S4 Ep 14 - The Christmas Farm

It's the stuff dreams are made of – Christmas all year round. For one Queensland family and all who visit their farm, that's the reality. 20 acres of perfectly formed Christmas trees, the decorations to adorn them – and for those wanting a little more – you can even indulge in one of their famous hot chocolates. If it sounds magical, that's exactly what the owners had in mind. Let's meet the family sprinkling that Christmas spirit almost 12 months of the year, Katrina and Brad Fraser of Granite Belt Christmas Farm join me now to discuss: Their favourite spot on the property is spending time on the land with the kids. Brad has transformed 20 acres of former apple orchards into a real Christmas tree plantation. Katrina came up with the idea of growing Christmas trees after becoming a mum, aiming to create a business that supported staying at home. The business offers an interactive experience where customers can choose their own tree and enjoy a full day on the farm. Growing the perfect Christmas tree involves biology, fertilising, pruning, and carefully shaping each tree. Katrina converted an old apple shed into a charming Christmas shop, now part of a growing retail presence that includes cafes and online sales. The onsite café has become a highlight of the experience, helping create lasting childhood memories. The business stays active year-round with Christmas in July events, a permanent store, and a growing online market. They love the rural lifestyle and the connection to their local community. A common misconception is that tree farming is simple — but it involves year-round work and planning. One of the most unexpected challenges they've faced was navigating bushfire season. Their ultimate dream for the future.   We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus. Links: Angie Asimus  Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram Partnered with Australian Farmers  Follow @australianfarmers on Instagram    Granite Belt Christmas Farm     Produced by Pretty Podcasts