coreen ung & matt tack of our mates’ farm
Meet Matt and Coreen of Our Mate’s Farm, the winner’s of the 2021 Sprout Producer of the Year.
Matt and Cor are dedicated to producing food, to supporting their community, and to ensuring their business can sustain itself and their family into the future. When we met with them during the winter of 2022 we discussed some of their challenges, from the rising costs of producing dessert fruit for large retailers to fertility issues of heritage pigs, listened to their plans for the future and marvelled at the magic of grafting.
Inside the mud room of their home, at the top of a white board that listed an exhaustive amount of jobs, there is a mission statement. ‘To build a diverse farming enterprise that produces high quality, sustainable food with the highest standards of welfare for both the animals and us.’ If nothing else on the white board gets done, they can certainly cross off this statement.
Matt and Cor really were worthy winners, taking home the traditional wooden spoon as well as brand new Blundstone boots. We loved their choice of Rainbow boots!
Comments from their passionate supporters
“They have integrated cider apple and animal production and are regenerating their whole property. They are enthusiastic contributors to small farming groups“
“Their apple juice is the best we’ve ever tasted! We love their openness and generosity to the small producer community in Tasmania. It’s been inspiring to watch their honesty in sharing the good and tough times in farming and the mental and emotional stain that can sometimes be felt by families on the land. Matthew and Coreen love their animals and are gently farming their patch of earth. Love it!“
“Our Mates Farm is a family owned and run, organic farm. Matt and Coreen have an intense passion for the food that they raise and grow on there farm and the quality and ethics are exceptional! They are strong influencers in the community. Attending and helping out at community events. They also contribute to raising awareness by speaking at events or on the radio. They are always there to help out other farmers when in need and are always willing to share their knowledge and experiences. I have been welcomed at their farm many times to be shown and taught how to improve our own farm for things such as pruning, grafting, covering a poly tunnel and so on. Nothing is ever hassle. From a community and hospitality perspective, I can’t think of a more deserving couple to receive this award!!!!!“