Imagine trading the hustle of corporate life for the quiet satisfaction of growing your own food. That's exactly what Callum and Amanda McLean did, and their story is as inspiring as it is eye-opening. But here's where it gets controversial: Is small-scale farming a romantic dream or a viable solution for modern families? Let’s dig in.
One year into their journey, the McLeans are transforming 12 acres of land into a thriving farm that not only feeds their young family but also generates income through their popular salad sales at a local market. Their leap of faith was sparked by a stint on a homestead and the teachings of Jodi Roebuck, a Taranaki-based bio-intensive gardening expert. Roebuck’s work (highlighted in this feature: https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/lifestyle/home/roebuck-farm-where-the-garden-beds-are-rich-like-chocolate-cake) opened Callum’s eyes to the potential of small-scale farming, particularly by focusing on high-profit, in-demand crops.
And this is the part most people miss: It’s not just about planting seeds; it’s about strategic planning. Depending on the season, the McLeans grow a salad mix featuring up to seven different leafy varieties. “We’re still in our first year, so we’re learning as we go,” Callum explains. “But our focus on salad greens keeps customers coming back week after week.”
The couple leases the 12-acre property, purchased by their family farming business, which includes 4 acres of native bush, 6 acres of grazing land for cattle, and 1.5 acres of flatland dedicated to their gardens. The microgreen beds required leveling, and managing water in a high-rainfall area on New Zealand’s west coast has been a challenge. “No matter how well-drained your soil is, the rain here is relentless,” Callum notes. “We had to rethink our water management to avoid flooding—it was a real watershed moment.”
Their large commercial greenhouse ensures year-round production, with 20 beds currently in use and space for up to 80. Staple crops like mizuna, baby leaf mustards, baby kale, and radishes form the basis of their mixed salads. Microgreens, Callum adds, are a “nutritional powerhouse.” “Because the seeds have just germinated, all the nutrients are packed into the plant, ready to eat.”
Neither Callum nor Amanda had a horticulture background, but Callum’s aviation design and engineering experience has been invaluable. “My practical and process engineering skills, quality assurance—all of it translates into farming,” he says. “It’s like clockwork now.”
Soil health is a priority, nourished entirely by farm inputs. “We compost everything—pasture cuttings, beef cattle waste, chicken manure,” Callum explains. “It’s a closed-loop system that keeps our soil rich and fertile.”
Amanda, a former teacher, homeschools their two children while also working on the farm. “We’re striving for self-sufficiency in every sense,” she says. “It’s not just about growing food; it’s about raising our family with a self-responsible mindset.”
Every week, they harvest, wash, and bag their produce, selling up to 200 premixed bags at the Paraparaumu Beach market. While they’re currently covering costs, Callum sees massive growth potential. “I’m only operating at about 25% capacity,” he says. “The feedback is incredible—people love our product.”
It hasn’t been without challenges, though. Crop failures have tested their resolve. “It’s heartbreaking when something doesn’t work out,” Callum admits. “But farming teaches you resilience. You plant more seeds and keep moving forward.”
Here’s the thought-provoking question: In a world dominated by industrial agriculture, can small-scale farming like the McLeans’ truly sustain families and communities? Or is it a niche pursuit reserved for the passionate few? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
