third generation aussie farmers - the history of wandin yallock farms
Wandin Yallock Farms is owned and farmed by brothers Chris and Tim Manders, whose family has a long history of farming at Wandin in the Yarra Valley. Their great uncle, Harold Manders, began farming at Wandin Yallock in the early 1920s - three generations ago. Chris and Tim’s grandfather and great grandparents also farmed at Wandin East.
Chris and Tim Manders grew up on their parents’ Warratina Lavender Farm at Wandin Yallock. Caring for the land and sustainable farming is in their blood! They established Wandin Yallock Farms on land adjoining the lavender farm. Wandin Yallock Farms is managed to avoid pest and disease pressure. Ladybirds and bees are nurtured!
The brothers bring qualifications and practical experience in agriculture and fine dining, gained in Australia and Europe. Their work and international experiences help them focus clearly on supplying unique, quality produce that meets the needs of consumers - whether home cooks, chefs, fine dining restaurants, cafés, exclusive delis, or provedores.
meet the farmers
Chris and Tim Manders bring the perfect combination of farming, agronomy, agri-research and development, and chef/food services experience to Wandin Yallock Farms.
Chris Manders
Chris gained his passion for agriculture growing up on the family farm. After secondary school, he went on to achieve a Bachelor of Applied Science (Agriculture) at Melbourne University (formerly Dookie Agricultural College).
After graduation, Chris gained experience providing agronomic technical services to broadacre and horticultural farmers in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley. Chris then travelled and worked in Europe for several years. He worked in agricultural research and development in Switzerland and also worked in Scotland on an organic farm, and in England on a livestock and cropping farm.
tim manders
Tim also grew up on the family farm in the Yarra Valley. After secondary school, Tim qualified as a chef and worked in the hospitality industry in Melbourne for several years.
Tim has travelled widely, and worked as a chef in London. However it was later, while working on vegetable and potato farms in England and Scotland that Tim decided his real passion was farming. On returning to Australia he formalised a career change and studied Farm Business Management at Geelong’s Marcus Oldham College - the perfect foundation for today’s professional farm business.