Meet the Howe Family of Rock Ridge Farming
Rock Ridge Farming is owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Peter and Chelley Howe. What began as a 20-acre avocado farm has grown into a multi-farm operation involving their three kids Tom, Jess and David. Nestled in the stunning Atherton Tablelands of Far North Queensland, Rock Ridge Farming is home to 50,000 avocado trees spread across 360 hectares.
The Howe Family grow and pack both Hass and Shepard varieties through their on-site packhouse. Fun fact: Every single Rock Ridge avocado is tracked from paddock to tray. With detailed packhouse and harvest records, the Howe family can tell you exactly which part of the farm your avo came from!
Q&A with Chelley Howe, Rock Ridge Farming
What do you love most about your job?
Watching our three kids Tom, Jess and David bring their own individual strengths and personalities into the family business. Peter and I were both born into farming families, so we’re proud to pass this onto our kids and continue our farming legacy.
What’s something people might not know about avocado growing?
It surprises a lot of people to learn how long it takes to get an avocado orchard up and running. From planting to your first real crop, you’re looking at 3–5 years. That’s years of care, fertilising and investment before you even see a return.
What does 'farm to plate' mean to you?
It’s the whole reason we do this. Knowing that our avocados are ending up in Aussie cafés and kitchens, feeding families and fuelling brunches, it gives all the early mornings meaning.
What makes Rock Ridge Farming unique?
Rock Ridge Farming is unique because we’ve intentionally positioned our avocado farms across the Atherton Tablelands to have the longest annual supply period (Feb to August) of any grower in our region.
What’s your favourite way to eat avocado?
King Avocado Parmigiana – Chicken schnitzel with a Napoli base, cheese, avo and hollandaise sauce.
