Heritage Bred, Sun-Raised Chickens

OUR FARMERS

Clean Energy / Ethical Farming / Healthy Choice

Nick Bain

Nick is a co-founder of SunFarms. He says:

“We started this project about 3 years ago. We wanted to introduce to Australian solar farms the benefits of co-locating agriculture and solar farms. We partnered with Amp Energy to do this in 2022.

With so many solar farms being built in Australia, we wanted to do much more than graze old Merino wethers – we want to maintain a year-round green environment under the solar farm and manage the pastures in a way that generates premium products.

Our Sommerlad chickens are our first product. It’s a team effort to achieve the best chicken in Australia, and soon we will be bringing the best prime lamb.

With your support, we look forward to significantly increasing the value of this land in a sustainable and regenerative way.”

David Veal

David is a co-founder of SunFarms. He says:

“I never thought I would be a farmer, let alone a chicken farmer. But as we looked at the value that can be generated from the land under Australia’s solar farms, we realised this is an exciting opportunity that an agricultural nation like Australia cannot afford to waste.

We then set about finding partners that can bring the highest quality products to SunFarms.

We settled upon the Sommerlad chicken. This bird is bred to forage and the result is a bird that "tastes like chicken used to taste" - a premium chicken now distributed through a range of restaurants and butchers in Sydney. Later this year we expect to expand our distribution to Melbourne and Brisbane.

We are also currently working to partner with some of Australia’s best lamb producers to bring to market prime SunFarm lambs.”

Tahlia is SunFarm's Poultry Manager. She says:

"For me, SunFarms is more than a workplace — it’s a community. I take pride in creating an environment where our team feels supported and our birds are cared for with genuine respect. Every day is an opportunity to improve, to lead by example, and to make sure everything we do reflects the values we stand for. That’s what keeps me passionate about this farm and the people who make it what it is.

What I love most is seeing the little things come together — the teamwork, the attention to detail, and the shared commitment to doing things the right way. When the farm is running smoothly and the birds are thriving, it’s a reminder of why we put our whole hearts into this work. SunFarms isn’t just about producing quality; it’s about building something we can all be proud of, day after day.

I’m a big believer that when people feel supported and take pride in their work, everything else follows — productivity, culture, and good bird welfare. Ensuring our birds are healthy and calm is simply part of doing things properly, and it’s something our whole team takes seriously.

At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to help SunFarms grow, thrive, and continue to be a place where integrity, teamwork, and genuine care guide every decision we make — for our team, our birds, and the farm as a whole."

Tahlia McWhinney

Michael is SunFarm's Livestock Director. He says:

“The Australian table fowl that has become known as “the Sommerlad” was developed with two main goals in mind – to provide the very best animal welfare outcomes for meat chickens grown under genuine pasture-reared conditions in the harsh Australian climate, and to provide the consumer with a unique and nourishing culinary experience. When my family and I started this process over 20 years ago, we selected Australian breeds from all over the country to create the present day “Sommerlad” bird.
SunFarms has seized the potential of these birds, and are continuing the original goal of providing premium quality table fowl raised outdoors in Australia with excellent animal welfare. Working with the team at SunFarms, under the professional and compassionate leadership of the farm manager Tahlia, has been at times challenging, often hugely rewarding and always a privilege.
It is my hope that the efforts of SunFarms will allow the “Sommerlad” bird to be enjoyed by an increasing number of Australian consumers over the years ahead.

“The Australian table fowl that has become known as “the Sommerlad” was

Michael Sommerlad

Darian is SunFarm's Farm Manager. He says:

"After several years working across a range of farms — each with their own challenges, expectations, and ways of operating — joining a team where the people are truly aligned has been a refreshing change. There’s something unique about working alongside individuals who care about the details, support each other, and share the same commitment to the birds and the work we do.

What stands out most is the sense of unity. Everyone here pulls in the same direction, not because they have to, but because they genuinely want to see the farm succeed. That kind of culture isn’t easy to come by in this industry, and it shows in the atmosphere across the sheds — calm, organised, and focused.

Being part of a team like this makes the work more rewarding. You can trust the people around you, rely on their consistency, and know that the birds are getting the best care because everyone holds themselves to the same standard. It’s the kind of environment that reminds you why you started in this line of work in the first place."

Darian McWhinney

Jin Shin

Jin is curious and adventurous. He says:

“Coming to Australia is a natural thing do. It’s such a large continent when compared to South Korea. Australia has nature that is well preserved, and resources that are plentiful.

Working on the Hillston Sun Farm is very exciting. Breeding and growing chickens on the solar farm is a first for us and it's an amazing idea. We use the idle space under the large-area solar panels.

We help with making green energy and our chickens fertilize the soil through manure. Fertile soil allows pasture to grow, which keeps chickens and sheep healthy.

I think the best thing about our Sommerlad chickens is that they have good lives. They forage freely with their friends on the green grass and are very active and not stressed. I am comforted when looking at them and feel proud of being a person who provides a such good environment.”