Learning from YouTube and the upsides of first-gen farming, with Tom Cosentino

Six years ago, South Australian accountant Tom Cosentino ditched his day job and bought a cattle property without ever having touched a cow before. 

Relying on YouTube to learn the basics, Tom reckons his naivete has also helped endear him to other farmers willing to teach.  

Hear how Tom feels great freedom without the ‘generational inertia’ behind him, and perhaps under less pressure than those who’ve inherited a family businesses.

He shares his rollercoaster experience as a first-generation farmer, alongside his wife Aimee and tractor-obsessed son, Ted. 

Takeaways:

• To this day, Tom learns about farming through YouTube and the generous advice from farmers around him 
• Since purchasing his first parcel of land in 2019, he's faced great challenges through Covid and now drought 
• Tom emphasises the importance of financial decision-making in farming and always consults a spreadsheet 
• His son Ted is a great source of joy and inspiration for his new farming career
• Tom aims to achieve full-time farming by the age of 40

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Tom Cosentino's journey

02:15 From accountant to farmer: a new beginning

08:00 Learning the ropes and realities of farming

23:12 Decision-making during drought 

40:02 Looking ahead: future aspirations and reflections

 Links & Resources:

• Gum Park Beef - Tom has partnered with his neighbour to sell direct to consumer grass-fed beef 
• More episodes at Humans of Agriculture

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