Food on The Table
Wandering Willunga Markets on a Saturday morning, sights, smells and sounds abound—but in the chaos, keep an eye out for Trev and Janelle Paech of Gum Park Beef.
The cattle farmers run their sustainable farming and butchery business from their 221-acre Mount Jagged property. Trev was born and bred on the farm, but it wasn’t until 2010 that he and wife Janelle took on regular farm operations.
Life on the land hasn’t been without its challenges for the Paechs—in 2024/2025, for example, the extremely dry conditions caused an 80 per cent reduction in the couple’s feed availability and hay cut for their cattle.
Trev said, “Having hope and peace, even in struggles is so important to us.”
Early on in their business journey, the couple were given a desire to sell what they produced directly to consumers, bringing them face-to-face with people.
“Interacting with people and sharing the story behind the food they are putting on the table for their families became really important to us,” Trev said.
Interacting with people and sharing the story became really important to
us.
Through this, relationships and connections have been built, and in 2024 the Paechs were involved in donating over one tonne of meat to various food ministries for those doing it tough, including Teen Challenge, OzHarvest, Fishes and Loaves and others.
“Dry years like this have been hard for us and many others across the Fleurieu,” Trev said. “But having strong relationships and connections in the community — that is what makes you resilient.”
Main Photo
Trev and Janelle Paech with their family.