Hi Kelly! Thanks so much for chatting with us today. For those who don’t know who you are or what you do, can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m Kelly Johnson, a farmers daughter, a proud mum of 3 grown sons, wife, and lover of surplus fruit and veg. I live in mannum and my business is based in Murray Bridge, South Australia My life revolves around community, creativity, and finding ways to make good food do more good in the world.
I was a stay at home mum for 12 years with two sons with Autism and a son with a heart condition and was very involved in ensuring they had the best start to life I could give them.
Once I started back at work I became a qualified financial Advisor before taking on a role with Scouts SA as their Branch Volunteer Support Coordinator. It was when I left that role in 2019 that I started Woodlane Orchard.
What inspired you to start SPhiker and Woodlane Orchard?
It all started when I left my dream job at Scouts to come back home after 3 years working away. A friend was throwing away a mountain of peaches he couldn’t sell and I decided to sell them for him. It was fun and so I decided to help more farming friends
The whole idea to make shelf stable foods came from my days in Scouting. During my 15 years in Scouting I taught my scouts to make their own affordable hike food. I used that Idea to create my business and from there, it snowballed into a way to save more surplus produce, support farmers, and make delicious, plant-based, shelf-stable meals that people could take anywhere.
For someone hearing about SPhiker for the first time, how would you describe what you do?
We purchase direct from farmer surplus produce and turn it into shelf stable, plant-based meals that are ready when you are. These meals are designed for busy families, campers, for hikers, adventurers, or even those living on their own, particularly the elderlyand are especially good for people living remotely as they do not require refrigeration and don’t spoil in the heat. Litterally anyone who needs a quick, nourishing meal, they’re lightweight, shelf-stable, and full of flavour no waste, no nasties, just good food doing good.
How does sourcing directly from farmers impact both your products and the growers you work with?
It means we get produce at peak freshness, and farmers get a fair price for crops they might otherwise have to dump. It’s personal, too I know the people who grow the food in our meals, and they know their hard work isn’t going to waste. In many cases it means a farmer ends up selling their entire crop at premium price. I love that as I don’t undercut the farmer on 2nds produce.
Can you tell us more about your sustainability practices - solar power, compostable packaging and circular economy principles and why these are so important to you?
We use home-compostable packaging where possible, rescue food from waste, re-use, re-purpose and recycle anywhere possible, keep our Km low and even repurpose scraps for livestock feed. These aren’t nice extras they’re how I believe business should be done: responsibly, with care for the people, land, and future we’re all connected to.
How did it feel to be named the 2025 South Australian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award winner?
Equal parts humbling and motivating. I was proud, of course, but mostly I thought about the extra spotlight it could put on food waste, farmers, and the power of rural women to create change. It’s a huge responsibility and one I take very seriously as I need to ensure I can use this platform to raise as much awareness of how we can ll work to reduce food waste and support our farmers without whom we will have no food.
What does being a woman in agriculture and rural entrepreneurship mean to you?
It means standing on the shoulders of strong women before me, while making space for the next generation to stand taller still. These awards have opened up a world to me I did not know existed where there are so many strong incredible women ready and willing to support others, helping to build a better world for all of us.
Have you seen the role of women in rural industries evolve over the years?
Absolutely. Women are more visible now, more vocal, and more respected as leaders, innovators, and decision-makers not just helpers in the background. Farmer used to conjure up the image of a man but now people understand women are equal partners in the industry, we are seeing more women on agricultural boards helping to make decisions that will ultimately make the industries more sustainable and creative.
Have you faced any challenges as a woman in the industry and how did you overcome them?
Yes, especially early on, proving that I could lead in a space often dominated by men. I overcame it by letting results speak for themselves and by surrounding myself with people who value action over assumptions. Now I find people who knew about what I was doing and thought it was a nice thing to do are actually realizing I am making an impact and need to be listened to. They realise I’m not going away and more opportunities are coming my way to support my region and make a real difference.
Who are the women in agriculture who have inspired you most?
Too many to list, but I’m inspired by women who quietly get things done while lifting others up whether that’s a neighbour saving a crop or a national leader reshaping policy. I do have to mention a few though. Last years Agrifutures Rural Award Winner for SA Nikki Atkinson has been a fabulous supporter this past year, along with Robyn Verral who is an incredible advocate for women
What advice would you give to young women wanting to create change in rural industries or start purpose-driven businesses?
Start small, start now, and don’t wait for perfect conditions. Find mentors, ask questions, and remember that progress beats perfection every time. It won’t be easy but it will be fulfilling, creative and I am here to support anyone who needs it.
Why is tackling food waste so critical for farmers, communities and the environment?
Because wasted food is wasted water, land, labour, and potential. It’s a loss for farmers’ incomes, a missed opportunity for communities, and a huge contributor to climate change.
In Australia we send 7.6 million tons of food to landfill every year costing the economy a staggering 36.6 billion that’s 300kg per Australian per year. We can do better.
Do you have a favourite SPhiker or Woodlane Orchard meal and if so, what’s the story behind it?
SPhiker Chow Mein. It was one of our first packaged meals, and it’s still the one people write to me about, saying it reminded them of home cooked meals from their childhood. When someone says one of meals taste like their mum made I almost cry because that means it tasted like love. A home cooked meal is filled with the love o f the person who made it for you and there is no better compliment. (check it out HERE)
How do you balance the demands of running a growing business with life outside of work?
Balance? I’m not sure it’s ever perfect and in fact I often get it wrong. A bout of Cancer got my priorities back in line so now I make time for family, friends, a little wine and a good laugh, and I’ve learned to step away before burnout knocks on the door.
When you think about the future, what’s your vision for SPhiker, Woodlane Orchard and the farmers you work with?
I see us rescuing more produce, through mobile dehydrating units in remote or locked down regions. I plan to create social enterprises around these mobile units where communities can step up and help farmers maximize their crops. I hope to be working in a more consultive way and do more public speaking to raise awareness and help farmers turn unsellable crops into reliable income streams all while inspiring others to rethink waste.
How would you like to be remembered in your community and industry?
As someone who saw a problem, rolled up her sleeves, and worked with others to make it better. I’d like to be remembered for my with integrity, kindness, and a stubborn belief that small actions add up to big change. This is especially important to me because I was my beautiful sons to be proud of me and know that they too can be the change in anything they set their minds to.
In three words, how would you describe the spirit of rural women?
Resilient. Resourceful. Relentless.