the 2024 season

The year has brought challenges and unexpected rewards. The farm, nestled between the Southern Ocean and the towering Southern forests of Western Australia, faced an unusually hot, dry summer, followed by a brief warm autumn and an equally short, warm winter. These atypical weather patterns significantly impacted our truffle yield, presenting a season unlike any we've encountered before.

Weather Woes and Water Worries

The extreme heat and lack of rainfall put immense pressure on all types of farmers in our region. Many struggled to secure enough water to sustain their crops and livestock. For truffle farmers, maintaining optimal topsoil conditions became a race against time and nature. We relied heavily on our dams and deep aquifers to keep the soil just right for our truffles to thrive. Despite these efforts, the yield was noticeably lower this year.

Intense Aromas: A Silver Lining

While the quantity of truffles was less than expected, the quality certainly did not disappoint. The truffles we harvested this year possess an exceptionally intense aroma. Their deep, earthy scent is more pronounced than in previous seasons, adding a rich complexity that is sure to delight truffle enthusiasts. This unique characteristic is a testament to the resilience of our truffles, thriving even under less-than-ideal conditions.

New Pups and Professional Hunters

Another significant change this season was in our truffle hunting practices. We added new pups to the family, untrained puppies. These little ones arrived at the end of June, just 8 weeks old, and we have spent a great deal of winter nurturing and settling them in. Still too young to hunt, we got in professional hunters to find and mark all the truffles this season.

Raising these pups is a fulltime job and we spend countless hours guiding them through the first steps of their future hunting techniques. Watching them grow and learn has added a delightful dimension to our season, reminding us of the continuous cycle of growth and renewal on the farm.

Looking Forward

The intense aroma of this year's truffles is a silver lining that highlights the unique qualities of our farm's produce. The arrival of our new puppies ensures we look forward to their participation on the farm.

We are committed to adapting and thriving, no matter the challenges. We look forward to the year ahead and are already working on water security and new orchard floor management strategies. Stay tuned to hear how it shapes next seasons harvest as we bring you along for the ride. Here’s to a season of growth, learning, and, of course, the unforgettable aroma of our prized truffles.

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We hope you enjoyed this glimpse into our 2024 truffle season. For more stories and updates from Hide and Seek,

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