Expansion and Better Weather Bring Dairy Farm to Central Florida

By Anna Tsemba

HammerTime Hollow, a small dairy operation from Tampa, plans to relocate north to steer clear of severe weather and to expand its business.

The 30-acre, 35-head dairy farm is expected to more than double in size with the move to its new facility in Lake Panasoffkee in Sumter County.

“Not knowing what’s going to happen with the weather until it’s practically on top of us, having to move all the cows out of danger's way is time-consuming and stressful,” said Anne Hammer, the owner and manager of HammerTime Hollow. The family farm started in 2019 and sells raw and A2 cow’s milk at farmers markets and for home deliveries.

The unpredictable and challenging weather prompted this dairy operation's move.

“Rainfall will be above normal (in the Tampa Bay area). This overall pattern was accurate for most of West Central and Southwest Florida,” according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Weather Service. Flooding and heavy rain can cause significant damage, including to buildings and structures. This destruction can hurt the property's livestock and those working there.

Hammer emphasized the potential risks of their previous location, one of which was the need for a fully closed-in milking parlor. That arrangement made it very difficult and hazardous for the employees to milk the cows when there was a storm.

“Flooding can cause power shortages, salt can kill grass, and water on the ground for long periods of time can damage the cows' hooves,” said Nicholas Hammer, Anne Hammer’s son and the herd manager for HammerTime Hollow.

Those are just some of the problems severe, unpredictable weather can bring. Nicholas Hammer said the business is excited to move to a place where the weather is more predictable and where it can now grow.

The relocation will provide a safer location and has catalyzed the operation's growth and expansion. Although they will not be the only dairy operation in the area, they are able to expand their clientele to a new area of Florida.