Lake Janis Farm is a third-generation, family-owned and operated regenerative farm nestled in the pristine Southern Forests region of Pemberton, Western Australia.

Owners Dean and Julia Ryan are passionate producers, who are dedicated to growing real food with real flavour at Lake Janis Farm.

For over 60 years, the Ryan family has been tending to this land.

Dean Ryan grew up working beside his father and brothers on the family’s beef and potato farm. His lifelong dream of continuing that legacy lives on through Lake Janis Farm - built on hard work, curiosity and love for the land.

Dean’s grandfather, Dr. E.C.L. “Doc” Ryan AM, was the sole medical practitioner who served the Pemberton, Northcliffe, Quinninup and Shannon districts from 1937 for over 40 years.

As the region’s only doctor, he mastered all aspects of medicine - from anaesthesiology, surgery, radiology to pharmacy. A true pioneer, he delivered generations of local babies, treated mill workers and farmers, and even cared for livestock when needed.

His compassion and commitment helped shape the health and spirit of the local community.

Dean’s grandmother, Gladwys Ryan, founded the Pemberton Infant Health Centre, now home to the new Pemberton Museum.

In recognition of their contributions, a bronze bust of Doc Ryan was unveiled at the Pemberton Museum in September 2024.

All three of Doc and Gladwys’ sons went on to become farmers in the Southern Forests region. Doc purchased a bush block near Palgarup for the three boys. They transported an old surgery from Pemberton to the block in the mid 1950’s, for the boys to live in whilst they cleared the land for farming.

Living conditions where very basic however they all persevered to become successful farmers in the region.

Dean’s parents, Tony and Janis Ryan, established the Pemberton farm in 1959 - planting the roots of what would become Lake Janis Farm.

In 2019, following Tony’s retirement, the family Pemberton farm was divided between the Ryan brothers.

Dean and Julia Ryan took stewardship of their half, evolving it into Lake Janis Farm - a diverse regenerative enterprise focusing on biological soil health to restore vitality to the land.

Today, Lake Janis Farm proudly produces:

• Lake Janis Grass-Fed Jersey Beef

• Certified Organic Avocados

• Certified Organic Potatoes

• Gold Dori Kiwifruit

• Ultrawhite Lambs

Their produce is sold under the Lake Janis Grassfed and Lake Janis Organic brands - representing honest, nutrient-dense food grown with integrity and care. The farm also proudly grows Gold Dori Kiwifruit under licence.

Today, their son Beau, at 20 years old, continues the family tradition as the third generation of Ryans to work this land.

Lake Janis Farm is named in memory of Janis Ryan, Dean’s mother.

In 2018, while the family was expanding their series of dams into one large lake, sadly Janis passed away.

The resulting 2 km body of water - now known as Lake Janis - runs through the heart of the property, providing irrigation for the pastures and orchards throughout the dry season.

It stands as both a practical resource and a heartfelt tribute to Janis’s enduring legacy.

With over 38 years of hands-on farming experience on this property, Dean leads Lake Janis Farm’s regenerative approach.

He is deeply passionate about biological and carbon-based farming systems that build soil health and enhance nutrient density in our produce and livestock.

A former President of the Potato Growers Association, Dean continues to push boundaries - drawing insight from endless research, podcasts and a global network of regenerative farmers.

Dean oversees all aspects of Lake Janis Farms production - from the paddock to the plate - with an unwavering focus on quality and sustainability.

He is more than happy to share his passion and farming ethos with anyone who will listen!

Originally from Sydney, Julia brings a wealth of global business management experience from her corporate career in a scientific research company across Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia.

Holding a Bachelor of Science and Certificate in Marketing Management, she now manages Lake Janis Farm’s marketing, sales, finance, HR, and administration - combining her corporate expertise with genuine rural heart.

Julia met Dean at the Pemberton Hotel while travelling around Australia on a break from Corporate life. She instantly felt a deep connection to the community of Pemberton and of course Farmer Dean, so the “city girl” became a “country girl” for life.

Julia has always been a passionate cook with a natural feel and palette for flavour profiles. As an appreciator of quality flavourful produce, she lives and breathes Lake Janis Farm.

At Lake Janis Farm, our goal is simple:


To nurture healthy soil, grow healthy food, and support a healthy community.

We are proud to continue the Ryan family legacy - regenerating the land we love, producing food we’re proud to share and ensuring it thrives for generations to come.

Join us in supporting ethical, regenerative farming and discover what makes Lake Janis Farm a true taste of the Southern Forests.

As farmers there is nothing more satisfying than connecting directly with our loyal customers. We so love to communicate with you all and to share our passion.

From our family to yours.