IN THE serene landscape of Pipers Creek, Central Victoria, a small-scale farm is thriving under the care of Kelsey Simon and her husband, Chris Turner.
Together, they run Northumberland Growers, a year-round vegetable farm spanning eight acres, using a quarter acre for the moment.
This dynamic couple balances their passion for sustainable farming with the joys and challenges of raising two young children.
Their story is one of dedication to the land, their community, and a lifestyle deeply connected to the rhythms of nature.
Kelsey Simon’s love for the outdoors and farming started long before Northumberland Growers came to life.
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Possessing a detailed mind, she turned her hand at graphic design whilst yearning for the great outdoors.
Compromise, passion and detail would make her a better farmer, fit to bear her dad’s green thumb, like a shared inheritance.
This nagging obsession curved into reality when they purchased their house on a big block, nestled in Central Victoria’s rolling hills, with its rich soils and stunning views, an ideal place to start a family farm.
When Kelsey met Chris, he’d already experienced the rural life growing up in Canada surrounded by forests, so it didn’t take long for them to create a farm to reflect their values.
Chris has a background in project management and has worked across South East Asia and Niugini as an NGO, and is only too happy to play ‘second in command’ for what has become a part-time job.
“We’ve let our plot grow in size, naturally, and as news spread, our crops increased," said Kelsey.
"It’s always been a focus on quality that has made the difference.
"All our vegies are grown organically and while quantities are not huge, I can see the potential – it won’t make me as much as a graphic designer but I can feed my family with wholesome food I love."
The couple grow a wide range of crops, from leafy greens and herbs to root vegetables like carrots, beetroots and potatoes alongside pumpkins, zucchini, cabbage, cauliflower and Asian greens.
The key to their success lies in a combination of innovative growing methods, thoughtful crop planning, and a relentless commitment to sustainability.
Kelsey and Chris use polytunnels, greenhouses, and row covers to extend the growing season for more delicate crops, which empowers them to protect plants from frost in the colder months and to grow heat-sensitive vegetables like tomatoes during the cooler seasons.
Maintaining soil health is a priority for Northumberland Growers who use natural methods so the land remains productive and healthy in the long term.
Vegies are grown organically using a no dig method that leaves the soil ecology undisturbed and the vegetables thriving without the use of chemicals and pesticides.
“I love to get my hands dirty and it’s a good workout, saving me the gym.
"Growing is a lifestyle obsession for me," said Kelsey.
"I never want it to grow too large where we don’t get to be with our children.
"Making ends meet, we have room enough for twenty sheep, chickens, and alpacas at the moment.
"It’s an idyllic spot overlooking Mount Macedon, but the downside is the wind on top of a hill.
“Our biggest market is done through the sale of vegie boxes via our website and the occasional marketplace.
"In winter we turn to leafy greens, kale, rocket, mizuna, and our herbs.
"Our major crop in winter is garlic which we sell separately, or fashion into hand-made wreaths with flower bouquets, for Xmas or similar events.
“I continue to study agriculture through online courses and in person, and everyday self-learning.
"We don’t have tractors because it’s all hand grown, in a bio intensive space; neat and tidy, jammed in, with small walkways; using bed flips to rotate our crops.
"We have overcome most of the weeds, using thick mulch, which also saves time.
"The goal is to grow more in this space, more efficiently, without the need for more employees,” she said.
Kelsey’s passion for farming and outdoor living permeates every aspect of her life.
She thrives in the physical work of the farm, whether it’s turning soil, tending to crops, or planning for the next season’s harvest.
Chris, with his practical mindset and technical skills, manages the logistical and mechanical aspects of the farm.
Together, they form a well-balanced team, each bringing their unique strengths to the operation.
Each week, the couple sells their produce at local farmers’ markets and through community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs where subscribers receive a regular box of seasonal vegetables.
The farm has earned a loyal following, with customers returning week after week for their quality produce.
For Kelsey and Chris, life on the farm is a family affair.
Their two young children are growing up surrounded by the sights, sounds, and activities of a working farm.
Kelsey, who is full of energy and enthusiasm, balances the demands of farming with raising her children, exposing them to daily farm life.
Whether it’s helping plant seeds, harvesting vegetables, or simply running around in the fresh air, the children are learning valuable lessons about hard work, responsibility, and caring for the environment.
In the rolling hills of Pipers Creek, Northumberland Growers stands as a testament to what can be achieved through hard work, innovation, and a deep connection to the land.
Kelsey and Chris are not only growing vegetables—they’re cultivating a lifestyle centred on health, community, and environmental stewardship.
