WHEN Les and Kathy Page quit their jobs to build their own business they didn’t realise that would mean for the next few years they would rarely have a day off.
The pair often work more than 12 hours a day but they agree it is definitely worth it.
“Growing vegetables was a way to be self employed and in charge of our own destiny,” Kathy says.
“Our day is packed as we try and do as much of it just the two of us. While it’s a lot of hard work it’s rewarding.”
Les added, “While we have had no time off in the past two years the plus side is that we are home together.”
Before opening Page’s Produce, Les worked in the mines for the past nine years, only spending half of the year back home.
“We were sick of being apart and decided to give vegetables a go,” Kathy says.
“We have both grown up on sheep stations and with farming in your genes, it’s something you will always go back to.
“Les has always been a true blue farmer, he has always been able to grow the best produce.”
Initially the pair began with 10 different varieties of vegetables that they have all year round, planting every fortnight.
This includes rhubarb, beetroot, carrots, onions, kale, radish and spinach. They have since grown the business to include seasonal vegetables, such as pumpkin and spaghetti squash.
“We spend a lot of time researching our next different thing, most recently it was the spaghetti squash,” Kathy says.
“It’s now a big deal and has really taken off.
“It’s something old but has taken off now because people are looking for a healthier pasta option.”
When Kathy and Les aren’t busy picking vegetables, they can be found selling their produce at many of the markets in Sunraysia.
“We have a market every weekend, sometimes twice a weekend,” Kathy says.
“We have fantastic customers, our customers are very loyal.
“The markets give us the opportunity to show what we can and what should be and a chance to sneak in my floral art.
“People get excited about buying direct from the paddock.
“We are about quality and freshness, it has to be picked the day before and have a point of difference.”
Kathy says a lot of education often happens when children visit their stall.
“We are best known for our carrots and do a lot of educating children that they aren’t all perfectly shaped,” Kathy says.
Les added, “It’s always good interacting with those at the markets, they are often interested in knowing the story behind the vegetables.”
