Farming wasn’t always part of the plan for Daniel and Angela Jackson. Daniel started out as a teacher and then trained as an electrician. Angela was an environmental scientist before they both decided to settle down as macadamia growers.

While Daniel was the one who was passionate about producing, his enthusiasm soon caught on with Angela. Just over two years ago, after an extensive search around northern NSW and SE Queensland the pair purchased their farm. Nestled in the picturesque Glasshouse Mountains in QLD, they now grow custard apples and nurture around 4300 macadamia trees.

The farming lifestyle suits their young family. Although it can get hectic at harvest time, it’s an endeavour the whole family gets involved in. The kids help check for pests and look for nut drop in the orchard, as well as helping with the sorting in the shed.

Daniel and Angela really love the macadamias they produce. “We love sitting outside in the afternoon when the sun sets, and cracking them with the kids,” says Angela. Her tip for getting through that super hard shell? The good old hammer, of course.