Alan Westbury’s family farm has been growing spuds in Thorpdale for over three decades. The region’s rich soil and perfect farming climate means its premium potato reputation is still as solid as the spuds in the ground. In fact, it’s the main reason Alan swapped dairy cows for potatoes all those years ago.
Alan’s family farm of 715 acres produces around 8,000 tonnes of potatoes annually, including varieties of Russet, Bliss, Atlantic, and Jurata potatoes. Thorpdale’s special ingredient for perfect potatoes is the rich, deep soils forged by ancient volcanic activity.
Alan began his farming career in dairy but shifted to potatoes when he recognised the potential of the land like many other growers who crop tatties in Thorpdale.
Since then, the farm has grown, with his three sons and grandson all actively involved in the daily work making it a true family business.
Alan said Thorpdale is still a spud strong hold, but the landscape has changed over the years.
“People now prefer washed potatoes for their cleaner look, which has made it harder for some of the region’s smaller growers to keep up,” he said.
The decline in the commercial market for brushed potatoes, those harvested but not washed, led Westbury Farm to shift its focus to the frozen chip market.
“Now, 90 percent of our crop goes directly to companies in Melbourne and Queensland for chips, crisps, and potato cakes with only 10 percent going to the fresh produce market,” he said.
Alan is quick to defend the humble brushed potato as he says they last longer in storage because the soil protects them, and they also taste better.
However, he understands tastes change over time and strong demand from the frozen potato market reassures him about his farm’s future.
Water is another essential ingredient for success, and Westbury Farm relies on two on-farm storage dams that allow them to pump 189 megalitres annually from Elizabeth Creek and Narracan Creek.
"We pump most of our water in winter when there’s no restrictions on the river and this helps prepare us for the warmer month," said Alan.
Alan said advances in technology has changed how they farm over the years, and he’s invested in solar-powered pumps to cut costs and reduce carbon emissions and more efficient irrigation systems to save water. Alan says responsible water use is very important and it’s an ethos he’s passed onto his boys.
“If we don’t use water wisely it can impact the whole ecosystem, the animals downstream need water to drink so we have to share it fairly,” he said.
“This year’s dry conditions mean we may need to trade water again to get through the rest of the season,” he said.
Alan and his wife, Frances, have been involved in the Thorpdale community for years, particularly through the Thorpdale Potato Festival.
Held every two years, the festival is a local highlight that celebrates the region’s potato heritage with fun events like spud-picking, sack races, and cooking demonstrations.
“The festival supports the community in a big way and every dollar raised goes back into local projects," he said.
“Kids love pulling potatoes from the ground and it’s a great way to teach them about farming and where their food comes from,” he said.
While Alan says farming isn’t always easy, he’s chipper about the future because he says people will always love taters. Yet one big question remains on our mind: what’s his favourite way to enjoy a tuber.
“That’s easy because you can’t beat a good, mashed potato with a big knob of butter on top,” he said.