MEET THE PRODUCER Sue Heward, Singing Magpie Produce

Sue’s grandfather planted figs, grapes and quince trees on his returned soldier’s block in Monash, SA, in the 1920s. The next Heward generation, Sue’s parents Frank and Ros, added more quince, figs, pecans and wine grapes, and supply all to the South Australia Produce Market, Beerenberg and Maggie Beer. With her partner Mark and daughter Frankie, Sue returned from Melbourne in 2016 to a cottage on the family block, seeking a quieter, more meaningful life. “Other than in the car to and from childcare, Frankie barely saw us,” Sue says. “You have less money here but you’re much closer to family, more integrated in the community, and more flexible.” Sue started Singing Magpie, naturally drying and selling her parent’s figs and quinces, and other dried fruits such as River Ruby apricots and Somerset peaches. “It’s a difficult process to produce quality dried fruit and we’ve found local growers who know what they’re doing,” she says. 0437 745 853; singing magpieproduce.com.au