1000+ herd beef farm to transition to agritourism

Australia's first dedicated farm transition organisation has commenced its inaugural project, working with a New South Wales beef farmer to transition a 3800-acre farm and herd of 1000 cattle into an agritourism model.

Farm Transitions Australia provides a free support service to dairy and beef farmers looking to transition away from animal farming and into more regenerative and sustainable forms of plant-focused farming, new enterprises or careers.

Farm Transitions Australia founder Krystal Camilleri said the farming landscape is changing, putting pressure on beef and dairy farmers to adapt.

"Many farmers are experiencing rising operation costs, labour shortages, unstable beef and milk prices, unpredictable weather patterns including impacts from flood and drought, climate change pressures, changing consumer preferences and the rise of dairy and milk substitutes.

"Add to this the nature of farming with its isolation, minimal downtime and long working hours, impacting farmers' mental health and wellbeing," she said.

"The reasons farmers leave beef or dairy farming are many – financial, mental, social, ethical."

Beef farmer Justin has run his cattle farm for 10 years but believes there is a better pathway for humans and animals.

"In 2017, I tried a plant-based diet and haven't looked back. I am a very conflicted beef cattle farmer," Justin said.

"With Farm Transitions Australia's help, we are exploring a new path, and one I believe is the right one."

Ms Camilleri said this particular farm is located three-hours inland from Sydney, near Mudgee's award-winning wine region, making it a prime candidate for agritourism.

"This pioneer farm transition involves us exploring the feasibility of an agritourism business model. The concept, still in its infancy, is to blend the natural landscape with elements of sustainable tourism, offering visitors an escape from the city and a taste of country life."

The concept includes the potential for a retreat, eco-cabins, recreational park and a sanctuary for some of the farm's 1000 Angus cattle. 

"The farmer hopes we can provide a safe place for some of his herd to live out their days and become an iconic part of both the property's history and its next story," Ms Camilleri said.

"We see this sanctuary not only as a refuge for the cattle but also as a potential educational resource, particularly for younger generations, students and other farmers considering transitioning away from beef and dairy farming. The sanctuary is envisioned as a point of interest for tourists, allowing them to get up close and personal with the animals."

Farm Transitions Australia's role in this transition is to offer free project management and business support services supporting the farmer throughout the transition. 

The registered charity relies on community, government and private sector support to facilitate farm transitions, including this pioneering project.

"We are currently 100% volunteer-run and operated, but to achieve our goal of supporting this farmer – and more farmers to follow – to create sustainable, viable futures, we need sponsors and support, "Ms Camilleri said.

Support Farm Transitions Australia at www.farmtransitionsaustralia.org

Further comment:

Krystal Camilleri – krystal@farmtransitionsaustralia.org

Founder and Executive Director