18/09/2025
Jimmy grew up on a farm in Moruya, and he always thought that one day, he'd end up back there. But he took the long way around to get there. After studying an arts degree at uni, he spent years travelling the world, chasing surf and adventure.
Even then, he felt that farming was in his blood. So when he found himself working on farms again, it felt natural but the amount of chemical spraying he was doing every day didn’t sit right.
He started dreaming about how he would run his own farm. He read everything he could about regenerative agriculture, organics, permaculture, and biodynamics, building a vision of something different.
Fast forward to 2025: Jimmy runs Grassboots, a small-scale regenerative farm with a goal of putting healthy and productive food on local tables.
It hasn't always been easy, in the first season he lost a lot of garlic to fungal issues and the risks of the weather and pests are always there in the back of his mind. But day to day, it's worth it. The small things like doing an evening crop walk, spotting healthy growth, and seeing soil health improve (even when it's slow progress) confirms Jimmy's decision was the right one.
Jimmy also encourages others to take the leap into small-scale farming.
“Do it! We need more small-scale growers feeding local communities. It’s rewarding work and a great lifestyle, even though it takes grit to ride the ups and downs.
Learn from other growers, be prepared to fail, and remember every farm has its own challenges. The best way is to jump in and give it a crack.”
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From paddock tips to pest control, the department's got farmers covered with research and advice that actually works where the rubber boots hit the ground. Message Local Land Services NSW if you need assistance.
