Family

For the Bower’s, running a farm is all about Family, an attitude which has been passed down through the generations. This extends beyond their immediate family, to encompass the whole farming community both old and young. 

The New England region and Stanley Vale have been home to the Bower’s for 6 generations. Since Henrich and Maria Bower purchased an initial three blocks of land 10 kilometres east of Uralla in 1865, the farm has remained in the family ever since. These days Tim & Sybilla Bower and their youngest son, Dom run Stanley Vale, however, Kevin and Joan, Tim’s parents are still fixtures at the annual on-property sale and the rest of the family visits frequently.

The Bower farming are also actively involved in the wider New England community; with Tim and his sons Dom and Tom all actively involved in the local rugby and golf clubs.

Many students from the University of Sydney and University of New England have been welcomed on farm and into the family over the years. Stanley Vale is a home away from home for many students. Tim is a big believer in sharing knowledge with the next generation and always welcomes having work experience students on farm. Sybilla’s homemade treats are well known by the local uni students and many students have returned from a day at Stanley Vale with a stash of homemade cooking.