Discover how HammerTime Hollow Dairy Farm is turning unpredictable weather into an opportunity for expansion. Will their move to a safer location double their business?
HammerTime Hollow, a small dairy operation in Tampa, has mapped out plans to migrate north to mitigate the effects of intense weather and facilitate business expansion. With the move to their new facility in Lake Panasoffkee, Sumter County, this 30-acre, 35-head dairy farm is predicted to more than double in size.
“Unpredictable weather patterns have left us constantly worrying about the safety of our livestock,” lamented Anne Hammer, the owner and manager of HammerTime Hollow. “The constant relocation of cows away from the imminent dangers of severe weather conditions has provne both time-consuming and stressful.” The family farm, which started in 2019, sells raw and A2 cow’s milk at various farmers markets and caters to home deliveries.
Damage to the Tampa property of HammerTime Hollow in December of 2023 after a storm hit the area. It was the second flood the dairy farm had that year. Despite some infrastructural damage, all the animals and residents on the property escaped unharmed.
(Photo courtesy of HammerTime Hollow)
Such unpredictable and challenging weather significantly influenced this operation’s decision to move. “Flooding and heavy rainfall can cause sizable damage to buildings and other structures, potentially put livestock and workers at risk,” according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Weather Service. They also stated, “The overall rainfall pattern for most parts of West Central and Southwest Florida is predicted to be well above the norm.”
Nicholas Hammer, Anne’s son and the herd manager for HammerTime Hollow, further highlighted the myriad issues they faced. “Inundation can lead to power outages, high amounts of salt can devastate our grazing lands, and constant moist conditions can damage the cows’ hooves,” he explained.
These are just a few of the challenges that unpredictable weather can pose. Despite these issues, Nicholas Hammer expressed the operation’s excitement at the prospect of moving to a location with more predictable weather patterns, where they foresee opportunities for growth. “The relocation will usher in a safer location and spark off the operation’s growth and expansion,” he said.
The Lake Panasoffkee property in Sumter County is poised to be transformed into a brand-new dairy operation facility for HammerTime Hollow.
(Photo courtesy of HammerTime Hollow)
Nicholas Hammer shared his optimism concerning the operation’s future. “Our move more inland has opened up access to quality pastures and improved weather security,” he said. The phenomenon of stunted business growth, induced by their previous location as lamented by Anne Hammer, will be a thing of the past. “Our desire is to expand; we cannot remain stagnant,” she clarified. “This move enables us to expand our territory and our clientele to fresh regions of Florida.”
Expansion is not the only thing in the pipeline. The upcoming months will witness a series of substantial changes to their dairy parlor and operational layout. These adjustments are all geared towards supporting the increase of their cow population from 35 to over 80, a staggering jump that proves impossible in their previous location. The grand plan is to shift the milk cows by the end of May, with the rest of the herd following slowly over the summer.
Anne Hammer revealed that the primary upgrade being made to the new property is a fully closed-in milking and storage area. This provision will ensure a safer and easier milking process for both the animals and the farmhands. Nicholas Hammer chimed in, enthusiastic that the new location would enable the dairy operation to reach more customers. “Being closer to the turnpike provides us with better access to East and North Florida,” he said. “Essentially, this move gifts us with a property laden with growth opportunities.”