The Rise and Shine Story: How It All Began
Located on our family farm at Finniss, between Goolwa and Strathalbyn, Rise and Shine Pastured Eggs brings the paddock to your plate. Our chickens are housed in chicken caravans, which are moved every week onto new pastures. The chickens are free to roam during the day and are protected from foxes in the evenings by their guardian Maremas.
Rise and Shine is owned by brother-and-sister duo Alistair and Heather Pearce. Alistair and Heather grew up on a sheep, cattle, and grain farm on the Eyre Peninsula. Heather is an Occupational Therapist who believes in creating opportunities for people of all abilities. For the past 10 years, Alistair has overseen the wheat and barley research program at Adelaide University.
How it all began:
As an occupational therapist, Heather has worked with many people with diverse abilities, and one common message often stood out: many simply wanted the opportunity to work, learn skills, and engage in meaningful employment. But how can that happen if businesses aren’t willing to give them a chance?
This was a light bulb moment for Heather—why not combine her love of chickens, her and her brother’s passion for regenerative agriculture, and their shared drive to create real change? And so, the idea for Rise and Shine was born—an initiative dedicated to transforming lives through opportunity and purpose.
Our vision is to create opportunities and skills for people with disabilities to eventually transition into open employment.
We believe in regenerative farming practices, employing locals from the Fleurieu Peninsula, and reducing food kilometers. We are proudly investing in South Australia to provide our local community with farm-fresh produce of an eggcellent quality.
Redefining Inclusion and Sustainability
Rise and Shine Pastured Eggs isn’t just about producing high-quality eggs—it’s about redefining what inclusion means. We use regenerative farming practices to care for our land while creating life-changing opportunities for people with disabilities. By focusing on ability rather than limitations, we’re building a workplace where everyone belongs and contributes meaningfully.
Our Approach
Our farm thrives on two principles: sustainable agriculture and empowering people. Through regenerative practices, we ensure healthy soil, happy chickens, and a brighter future for the environment. At the same time, our people-centric focus enables individuals to achieve personal growth and achievements, building confidence and independence all while receiving support, guidance, respect and industry-recognised wages.
Meet Our Guardians
Boof, Mumma, B1, and B2
When Rise and Shine first embarked on our egg journey, we faced significant losses to predators like foxes and wedge-tailed eagles. We knew there had to be a better way to keep our girls safe.
Introducing the Maremma. The Maremma Sheepdog has been used for centuries to guard livestock from predators, and the breed is renowned for its guarding instincts, intelligence, and loyalty.
Heather and Alistair knew this was the perfect solution to their problem—and then fate intervened. Sadly, the chicken farm where Boof, Mumma, B1, and B2 began their guarding journey went into administration. Without a new home, these incredible dogs faced euthanasia. As soon as Heather and Alistair heard, they were on the phone offering these four protectors a new job. Within weeks, the new team members had settled in and were hard at work.
We can’t imagine life without them. With their around-the-clock protection, our losses have dramatically decreased. In return, the Maremma's enjoy daily belly rubs and their well-earned allocation of bones. They’re truly part of the family!
What does pasture raised eggs actually mean?
Pasture-raised eggs are a type of free-range egg production that emphasises lower stocking densities and rotational grazing. This ensures there is always ground cover and plenty of grazeable species available for the hens.
At Rise and Shine, our hens only head indoors when it’s time to roost for the night, keeping them safe from predators like foxes. This approach allows our hens to live happy, healthy lives while producing the highest quality eggs.
If you would like to know more about other egg farming practices head to Egg Types & Labels: A Guide For Choosing The Right Eggs
