2019 NSW Farmer Of The Year finalist - Matthew Fenech

Fenech Family Farm, Horsley Park NSW

Matthew is a third generation poultry farmer and proud farming survivor located in the suburbs of western Sydney, a peri urban area that has undergone tremendous demographic change since his grandparents established the business in the 1960s.

Surviving and thriving in a challenging and changing landscape has seen Matthew and his family embrace new technology and new approaches as they grow and diversify their operations while still proudly maintaining the company’s small family business roots and values.

Their commitment to high standards of customer service is only surpassed by their commitment to high standards in quality, efficiency and biosecurity. This adherence to best practice was evident when the Fenech property maintained SE free status during the recent outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) that affected all but a few farms in the area.

Described by his wife Pauline as the quintessential quiet achiever, Matthew’s ability to embrace diversification and ongoing investment of time and training into empowering and retaining staff has turned a humble egg farm into an award-winning wholesale and retail business.

A great source of pride for the Fenech family is building a productive and harmonious workplace. They have a commitment to gender equality in the workplace and actively engage in the recruitment of people living with disabilities.