Video Description
The video starts with a wide view of a family picking strawberries in the sun. It then interviews Brendon & Ash co-founders of Ashbern Farms who are standing in the middle of a strawberry patch. It shows them holding huge crates of fresh strawberries as well as walking through the vines talking with other farm workers. The video then shows a vibrant market place with various market stall holders showing off their fresh produce.
In the lush, cool climate of Stanthorpe, located in Queensland’s Southern Downs and Granite Belt region, visitors can experience the joy of picking fresh, juicy summer strawberries straight from the farm. It’s a simple yet magical activity that brings people closer to the source of their food and offers a unique taste of the region’s agricultural charm.
Meet Ashbern Farms
Ashbern Farms is a labor of love brought to life by two farming families passionate about growing the finest strawberries. Brendon and Ash joined Jon and Bernadine at Strawberry Fields in Palmview in 2008 where they then expanded into Beerwah and Stanthorpe. The elevation of the Granite Belt provides the perfect conditions for summer strawberries, allowing Ashbern Farms to grow delicious fruit during a season when it’s typically unavailable in Queensland.
Brendon, one of the farmers, shares the joy of growing strawberries:
“There’s an art and a science to keeping it all running. The biggest reward comes from understanding how the crops function and using that knowledge to produce something people love.”
While farming isn’t without its challenges, particularly with unpredictable weather, the team’s dedication ensures the strawberries are grown to perfection.
Pick Your Own Strawberries
For those seeking a hands-on experience, Ashbern Farms invites visitors to pick their own strawberries. Walking through the fields and selecting the ripest, reddest berries is a fun activity for all ages. Families, in particular, find the experience irresistible—children delight in searching for the biggest and best strawberries in the patch.
“It’s great to offer this experience to people so they can see what goes into strawberry production,” says Ash.
Whether you plan to pick a kilo or two, chances are you’ll leave with more than you intended!
A Berry Special Festival
Stanthorpe recently hosted its first-ever Berry Festival, celebrating the local strawberry farmers and their summer produce. The festival is a vibrant addition to the Granite Belt’s rich calendar of events, which already includes renowned apple and grape festivals.
Brendon shares his excitement:
“It’s fantastic to have a festival that celebrates summer strawberry production in Queensland. The Granite Belt is known for its wineries and orchards, and adding strawberries to the mix is a win for the region.”
Visitors to the festival can enjoy not just strawberries but also the scenic beauty of Stanthorpe, with its wineries, picturesque countryside, and friendly community spirit.
A Labor of Love
Behind every perfect punnet of strawberries is a team of dedicated farmers testing the soil, monitoring quality, and ensuring the best berries make it to your table. Seeing people enjoy their strawberries is the ultimate reward for Ashbern Farms.
“That’s why we work so hard—seeing someone enjoy the fruit of our labor makes it all worth it,” says Brendon.
Plan Your Visit
If you’re ready to experience the magic of summer strawberries and explore the beauty of Stanthorpe, head to Southern Downs and Granite Belt for more information on the Berry Festival and other local attractions.
Indulge in the romance of strawberry picking and discover why Stanthorpe is a must-visit destination for food lovers and adventurers alike.