Tammy and David Litzow

Farmer rating (pending assessment by the PFA): AA
Supplying Food Connect since: 2009
Farm visited by Food Connect: No

Tammy and Dave Litzow of Black Crow Organics have owned their farm at Tenthill near Gatton for around 13 years. Before this, the farm was run as a conventional potato farm, but now it is much more of a family farm, with Tammy and Dave taking care of most of the day to day work, and their kids helping out when they can. They have two permanent team members and contractors also help out during the busy picking season.

All the crops produced at Black Crow are organic, as Tammy and Dave believe that organic food is more natural and healthier. It was the birth of their daughter, who was born 3 months premature, that instigated their total change from conventional to organic growing. The arrival of their daughter made them realise the need to ensure that no chemicals or fertilisers would ever interfere with their family’s health again. The farm became certified organic about 5 years ago and it has been transformed from what it once was to a farm with far healthier soil and the highest quality A grade organic produce (with a healthy family too!). They even have some worms which are over 30cm long!

The beautiful soil in the Lockyer Valley is great for growing potatoes (and other crops) and the Litzows produce five main varieties – Sebago, Desiree, Kipfler, Atlantic and Nicola. They also grow Butternut and Kent Special pumpkins, cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini, capsicum, watermelon (seeded and seedless), rockmelon and they are currently trialling eggplant to see how that goes. Black Crow Organics try to sell as locally as possible to reduce food miles, which is one reason why they like dealing with Food Connect. They do however send produce as far as Perth and up to Darwin as it is important for them to have low levels of wastage on the farm. Their many customers mean that less than 5% of their crop goes unsold.

They like Food Connect as we buy directly from the farm, which means cutting out the middle men and results in customers getting fresher produce. Usually if they pick something one day it will be delivered to Food Connect subscribers the next day, which is pretty amazing. They also feel that supporting local, chemical free and organic farming supports a sustainable future.

Check out the video of their 2009 Nicola harvest!