Wardell Hydroponic Lettuce was established more than 30 years ago and developed it into a successful business with a supply contract with one of the major supermarkets in place.  Initially Iceberg lettuce was grown in gravel filled channels.  That developed later into a NFT system growing predominantly Fancy Lettuce (Oak leaf and Butter lettuce). The farm consists of 10 Structures each 120m by 12m covered with Solarweave.  On the southern prevailing storm side, a storm cover can be dropped down if needed.  The channels on the farm are predominantly 100 mm rainwater pipe, cut in half and ranging from 12,480 holes per shed up to 31,200 holes.  Recently one of the sheds had an upgrade and new rectangular channels were installed at a density of 40,000 holes per shed.  The tables are set at a 3 degree angle and fertigation runs on a 6 min on 6 min off cycle. In 2011 Graham and Fiona Grant bought the property/business and ran it with the assistance of the former owners for 2 years to transfer knowledge and satisfy the supermarket of a smooth transition as part of the purchase arrangement.  Janus Erasmus joined the operation in 2013 as General Manager / Agronomist.  The farm employs between 15 and 20 casual staff through the year.