In our coastal community, the desire to maintain our rolling green hills and open rural landscapes is strong. With more people visiting farms, exploring local food sources, and enjoying farm stays, there’s a renewed interest in agriculture. But to truly support and preserve these landscapes, it’s essential for our community to understand the difference between a commercial farming operation and the more curated, small-scale experiences found at local farm stays that include animal nurseries.

A true farm operates as a commercial enterprise, and in our region, these farms are essential to the economy and food supply chain. Commercial farming isn’t simply about raising a few animals or growing small plots of vegetables—it’s a business focused on large-scale production, managing resources efficiently, and navigating challenges from market shifts to environmental pressures. Dairy, livestock, and crop farms are vital contributors to local food systems, and they require extensive planning, investment, and business acumen to remain viable.

In contrast, the charming animal nurseries, and small farm stays that many people visit offer a valuable, engaging experience but are a far cry from the daily reality of a commercial farm. Visitors might collect eggs, pick fruit, or pet animals, leaving with fond memories but often an idealised view of what farming entails. These experiences can unintentionally perpetuate an “Old McDonald’s farm” perception, which overlooks the advanced technology, labour, and logistics involved in true farming operations.

Understanding the complexity of real farming is critical for anyone who values the preservation of our coastal rural landscapes. Commercial farms are constantly balancing productivity with sustainable practices to maintain soil health, manage water resources, and care for livestock on a large scale. These efforts contribute directly to the beauty of our region, keeping pastures and landscapes thriving rather than turning them over to development. Without viable commercial farms, our treasured landscapes could face fragmentation or repurposing, losing the agricultural character that makes them so unique.

In a community that prizes its rural charm and agricultural heritage, it’s important to recognise that supporting local farms means more than enjoying farm stays or animal encounters. It means understanding the scale, expertise, and dedication required to run a commercial farm sustainably. Our farmers are not only producing food but are also caretakers of the landscape, actively managing it to preserve the beauty and productivity that we all enjoy.

As we seek to maintain our region’s green spaces, let’s also deepen our appreciation for the true commercial farming operations that sustain them. By recognising the work, investment, and business savvy required to keep these farms viable, we can better support the agricultural enterprises that keep our community’s rural identity and open landscapes alive.