Arran Heideman to focus on farm development
Left to right – Jenni Guse – Millen Farm Director, Martin Green, Millen Farm Chairperson, Arran Heideman – Farmer, Howard Nielsen – Samford Commons General Manager.

Millen Farm, a developing community based urban farm at Samford Commons, is pleased to announce that Arran Heideman has been appointed as the first Millen Farm Farmer.

Mr Heideman will focus on setting up the farm over the coming months. Development of the farm will be in accordance with the philosophies of sustainable and ecologically sound farming practices. He will be the first Millen Farm Farmer, growing on our first plot at the Samford Commons site located 3 minutes north of Samford Village.

Mr Heideman won the role over an impressive line-up of applicants. Arran’s experience in establishing his own market garden and his commitment to growing organic and seasonal food contributed to his selection from a strong pool of candidates. Preferred applicants were interviewed by Martin Green (Chairperson of Millen Farm Board), Jenny Kato (Farming Coordinator), Les Nicholls (Sandy Creek Organic Farmer), Ian Beaton (Company Secretary) and Carla Beaton (Operations Manager). Millen Farm performed a two-round interview process to ensure the values and vision of the applicants aligned to Millen Farm’s and to establish that they had the farming knowledge and skill to bring the farm to life.

“We are delighted to announce Arran’s appointment as Farmer during this important start-up phase of the farm,” said Martin Green, Chairperson of the Board. “With Arran’s experience in establishing a local market garden and his commitment to growing organic and seasonal food, we are excited to now appoint him as the first Millen Farm Farmer. It has taken the hard work of many Millen Farm volunteers to reach this landmark of appointing a farmer. I’d like to thank everyone involved for their tenacity, vision and enthusiasm.”

Howard Nielsen, General Manager of Samford Commons remarked, “How excited Samford Commons and all its partners are to see Arran appointed!  The appointment signals a very significant step forward for the farm and for the whole precinct and community.”

Mr Heideman commented: “I am very excited and can’t wait to get the tools in the ground. Farming is becoming a thing of the past where as it should be a thing of the future. Millen Farm will contribute to this future; demonstrate a better way of producing local food; educate the community on sustainable farming practices and act as a training ground for young farmers – so it’s a way of re-establishing the worth of the farmer in our society.”

The community is encouraged to come along to the Wellbeing Forever Festival at the Samford Commons on June 11th, to meet Arran and hear him talk about the future plans for Millen Farm.

About Millen Farm:

Millen Farm is a not-for-profit community organisation, founded in the Samford Valley, to develop an urban farm using ecological best practices. Our aim is to create a sustainable, alternative food system using local processes and resources. The farm is both a working, commercial farm, utilising the philosophies of sustainable and ecologically sound farming practices and an educational centre of excellence and innovation, helping to educate the community in organic food production. It also provides a community space for people to meet and swap produce, or just talk about the season.

About Wellbeing Forever Festival:

Samford Commons and Samford Chemmart Pharmacy, in conjunction with Moreton Bay Council and Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism (MBRIT) invite you to join us at the Wellbeing Forever Festival. The festival will be held on June 11th from 11am to 5pm across John Scott Park and the Samford Commons precinct, linked together via an interactive and informative walking trail. This FREE community event will showcase over 100 local businesses who promote health, wellbeing and sustainability. Visit the stalls, join an ignite session, complete your health passport and so much more! A great day out in Samford for the whole family!