Growing, Wine-Producing Mecca

Editor's note: Here at The Local Rag we aim to be as transparent as possible when covering all of the amazing things to see and do around regional Australia. For this story, the author travelled to Mildura on invitation from Duxton Vineyards to find out more about its Rewild range. When I think of Australia's…

16 May 2023ByBen Tyers

Sport Victoria

The Hunt Is on For Footy’s Favourite Farmer

The search is on for Footy’s Favourite Farmer in Victoria, with the Labor Government and WorkSafe launching a competition that aims to celebrate the unique role of sports in farming communities while promoting workplace safety on farms. According to reports, three agricultural workers have already lost their lives in 2023, while in 2022, 568 people…

1 May 2023ByThe Roustabout

Agriculture

Unleash the Power of Celtuce

Celtuce is a unique vegetable that is gaining popularity in the culinary world due to its versatility and nutritious properties. Also known as stem lettuce or asparagus lettuce, celtuce is a type of lettuce that is grown for its stem rather than its leaves. The stem is crunchy and has a mild flavour, making it…

1 February 2023ByThe Roustabout

Agriculture

What Is Cow Tipping?

Cow Tipping is a supposed prank or dare in which a person or group of people sneak up on a sleeping cow and push it over. The idea is that the cow will be caught off guard and will fall over, unable to get back up. This practice is often depicted in popular culture, such…

23 January 2023ByThe Roustabout

Local Travel Sport

The Best Long Boarding Surf Spots in Australia

Given the warm climate and the fact that the island is surrounded by water, it's no surprise that Australians have had an obsession with surfing since the day it was born. Surfing in Australia was popularised following a visit to the country in 1914 by Duke Kahanamoku, a Hawaiian swimmer who—post his Olympic swimming career—took…

17 January 2023ByThe Editor

Local Knowledge

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