a fourth generation aussie farmer - the history of wandin yallock farms
Wandin Yallock Farms is owned and farmed Chris Manders, whose family has a long history of farming at Wandin in the Yarra Valley. His great uncle, Harold Manders, began farming at Wandin Yallock in the early 1920s - three generations ago. Chris’s grandfather and great grandparents also farmed at Wandin East.
Chris grew up on his parents’ Warratina Lavender Farm at Wandin Yallock. Caring for the land and sustainable farming is in his blood! He 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!
Chris brings qualifications and practical experience in agriculture, gained in Australia and Europe. His work and international experience help him 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 farmer
Chris Manders brings the perfect combination of farming, agronomy, and agri-research and development 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.