Grow South Antrim

Interested in Diversifying?

DARD is hosting a Diversification Awareness Day at Hoy's Farmhouse Ice Cream in Parkgate on Monday, 21st June.

Claire Anderson, Senior Rural Enterprise Adviser, DARD, explained what the day will be all about:

"Diversifying your farm business is a huge step for you and your family.  The resulting business will be operated and managed in a very different way to your current farm business. On the flip side, you are well placed to exploit skills and resources that are often plentiful on the farm.  One of the best ways to see if diversification is an option for you, is to visit farmers who have already done it. For this reason, a visit to Hoy's Farmhouse Ice Cream in Parkgate, Ballyclare on Tuesday 22nd June at 10.00 am has been organised by DARD, for farm families interested in farm diversification."

Tammy Hoy, Hoy's Farmhouse Ice Cream

"The business is owned and operated by Andrew and Tammy Hoy, who live and work on the family farm with their four young children. They run a dairy herd of 110 pedigree Holstein cows and also manufacture and sell luxury, award-winning ice cream.   During the visit Tammy will explain how she took the business idea and made it a reality. She will talk about the set up, the building project, product development, branding and selling."

Rural Enterprise Advisers will be on hand to provide information on the diversification support provided by DARD and Sara Thompson, from Grow South Antrim, will provide details of funding available through the Rural Development Programme.

If you wish to join the visit or want to talk through your plans for diversification, please contact Claire Anderson, Senior Rural Enterprise Adviser, on 028 2566 2823 or 079 0057 5044 by Monday 21^st  June 2010.  The visit will start at 10.00am and conclude at 12.30pm.