Paddock to plate: Harrison’s IGA Hay visits Vishwa Farm

Owner of Vishwa Farm Pragnesh Patel inspects his growing garlic crop.

By Kimberly Grabham.

In areas like Hay, retailers are lucky enough to benefit from the freshest produce. So lucky in fact, that Harrison’s IGA Fruit and Vegetable Department Manager Brandon Burns and worker David Osmond got to travel to Vishwa Farm to help pack broccoli, before picking up their order for the local supermarket. Produce cannot get any fresher than this.

Vishwa Farm was purchased by Pragnesh Patel on November 26, 2023.

Their season begins with zucchini, butternut and Jap pumpkins, and now they are in the midst of their broccoli harvest. Garlic is also in the ground, with the 550 acre farm a hive of activity and production.

Harrison’s IGA Fruit and Vegetable Department Manager Brandon Burns and worker David Osmond visit the recently harvested pumpkin patch with Vishwa Farm owner Pragnesh Patel.

Pragnesh began working for Xavier Molloy in 2006, and also has worked extensively in irrigation. He enjoys the type of work immensely, and is happy to have branched out. He is very grateful to have Xavier’s assistance and advice in this new enterprise.

Pragnesh decided to solve the issue of needing something to do in the off season of irrigation work.

“We are glad to have something happening every day, instead of sitting at home,” he said.

Active manager Xavier Molloy is highly valued for his expertise and advice.

“Working in irrigation we had plenty of work in the summer time, but winter was a different story.”

It is a happy workplace, with motivated workers. There is a sign hanging on the wall, ‘Train your mind to see the good in everything. Positivity is a choice. The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.’

Vishwa Farm was named after Pragnesh’s niece. The word Vishwa means world.

The farm is currently producing 35 tonnes per week, and before too long will be producing 100 tonnes, when the remaining crop is matured for harvest. Next week, onion will be planted. In the summer time, corn will be go in, then back to the start of the cycle with zucchinis.

The coolroom at Vishwa Farm is full of boxes of broccoli and more waiting to be boxed.

The produce from the farm is transported to Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide, but not before Hay benefits from having their vegetables farm fresh.

Brandon Burns has been an integral member of the IGA Fruit and Vegetable Department for nine years. His role is his passion, sourcing fresh fruit and produce, locally and at good prices.

“Harrison’s have been in the fresh produce business for 149 years, and they have always been passionate about supporting local people on every front,” Brandon said.

Harrison’s IGA Fruit and Vegetable Department Manager Brandon Burns is impressed and pleased with the calibre of produce at Vishwa farm.

“Supporting community events, enterprises and businesses. We have a drive to source local produce, and sell it at a reasonable price, so that locals can still afford to eat healthily at a time where so many things in life are rising in cost due to the cost of living.

“You can’t get any fresher than this; straight from the farm gate and onto the shelves at the local supermarket, not travelling up and back to market.”