The Heart of Farming: A Conversation with Tori and Steve

As hosts of Humans of the World on Britalians TV, we’re always intrigued by the stories of people and their passions. Recently, we had the pleasure of meeting Tori and Steve, siblings who run a family farm that’s been cultivated across generations. They graciously shared their insights, challenges, and laughs as they navigated topics ranging from farm life to family dynamics, and we couldn’t wait to share their story with you.

Tori is the operations maestro, juggling scheduling, coordination, and keeping the team organized. “I do a little bit of everything,” she shared with a modest smile. Steve manages the farm operations and cider production, embodying the spirit of their family business. “I just came down the hill from picking apples with the guys,” he mentioned casually, highlighting the hands-on approach they both embrace.

Family is at the heart of their work. Tori transitioned to full-time farm life during the pandemic, drawn by the flexibility to build a family. “I wanted a family and the farm just seemed like a better fit,” she said. Steve admitted with a laugh, “I begged her to come back and help on the farm.” Their bond is evident, a mix of mutual respect and sibling banter.

A Family Legacy

Pennings Farm is steeped in history. Their grandparents started it, and their parents developed it further, giving Tori and Steve a head start in creating a destination that blends agriculture with tourism. They now manage a bustling enterprise that attracts visitors with farm-to-table dining, ciders, and even fish and chips that rival those back in Britain. “It’s bloody great,” we joked, slipping into our best British accents.

The farm’s bar, crafted from an old apple grater, is a testament to their creativity and resourcefulness. “It’s one of the most popular spots,” Steve noted proudly.

Weathering Challenges

Running a farm with diverse offerings—apples, honey, cider, and more—requires meticulous planning and adaptability. “One of the biggest challenges is that every day is so different,” Tori explained. Weather is a constant concern, as rain can deter visitors, while drought threatens crops. Steve added, “We need the weather to water on Tuesday and Wednesday,” underscoring the delicate balance they strive to maintain.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

With over 100 seasonal employees, the farm is a bustling operation. Their kitchen crew and year-round staff play crucial roles in its success. “We have such a great team,” Tori said, applauding their kitchen manager for crafting outstanding dishes.

Even the farm’s bees contribute, producing honey that’s incorporated into their ciders and sold locally. The integration of agriculture, hospitality, and community is seamless, creating an experience that visitors love.

Of course, our chat wasn’t all work. We shared laughs about superstitions, like Italy’s habit of squishing something (we’ll let you guess what!) for good luck. Steve and Tori joined in, joking about alternative traditions involving apples and salt.

Their sense of humour and camaraderie reflect the joy they find in their work. “We don’t run into each other that much,” they admitted, highlighting the many areas they oversee. Yet, when they do come together, it’s clear they share a vision and a love for their farm.

Tori and Steve’s farm isn’t just a business—it’s a legacy of family, hard work, and innovation. Their ability to adapt, collaborate, and bring people together makes their farm a special place. As we said our goodbyes, we couldn’t help but feel inspired by their story, and we’re certain you will too.

Stay tuned to Humans of the World for more remarkable stories from around the globe.

Until next time.

with Love
Marco and Erica