The Morrell Family have been farming in Pinjarra since the 1920’s. Crystal Brook farm was established in 1945, 8 km North East of Pinjarra on the foothills of the Darling Scarp. A freshwater stream runs through the valley, hence the name “Crystal Brook”. Mr Denzil Morrell (dec.) established the farm from a virgin bush block which was heavily timbered. This development took many years to reach its farming potential.
Being concerned about the pollution of the Peel Estuary due to the run-off from heavy use of fertiliser and chemical residues, the family sought a better way to farm. In 1990 the practices of Bio-dynamics were adopted. This means artificial fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides, growth enhancements and animal health pharmaceuticals are no longer used.
Arthur, Olive and their family make the Bio-dynamic preparations at Pinjarra which are used by other farmers practising Demeter Bio-dynamic methods in Western Australia.