Ben Fahey

For Ben Fahey, the journey from fencer to Farm Manager is a story of dedication, growth, and an unwavering commitment to leading by example. Now managing Hanmer Farm for Pāmu, Ben has built his leadership approach on a simple principle: he works alongside his team, never asking them to do anything he wouldn't do himself. 

His path with Pāmu began on the ground — literally — as a fencer at Kepler Farm in Manapouri. Through hard work, determination, and a passion for farming, Ben has risen through the ranks to lead one of Pāmu's operations, where he combines livestock expertise with a sharp focus on profitability, safety, and environmental care. 

What gets Ben out of bed each morning? His work, his family, and a strong drive to achieve both personal and career goals. It's this combination that fuels his commitment to excellence every day. 

Of Pāmu core values — Grounded, Genuine, Shoulder-to-Shoulder, and Bold — Ben connects most strongly with Shoulder-to-Shoulder. For him, this means being present with his team, working right alongside them, and demonstrating that no task is beneath him.  

Whether it's fixing a fence, moving stock, or tackling the toughest jobs on the farm, Ben leads from the front. This hands-on approach builds trust, respect, and a strong team culture where everyone pulls together. 

Three things stand out most in Ben's work at Hanmer Farm: 

• Constant challenge - Every day brings new problems to solve and opportunities to improve 
• Working with livestock - The hands-on connection to animals and their performance 
• Goal achievement - Planning and executing strategies that lift overall farm performance 

This combination keeps him motivated and engaged, pushing both himself and his team toward continuous improvement. 

For Ben, farming excellence isn't abstract, it's measurable and visible in every aspect of the operation.

It's about balancing productivity with responsibility, ensuring the farm performs financially while maintaining the highest standards of safety and environmental stewardship. Excellence shows up in the numbers, in the condition of the stock, and in how the farm operates day to day. 

One of Ben's proudest achievements has been successfully completing farm accreditation audits, which allow Hanmer Farm to benefit from premium prices for their products. But recognition doesn't always need to come in the form of certificates or premiums. 

For Ben, knowing that his work meets the highest standards and having that acknowledged, even in simple ways is deeply rewarding. It's about pride in the details and seeing the results of consistent effort. 

Ben is passionate about ongoing development, both for himself and his team. He values the training opportunities Pāmu provides, seeing them as essential for continuous improvement. But learning isn't just for personal gain, Ben is committed to passing his knowledge on to his team, lifting the capability and expertise of everyone on the farm. 

When asked where he sees himself in five years, Ben's answer is straightforward and telling: 

It's a reflection of someone who has found their calling and is committed to the work that brings both challenge and satisfaction. From his early days as a fencer at Kepler Farm to now managing Hanmer Farm, Ben Fahey's journey with Pāmu demonstrates what's possible when determination meets opportunity. 

His story is proof that in farming, your starting point doesn't define your destination — your work ethic, willingness to learn, and commitment to excellence do.