Welcome to Scotchwood Farm
Hello, My name is Michelle and together with my husband Rob and our family we would like to introduce you to the story of how we found ourselves on the perfect patch of paradise we now call Scotchwood Farm.
Rob and I had always envisioned a life on the land, where we could embrace sustainability and have the space to grow our own food and raise chickens for fresh eggs. Our dream was to acquire a piece of land down south and gradually transform it into a weekend retreat, a sanctuary we could enjoy until we were ready for retirement.
At the end of 2022, I made the decision to take a six-month leave from my nursing career. I was exhausted and burned out, and it became essential for me to prioritise my well-being. During this time, we stumbled upon a promising plot of land down south. Sadly, we were on holiday in Scotland and missed our chance. Upon returning home, we were confronted once again by the harsh realities of suburban life—difficult neighbours, unhappy children, and the relentless grind that had contributed to my burnout.
This return sparked a renewed determination within us. We quickly intensified our search for our forever home, and just three months later, we found it—a beautiful property in the small rural town of Bullsbrook, only 46kms from the city.
After months of searching, we finally found our little slice of paradise in Bullsbrook—just an hour from the city but a world away from the chaos. It was the fresh start we had dreamed of, a place where we could build the life we’d always wanted, surrounded by nature and animals.
The beginning of the
Scotchwood Farm Story
ALONG CAME MARY
Once the settlement was finalised, my priority was to bring home a few chickens, two miniature goats, and a farm dog. Rob and I attended the Perth Royal Show, where we wandered through the exhibits until we found ourselves in cattle alley. Surrounded by the majestic Highland cattle, I was flooded with nostalgia, reminiscent of our time in Scotland.
It was there that I met Mary, an adorable calf with a soft red coat and big doe eyes. As I gently stroked her, the breeder mentioned that she was for sale. I instinctively started to decline, but before I could finish, Rob interjected, “We’ll take her.”
Just like that, Mary became a treasured member of our family and played a pivotal role in shaping the way we now operate Scotchwood Farm.
When Mary arrived, accompanied by her Highland x Dexter companion, Ebony, I was taken aback by how much they had grown. Gone was the sweet little calf; in her place stood a proper small cow with developing horns. Eager yet unprepared, I stepped into the paddock to feed them, only to be met with chaos, as an overly excited Mary accidentally caught me in the side with her horns. Overcome with fear, I quickly retreated to safety on the other side of the fence, too intimidated to enter their space.
This wasn’t the connection I had envisioned. I longed for a bond like the ones I’d seen on social media. I realized I needed training to gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to cultivate the relationship I desired; otherwise, I would have to sell them. Seeking guidance, I discovered Bree’s Bovine Behaviour online, a training approach rooted in building trust and using gentle communication that cattle understand.
After a brief conversation with Bree, I flew to Melbourne to attend her cattle handling workshop. There, I learned about cattle behaviour and the best methods for training them. I connected with experienced Highland breeders and gained invaluable hands-on experience. Witnessing what was possible, I felt a profound sense of clarity; this was the path I wanted to follow.
