The Farmers Fast Five: Tammy Acton-Adams

Each issue we ask a farmer five quick questions about agriculture, and what farming means to them. Today we chat to Sefton farmer and owner of The Good Cow Tammy Acton-Adams.

1.      What did your journey into farming look like?

I grew up on a small farm on the other side of Sefton that was very diverse.  Between leaving school and when my secretary course started, I joined a shearing gang for the summer.  Oh, how I wanted to stay doing that!  But was told I had to do the course.  That lead me into the corporate world of advertising for nine years including sales and management. The skills that I learned during that time have been so invaluable and I have drawn on that experience every day since returning to farming 20 years ago.  

2.      Tell us a little bit about your farming operation

We farm in North Canterbury and have a small home block as well as several lease blocks.   To be sustainable we have created a lot of diversity – dairy farming, beef fattening, calf rearing, agricultural contracting, hay harvesting, cropping, transport, and whatever else comes up.

3.      What challenges have you faced in your farming business, and how have you tackled those challenges? 

Perhaps the biggest challenge we face is the urban sprawl.  It has taken away a lot of the quality land around us that was utilised for cropping or harvesting hay.  On the home farm we have taken advantage of being on State Highway One and converted some of the land to a miniature dairy farm to sell raw milk to the local growing population.

4.      What has been a major highlight for you in your farming journey?

If you had asked me ten years ago, I would have said something completely different, but now I think it is the cowshed and the cows.  We have got some amazing new pedigree fresian cows with great genetics and the potential for their offspring is exciting.

5.      What advice would you have for the next generation of farmers?

Enjoy the moment.  Know it will be tough financially, but everything you get will be from your own blood, sweat and tears.