As you drive in solid traffic past The Farm (at the Byron exit from the Pacific Highway) you’ll notice the sunflowers blooming, rows of vegetables, and even people toiling in the fields.
The desire in our digital age to somehow get closer to the very appealing nature of this site leads many to snap selfies of themselves with sunflowers and even farmers in the background.
That creating social media content is an ‘actual job’, in some way as worthy as growing food, might seem quite natural to your ten-year-old, who probably has their own YouTube channel (mine does), but before they start believing that they can create food using their 3D printer you might like to take them on an actual tour of The Farm.
A guided walk around the grounds of The Farm will allow you to gain firsthand knowledge of sustainable and ethical farming practices. The next day, come back with your ten-year-old and impress them with your knowledge of garlic and Highland cattle.
The Farm is an actual working farm growing food (as well as its social media following), and donates to local groups through the Northern Rivers Community Foundation. The Farm also partners with local community organisations, and helps farmers by providing much of the infrastructure needed to start producing.
More information: Every day at 10am for 45 minutes approx. $10 adults $5 children over 5, $25 family of 4. www.thefarmbyronbay.com.au
Luckily, tours of The Farm are guided walks so confusing things like signposts can be safely ignored. Should you wander off the track, however, make sure that you don’t find yourself in the well-stocked bar, or worse still eating food prepared by the Three Blue Ducks while simply gazing at the view.
Sunflowers and a rainbow, welcome to Byron Bay at The Farm. Hardworking (real) farmer (and social media content creator!) Travis took this photo.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
