“It takes guts and determination – or maybe we’re just silly,” she laughs.

With rising costs, changing food standards and increasing regulations, Ms Fahey isn’t surprised that the other four farms around Glenburnie Orchard, in Darkes Forest at the northern tip of the Illawarra have become golf courses, horse pastures or homes.

But, watching her 84-year-old father-in-law on the days he still works out on the farm, there’s no doubt the hard work her family puts in is worthwhile.

“My husband likes to say that agriculture makes life possible, but horticulture makes it worthwhile – and that’s what we’re doing,” she says.

“You don’t need peaches and nectarines to survive, but wow they’re yum and make life more exciting. We get a real thrill out of putting skill into a natural thing and making a quality product.”

The orchard has been in the Fahey family for four generations and is now run by Ms Fahey, her husband, Glenn and their two adult children. 

With a need to use up excess fruit, they began making cider and vinegar in 2013 – winning them a slew of awards and allowing them to diversify enough open a tasting room at the farm.

“Our farm shop is now carrying the farm, without it, we’d be a golf course too.”

Ms Fahey will be in Canberra on Tuesday as part of National Agriculture Day.