Tom and Anna Tennent

2025 East Coast Finalists: Tom and Anna Tennent – Sheep and Beef

This Takapau sheep, dairy support and cropping farm is guided by a strong commitment to sustainable farming practices and a long-term vision for the land.

Tom and Anna’s operation is predominantly a sheep and dairy support business that runs 1,300 ewes, 400 replacement ewe hoggets and 420 heifers across most of the 389ha (342ha effective) property. In addition, about 15-20ha of peas are grown as a cash crop that also contributes to pasture renewal.

Since taking over in 2018, a key focus for Tom and Anna has been environmental restoration. Significant areas of marginal land have been retired and transformed into thriving wetlands, surrounded by native plants. These initiatives not only enhance biodiversity but also improve water quality by filtering sediment and runoff.

This environmental stewardship is underpinned by sustainable farming practices including when it comes to improving pasture. By using minimum tillage techniques and subsoiling, the team has encouraged deeper root growth – improving soil health and resilience. They have also integrated brassica crops which has both enhanced lamb growth and helped mitigate drench resistance.

The positive impact of this improved pasture quality is illustrated by high lambing percentages, impressive carcass weights and exceptional dairy heifer growth rates.

The property features 16ha of native, eucalypt and poplar plantings that are registered in the Emissions Trading Scheme, offsetting carbon emissions and further diversifying the business.

In addition, Anna has launched a personal and professional development coaching business where she supports people into new employment opportunities. This further diversifies their income streams, enabling the couple to maintain a stable gross income despite fluctuations in commodity prices.

The judges were particularly impressed by Tom and Anna’s commitment to environmental stewardship, including a strong focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and their proactive approach to soil conservation.