Bella & Bryn's Produce Stall is a testament to the dedication and passion of the Ryan family. Located on Cosy Creek Road in Palgarup, just north of Manjimup, this small farm has flourished under the care of Matthew and Michelle Ryan, along with their children, Bella and Bryn. The farm spans five acres, where the family grows a variety of hydroponic and seasonal produce, all cultivated without the use of sprays.
The stall itself was the brainchild of Bella and Bryn, who wanted to create a safe space for people to buy healthy produce during the COVID-19 pandemic. They recognised the need for an alternative to large supermarkets and took the initiative to set up their own farm stall, ensuring that their community had access to fresh, locally grown vegetables and herbs. Their idea quickly became a reality, and today, they remain the driving force behind its success.
The farm is a hub of activity, with a wide variety of produce grown both hydroponically and in soil. The hydroponic setup includes green and red oak leaf lettuce, cos lettuce, red and green coral lettuce, spinach, watercress, basil, dill, coriander, and chives. These fresh greens are a staple of their stall, but the family also cultivates a range of seasonal vegetables and fruit, including capsicum, chilli, eggplant, onions, leek, celery, beans, peas, potatoes, radish, beetroot, pumpkin, zucchini, melons, artichokes, and corn. Additionally, they grow apples, pears, plums, citrus, berries, passionfruit, avocados, figs, and rhubarb, ensuring a year-round offering of fresh produce.
Matthew, who has a background in horticulture and market gardening, balances his work on the farm with his role as an educational trainer and assessor in the agriculture department at Manjimup Senior High School. His decision to transition to hydroponics was influenced by previous injuries from his time as a mechanic, as the system allows him to work at a comfortable height while producing high-quality vegetables efficiently. The hydroponic method offers numerous benefits, including reduced water usage, cleaner produce, and fewer pest and disease issues.
Bella and Bryn play an integral role in the day-to-day operations of the farm and stall. From planting seeds to harvesting crops, they are involved in every step of the process. Bryn has taken a keen interest in learning about fertilisers and testing water solutions, while Bella enjoys growing flowers and plants. Their enthusiasm extends beyond their own farm, as they often help neighbours with harvesting avocados, passionfruit, and potatoes. Their hands-on experience has given them a deep appreciation for the dedication required to grow food and care for the land.
The produce stall itself is a place where customers can expect to find high-quality, locally grown produce. Bella and Bryn take pride in maintaining the stall, restocking it with fresh vegetables and herbs, and engaging with visitors. Their most popular items include fresh beans, fragrant basil, and vine-ripened tomatoes, which are always in high demand. The stall is more than just a business—it is a space that fosters community connections, with customers often leaving heartfelt notes of appreciation.
The family has embraced a regenerative agricultural approach, incorporating cover crops, low tillage, and beneficial insects to improve soil health. They rotate their sheep through the cover crop areas to naturally manage the land before planting, and they believe that healthy plants are more resilient against pests and diseases. While their transition to spray-free farming presented initial challenges, they have found that their customers appreciate knowing that their produce is safe and free from harmful chemicals.
Despite the rewards of farming, the Ryan's acknowledge the challenges that come with balancing work, family, and farm responsibilities. Bella and Bryn, in particular, have had to learn resilience, handling setbacks such as disappointing harvests and occasional unpaid sales. However, their hard work is rewarded through their growing customer base and their involvement in the Warren Agricultural Show, where they have received numerous ribbons for their produce. Their participation in the show not only showcases their dedication but also strengthens their ties to the local farming community.
Beyond the farm, Bella and Bryn are passionate about giving back. They regularly donate vegetable boxes to those in need, contribute produce for fundraising raffles, and even sponsor trophies for junior sports events. Their generosity and community spirit have made a meaningful impact, reinforcing their appreciation for the Southern Forests region and its people.
As Bella and Bryn grow older, the future of the stall remains in their hands. They are already exploring new ideas, with Bella considering a focus on native flowers and out-of-season production. Their commitment to innovation and quality ensures that the stall will continue to evolve, meeting the needs of their loyal customers while staying true to their values.
Bella & Bryn's Produce Stall is open seven days a week during daylight hours at 93 Cosy Creek Road, Palgarup. Visitors are encouraged to stop by, experience the freshness of their produce, and support a local family business that is built on passion, hard work, and a genuine love for the land. Follow their Facebook page to see updates about what's in stock.
Photography by Genuinely Southern Forests and Craig Kinder Photography.
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