Meet a member: Charlie Azzopardi from Tamworth

How did you get into farming and agriculture?

I was introduced to farming through my family. My parents were veggie farmers out in Singleton, and from a young age, I took part in farm life.

What do you love about farming and agriculture?

The thing I love most about farming is probably the independence. There’s a sense of satisfaction that comes from being your own boss. 

Can you tell me a bit about your farm and what you produce?

We have 600 acres in Wimborne near Tamworth and we grow broiler chickens for Baiada. We have around 210,000 chickens currently, housed in five tunnel sheds with about 40,000 chickens per shed. We also run some cattle, to diversify our operation.

What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in farming in the last 10 years?

Over the past decade, one of the most significant changes has been the rising costs of inputs, particularly in areas like fuel and insurance premiums. This has created a tough environment where our returns are not keeping up with the rising cost of doing business. 

What are some innovations you’ve made on your farm?

To be more energy efficient, we put solar panels in to help reduce our carbon footprint. It’s a good way to use renewable energy and ensure the long-term viability of our operation.

Who is your biggest inspiration in agriculture and why?

My biggest inspirations in agriculture are my parents. They taught me how to manage things, the value of hard work, and gave me my start.

What do you do when you’re not farming?

I take some time to relax, whether it’s going to the beach, or going for a drive.

Why are you a NSW Farmers member?

I’ve been a proud member of NSW Farmers for 20 years because they advocate for our industry’s interests and issues. It’s good to have an organisation to lobby for farmer’s concerns.

What is your favourite section of The Farmer magazine?

My favourite section of The Farmer magazine is ‘Meet a Member’. I like hearing the stories of fellow farmers and learning about innovations in the industry.

To read an interview with another NSW Farmers member, click here.