G’day and welcome to Boltham Downs!
We’re a small, family-run farm nestled in the beautiful south west of Western Australia, just a stone’s throw from the coast and surrounded nature.
Our story is a bit unusual — we were late bloomers when it comes to farming, only kick starting our journey in 2020, right as the uncertainty of COVID-19 was sweeping across the country.
Looking for more meaning in our lives and wanting to take charge of our own food, we made the leap and bought a modest patch of land. Despite juggling full-time jobs off-farm, we’ve thrown ourselves into learning the ropes and building a life that focuses on what matters most: sustainability, good tucker, and a strong connection to the land.
From day one, we’ve been passionate about growing our own food and sharing the best of what we produce with our community. We believe that eating well shouldn’t come at the expense of the environment, so we focus on sustainable practices and make every effort to tread lightly. Our garden is spray-free and seasonal, so you’ll only find what’s freshest and at its best.
What We Offer
Grass Fed Beef Tallow Skin Care:
Rendered the old-fashioned way, our tallow is mixed with beneficial oils for natural, low tox skincare. We don’t currently sell the tallow for cooking.
Grass Fed Highland Beef:
Raised with care, our Highland beef cattle are crossed with Murray Grey and are grass fed and finished for beef that’s tender and full of flavour.
Seasonal, Spray-Free Vegetables:
Straight from our garden to your table, always fresh and chemical-free.
Registered Highland Cattle Breeders:
We’re proud to be registered breeders, offering quality Highland cattle for those wanting to start or grow their own fold.
Equine Spelling Agistment:
Safe, spacious paddocks for your horse’s rest whilst you holiday in the area, knowing your precious horse or pony is safe and happy.
Short-Term Self-Contained Camping:
Enjoy a peaceful stay on the farm – bring your caravan or tent and soak up the fresh air.
Finding My Place at Boltham Downs
By Jane Gillham
I bought Boltham Downs in mid2020, at a time when the world felt unsteady and uncertain. COVID had just arrived, routines were upended overnight and nobody really knew what the future would look like. In the middle of all that confusion, my longtime partner Simon and I took a leap of faith and purchased a small farm in Abba River, in the South West of Western Australia. We were first time farmers, but not newcomers to rural life. Farming felt like a natural progression — a chance to build something grounded, meaningful and real.
Like many women in agriculture, I juggle more than one world. I work full-time off farm in a fast-paced, demanding industry, and Simon also works away from the farm. Every spare moment outside those jobs is spent tending cattle, horses and other livestock, managing land, and slowly shaping Boltham Downs into a business that reflects our values. It isn’t glamorous, and it isn’t easy, but it is deeply satisfying.
Simon has been unwavering in his support of my vision to grow Boltham Downs into something sustainable enough for me to eventually step away from offfarm work. He understands that my passion lies here — in caring for animals, working with the land and creating products that are honest and transparent. That support has been essential, because building a small farm business takes time, patience and belief.
One of the most unexpected and rewarding developments at Boltham Downs has been the creation of my natural skincare range. It all began with rendered suet — the fat surrounding the kidney — from our own grass-fed and grass-finished beef cattle. This traditional ingredient, known as tallow, has incredible skin nourishing properties and forms the foundation of every product I make.
As demand has grown beyond what our own processed cattle can supply, the neighbouring farms have become part of the story. They’re all on notice now — any grass-fed, grass-finished suet from home processed beef is welcome. It’s important to me that I know exactly where every ingredient comes from. Staying true to using only grass-fed beef protects the integrity of the brand and allows me to maintain a genuine connection with the people who trust my products.
The skincare range continues to evolve, shaped directly by customer feedback. People tell me what their skin needs, what they’re struggling with, and what they’re looking for in a natural product — and I listen. By far the most popular product is Rose Tallow, made with grass-fed beef tallow, pure virgin rose hip oil and a blend of rose geranium, lavender, ylang ylang and patchouli essential oils.
For those who prefer something less fragrant, Vanilla Tallow offers a milder option, using vanilla bean infused grass-fed tallow, cold pressed organic camellia oil and added vitamin E. Calm Balm is designed for young, sensitive or reactive skin, combining vanilla infused tallow with organic castor oil, chamomile essential oil and vitamin E.
I also make grass-fed tallow soap, including Black Magic, a facial cleansing bar suitable for most skin types, even teenage and acne prone skin. It includes activated charcoal made from sustainably sourced bamboo, organic oils, bentonite clay and organic tea tree oil. Beyond that, there’s a nonnano zinc balm I call Tallow+Zinc for sun protection, a natural nappy rash cream for new parents, and fragrance balms for both men and women.
Every product lists every ingredient — no surprises, no shortcuts. I believe people deserve to know exactly what they’re putting on their skin.
In addition to the tallow skin care, we are also registered breeders of Scottish Highland Cattle and offer spelling and holiday equine agistment, spray free seasonal vegetables and paddock to plate highland beef. You may have seen me at the local markets with our fresh produce and tallow skin care range.
Boltham Downs is still small, still growing, and still a work in progress — just like me. But it stands as proof that with support, integrity and persistence, women can build something meaningful, even in uncertain times.
Boltham Downs
Where Abba River winds its way,
Through fields that hold the light of day,
There lies a farm, a proud expanse,
Where Highland Cattle calmly glance.
With shaggy coats and ancient grace,
They roam across this rugged place.
Boltham Downs, where gum trees lean,
And paddocks roll in timeless green,
Is more than soil or sky or grass—
It’s heart and grit in every pass.
And there you’ll find a steadfast hand—
Jane Gillham’s mark upon the land.
A sergeant sworn to serve and shield,
Yet here, she works a different field.
With halters, hay, and careful eye,
She walks beneath the western sky.
From patrol cars to muddy boots,
She stands in strength, in both her roots.
The Highlands graze with calm and pride,
Their horns like crowns they wear with stride.
A quiet breed, both bold and mild,
Each one a whisper of the wild.
And Jane, with every calf she tends,
Knows peace is where her spirit mends.
So raise a toast to Downs and dame—
To red dust roads and honest name.
To cows that wander through the dawn,
And to the sergeant moving on.
At Boltham Downs, she’s truly known—
A queen of cattle, and of stone.
LET’S CONNECTWe’re always happy to have a yarn about what we do, whether you’re keen for a farm stay, looking for local produce, or want to check out our beef tallow skincare range. Message us on the socials or contact us at bolthamdowns@gmail.com
