Meet the grower McMahon Bros.

Tucked away in the picturesque town of Stanthorpe, Queensland, the McMahon family has been tending to their farm since 1925. Remarkably, out of 400 soldiers who settled here after World War I only two farms are left. The farm’s unique location, perched 1,000 meters above sea level, creates ideal conditions for growing crops throughout the summer. With winter temperatures dipping to -4 degrees Celsius, it’s a prime spot for cultivating apples.

The apple season & varieties

If you’re wondering when to enjoy the freshest apples, the best time is from January through October. The McMahon Farm produces a delightful variety of apples, including Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Fuji, Sundowners & Red Delicious. They collaborate closely with agronomists to ensure optimal nutrition for their trees & last year, they planted around 4,000 new trees to keep the orchard thriving. Grafting is another practice they employ to maintain & expand their apple varieties.

Four generations of family farming

Celebrating 100 years of farming this year, the McMahon family’s history is deeply intertwined with the land. Clyde & Ellen McMahon purchased the original Settlement block after returning from World War I in 1925. In 1946, Max & Lorna McMahon acquired their farm after Max returned from the Pacific War. The third generation—brothers Mal & Jeff, along with their wives—took over in the 1980s, transitioning the farm to Certified Organic in the early 2000s. Today, Jeff & Rosemary’s sons, Paul & David, represent the fourth generation of McMahons dedicated to farming. In May, the family will be celebrating the 100 year milestone & thanking those people who have helped make their farm a success.

A commitment to organic farming

The decision to convert to organic farming in the early 2000s was driven by a desire to lead the business in a more sustainable direction. By embracing organic practices, the family ensures that their fruit is not only fresh but also bursting with flavour—a priority they hold dear.

The realities of organic apple farming

The McMahon's are candid about the challenges of organic farming compared to conventional methods. Despite these hurdles, they find immense satisfaction in what they do. For them, the rewards far outweigh the difficulties.

Beyond apples

The farm grows 15 other crops from lemons, tomatoes & blackberries, all cultivated with the same dedication to organic quality.