AT 65, John Atkin has a level of motivation, enthusiasm and energy that would put some people half his age to shame.
Most mornings he’s out of bed well before dawn to get to work on his Duranbah farm, and a 6am start is what he considers a sleep in.
“I’ve always been a self motivated person,” said John.
“I can’t remember ever waking up in the morning and not wanting to go to work.”
For many years, work was running a group of fitness centres in Brisbane, but for the past 15 years, John’s focus has been farmers’ market business, Jumping Red Ant.
After small beginnings, the farm has grown to 50 acres of mixed vegetable crops and two large flower sheds filled with roses gerberas and other flowers that supply Jumping Red Ant’s six local farmers markets stalls.
Interestingly, both of John’s grandfather’s were passionate gardeners – one had a keen interest in roses and flowers, and the other in growing vegetables, so Jumping Red Ant was most likely written into John’s DNA.
Flowers are what John started out with and they remain a passion. His growing sheds are now home to more than 12,000 roses and other flowers.
The local climate and humid summers can be tough on roses, but John says after extensive trials he is now able to manage pests and disease using only organic products.
He says people appreciate the freshness of his roses and other flowers, which are generally cut the day before market. They last a lot longer than those in the supermarket – many of which can be imported from overseas.
When it comes to fruit and vegetables, Jumping Red Ant is known for variety, and the stall is always well stocked with freshly picked produce including avocados, cherry tomatoes, green beans, capsicum, cucumber, potato, sweet potato, passionfruit and zucchini.
Keeping the farm running is pretty much a 365 day-a-year job, but John says he has no intention of giving it up any time soon.
If you enjoy what you’re doing it and you love it, it’s just so easy,” he said.
“People ask: ‘when are you got to retire?’ and I say, “I’m not.”
Find Jumping Red Ant at the Mullumbimby Farmers Market every Friday.
