Kay Tommerup is a dairy farmer in the Scenic Rim, South East Qld. Kay and her husband, Dave, have transformed their 6th generation farm from a dairy business almost certain to be swallowed up by the effects of deregulation to a thriving agritourism business that not only keeps their farm viable, but also creates opportunities for future generations.
The journey for the Tommerup family started a decade ago with a course facilitated by Rose Wright and has progressed to them being recognised as leaders in the agritourism sector in their region. Kay was recognised through the ABC Landline’s Invisible Farmer series airing in 2018 and later that year as the Face of the Ekka, Royal Queensland Show. She was announced as the 2020 #eatqld Champion, was a finalist in the Queensland Agrifutures Rural Women’s Award and recently spoke at an International Women’s Day event, sharing her journey from despair to diversification and everything in between.
Kay is a passionate advocate for the farming industry and her and Dave take a huge amount of pride in producing the highest quality products for their fellow Australians. She believes that only through establishing real connections with city folk – the consumer – can we expect to see a shift in the value of primary production, financially and emotionally.
By establishing their Why and How, the Tommerup family have successfully grown their brand, whilst remaining true to their beliefs and their vision.
The Tommerup family always march to the beat of their own drum and are proud to say they have successfully diversified their dairy farm. They now sell a selection of award-winning produce through their farm larder directly to the consumer, offer a genuine farm experience, host a range of special events and welcome guests to stay at their lovingly restored cottages. It’s by pushing the boundaries, sometimes out of necessity, and continuing to diversify that has allowed the Tommerup family to continue to shape and play an important role in Australia’s food future.
Farm 2 Plate Exchange 2021 Speakers