Zen Hens

<p>My guest today has strong ties to Japan having lived and worked there for five years as a salaryman. His wife, Kumi, grew up in rural Japan. Together they are recreating a special childhood for their own kids with a 23-hectare egg farm in Victoria’s Gippsland region. More than drawing on their own cherished experiences – their former corporate jobs and the country’s famous approach to efficiency are central to how they operate their Australian farm. Willow Zen is a place for happy hens, making family memories and improving their slice of land for the generations ahead. The partner of Willow Zen, Kelvin Slade joins to discuss:</p> <ul> <li>Kelvin’s favourite place on his farm is sitting on his tractor.</li> <li>Kumi and Kelvin purchased their land in 2006 and have practiced permaculture from the beginning.</li> <li>Living a life which reflects regenerative principles by working towards self-sufficiency on the farm and trading eggs for other farmers’ produce.</li> <li>Growing their own food was so important and they wanted their children to have that experience.</li> <li>Starting out with 3 hens, Willow Zen now has more than 3000 hens.</li> <li>Kelvin explains regenerative farming, reducing the number of hens per hectare, and rotating the paddocks – just as you would for cattle.</li> <li>The misconceptions around the term ‘free range’.</li> <li>Implementing ‘lean-manufacturing’ utilised by Toyota (where both Kelvin and Kumi used to work) to assist with efficiency.</li> <li>So, where can you find these beautiful eggs?</li> <li>Kelvin shares the most unexpected experience he has had while working on the land.</li> <li>The most common misconception about Eggs.</li> <li>Kelvin’s ultimate dream for the future of Willow Zen</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Links:</p> <p><a href="https://angieasimus.com/">Angie Asimus</a>