Farming the heart of Herrick
• Danny and Bec Fenton with their children Jesse (13) and Gabby (15) on their farm in Herrick.
By Taylor Clyne
May 27, 2020
Daily laughs and agricultural diversity keep things interesting for third generation farmers Danny and Bec Fenton who co-run 1200 acres in the heart of Herrick.
The mixed beef, dairy and cropping operation has been in the family since the 1930s and handed down generations with Danny’s parents Ronnie and Penny Fenton taking over in 1991.
Danny has worked on the farm for close to 25 years with Bec no stranger to the quieter life too growing up locally on a family farm.
The pair married in 2004, shortly after completing their family with daughter Gabby (15) and son Jesse (13).
“Things are a little different now days, Dad used to milk in a walk-through dairy we then went on to build a 15-unit herringbone swing over,” Danny said.
“We are now milking around 165 cows and this season we have trialled once a day milking which is proving to work very well for us.
“We believe in diversifying between dairy, beef and crops to help ensure security with in the farm; we’re currently working towards increasing numbers and improving the genetics of the milking heard.”
After recent purchases of two neighbouring farms the newly named ‘Rainbow Valley’ Fenton enterprise has expanded to 1200 acres and now features ten pet chickens too.
“The kids love the farm life, especially calving season. Their favourite thing to do is help collect the newborn calves and feed them,” Bec said.
“Jesse now has 10 chooks and sells his eggs to the community; Gabby has just purchased herself a couple of silkie chickens too.
“There is a lot of banter and humour thrown around the farm which has been instilled into the kids also.
“It's a fun place to work and live.”
The couple say they could easily see both of their children continue down the agricultural pathway in one way or another.
Over the coming months they will be working towards improving more farm infrastructure including lane ways, fencing and irrigation.
In the immediate future they will be slowing things down for winter by drying off their herd.
The Fenton family have nominated Winnaleah’s Kirk and Brooke Wagner to feature in the next instalment of the Advertiser’s Farming Families Feature.
The continuous feature will aim to spotlight our special agricultural sector through the next generation’s eyes.