About SHARP Fruit

The Butler’s arrived in Woorinen from Mildura in 1921 where they bought land and started growing grapes for the dried fruit industry.

After a few years Jim Butler had 2 sons who helped run the farm, after going out on their own purchasing their land growing grapes as well they started growing stonefruit in the early ’60s mainly apricots for fresh fruit & canning then slowly more including peaches, nectarines & plums. Sons Keith & Len set up their own packing sheds & coolrooms and sent produce to Sydney and Melbourne (Queen Vic Market).

Buying up more land they had 90 acres and in the early 70’s up to 120 acres, Keith supplied a lot of his fruit as well as other growers to the “LOJON” brand who supplied supermarkets there in plastic bins, while Len sent most of his to F.Legudi in Melbourne market from mid- 70’s up until the present time, over 40 years with one agent. Keith also had a stand in Melbourne Market run by his son.

Skip forward a few years Len’s son Geoffrey took over with his wife Dawne and continued running the farm, which was 70 acres, having recently downsized to 30 acres.

We are now supplying SHARP Fruit with produce keeping the family name going, this season 20/21 will be 100 years of Butler farming in Woorinen.

First land purchased in 1978 with 18 acres in Woorinen, Victoria

Family-owned and run orchard and packhouse. The Young’s has been marketing our own brand since the beginning.

Approximately 50 hectares with 70% planted in the last 5 years targeting the newest varieties with the best flavour and shelf life. This includes Montague exclusive Nectarines and Plums, and Sun World Plums.

Plantings and structures are based around export markets and domestic opportunities.

Food Safety – Freshcare, Coles Accreditation. Coles Green Pass approved and implemented HARPS for the 2018 season.

First-generation horticulturists, Lauren & Jarrod Tonkin acquired a green field property in 2009 known as Forrester Ridge, due to its elevation and locality.

Jarrod always showed interest in horticulture when he gained valuable experience from his mentor and friend, Ken Young. He worked on the Young’s property during holidays, whilst completing his VCE and University studies. Lauren studied Marketing, whilst Jarrod studied Agriculture and they have learned from each other’s expertise in developing both the farm and the business.

Approximately 50% of the property is planted to stone fruit and the balance to citrus. This crop selection provides greater diversity, which reduces risk by having an eight-month harvest window.

Identifying risks and limitations is crucial to successful production management and Lauren and Jarrod saw a potential limitation with calcareous soil types. They conducted their research and grew their rootstocks to better suit the selection of Navel oranges, Blood oranges, and Mandarins grown at the property. It is this type of problem-solving and lateral thinking which is required to ensure that every variety and rootstock has the ability to perform at its peak.

Nowadays; we are a health-conscious society and consumers are interested in knowing the health benefits and origin of produce. This influenced their citrus selection of varieties producing higher levels of antioxidants, with some varieties expressing red anthocyanins with the right seasonal conditions. Lauren and Jarrod have two beautiful children, Stella and Darcy. This young family is looking forward to the future of farming at Forrester Ridge.

The Mudge family dipped their toes into the stone fruit industry purchasing a block in the late 90s in Woorinen. As the years passed, Peter and Sandra along with their youngest son Tony developed their home block in Beverford expanding their orchard.

In 2016 Daughter Gabe purchased a neighboring farm and joined in on the fun. Growing a variety of nectarines, peaches, and plums the younger generation have also branched off to growing a variety of fruit and vegetables. Peter was a well-respected livestock agent for decades, also contributing to the community through his love of coaching footy. Sandra is the definition of hard work. This lady doesn’t stop until the job list is done. Growing up in the Mallee town of Sea Lake her family was/is successful grain growers and after having their 3 children, worked in many farming roles around the area.

School was no place for Tony, he gained a plumbing qualification before joining the farm. This trade comes in handy when dealing with irrigation. Tony’s partner Georgi and the real boss of the farm, daughter Gypsy are never far away from the action. She knew her fruits before her numbers! Gabe has a passion for cooking and spent years traveling before becoming a teacher at the local high school. The farm keeps her grounded and appreciates the time spent with her family.

The Mudge family is passionate about growing quality fruit for consumers and being active members of their community.