Rediscovering Roots: Harry Tommerup’s Journey Back to the Land

Nestled in the heart of Tommerup’s Dairy Farm lies a story of resilience, passion, and a profound connection to the land. Meet Harry Tommerup, whose journey from engineering to farming is as inspiring as it is transformative.

Finding Inspiration

Harry’s journey traces back to his childhood, where fond memories of plucking ripe produce for dinner from his family’s vegetable garden ignited a spark within him – a spark that would later flourish into a profound passion for farming and sustainability.

However, Harry’s childhood experiences with farming were far from typical. As a sixth-generation Tommerup, his lineage is deeply rooted in agricultural traditions, providing him with distinctive exposure to farming and cultivation that sets him apart from the average Australian.

Tommerup Dairy Farm sixth generation family

Since 1874, the Tommerup family has tended to this land in the picturesque Kerry Valley, Scenic Rim.

Today, the sixth generation of Tommerup is diversifying the family’s agricultural legacy by launching new endeavours on their 80-hectare farm in Kerry. Celebrating their 150th anniversary this year, Tommerup’s Dairy Farm stands as a testament to six generations of dedication, offering visitors authentic farm experiences, warm hospitality, and a tranquil escape from the fast pace of urban life.

Tommerup Dairy Farm

Harry’s Journey from Engineer to Sustainable Farmer

While Harry pursued a career as a design engineer, he devoted his weekends to cultivating the land he loved.

These weekends spent tending to the vegetable garden became a passion project that corporate life couldn’t quench. As the demands of his corporate career grew, Harry faced a pivotal decision.

Fuelled by a newfound awareness of the importance of sustainable agriculture and a desire to embrace regenerative practices, he made the bold choice to leave behind his engineering career and embark on a full-time farming adventure.

The Evolution of Harry’s Paddock

In 2023, Harry dedicated all his resources to expanding the offerings on the farm, establishing a 1-acre market garden and venturing into non-hybrid, open pollinated varieties, with a focus on heirloom vegetables. This approach allows him to save seeds from each harvest, ensuring crops are better adapted to the farm’s unique conditions in future seasons. Today, Harry supplies seasonal vegetables to chefs throughout Brisbane and the Scenic Rim, as well as various local markets.

Tommerup Dairy Farm

 Facing Adversity with Resilience

However, Harry’s Paddock faced a significant setback earlier this year when it fell victim to natural disasters, devastating his entire market garden. Despite the wreckage, Harry remains undeterred, working tirelessly to rebuild and renew and continues to sow the seeds of hope and resilience.

Amidst these challenges, Harry also launched a new product to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Tommerup’s Dairy Farm: a collection of heirloom seeds saved from his paddock over the past year. This stunning selection features some of his favourite varieties, each accompanied by his own growing notes. The effort he dedicated to designing the seed packs and collecting the seeds has truly paid off, resulting in a beautiful collection that reflects his passion for farming and his unwavering commitment to his land.

 Guiding Principles

The ongoing effort to educate, upskill, and rebuild Harry’s Paddock stems from the guiding principles he implements at the farm. At the core of his farming ethos lies a profound commitment to sustainability and biodiversity. Embracing regenerative agricultural practices, Harry champions a chemical-free environment, relying on natural methods to foster plant growth and diversity.

This dedication not only cultivates fresh, local, and seasonal produce but also exemplifies the rich diversity and flavour found in locally sourced ingredients. Harry’s farm serves as a testament to the bounty of each season and the unique qualities of the land, showcasing the true essence of paddock-to-plate goodness. Consequently, much of this fresh, local, and seasonal produce can be found in culinary dishes across various Brisbane and Scenic Rim restaurants.

 Cultivating Excellence

But that’s not all.

Within Tommerup’s Dairy Farm, Harry wears many hats. While his primary focus lies in managing the market garden, he lends his expertise to various farm operations, selling produce at markets and contributing to decision-making processes with a keen eye towards sustainability.

“For me, farming is about more than just growing crops,” Harry explains. “It’s about nurturing the soil, fostering biodiversity, and leaving a legacy of sustainability for future generations.”

A Tip from the Farmer

For those eager to try their hand at gardening, Harry offers a valuable tip for pest management. Though it may seem counterintuitive, in some cases leaving common pests like cabbage moth caterpillars on brassicas encourages the natural predators back into the garden to manage pest populations. Allowing the natural balance of the system to return often results in fewer pest problems long-term.

To Wrap Up

Harry’s journey back to the land exemplifies passion, resilience, and a deep respect for nature. He embodies the spirit of a modern-day steward, nurturing a farm ecosystem that thrives in harmony with the earth.

So, the next time you enjoy a farm-fresh meal or savour the taste of locally grown produce, remember the story behind it – the story of Harry Tommerup and his enduring connection to the land.