September 4, 2025 • 14 mins
This Sunday is Father's Day, so in this episode we’re diving into how regional South Aussies are marking the occasion, from paddocks to cellar doors. We'll also speak to some dads doing big things for our local communities.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Wow hrdessode.
Speaker 2 (00:02):
Hi, I'm Jackie Limb with Aheard Essay. This Sunday, we're
celebrating Father's Day and in this episode, we're diving into
how regional South Aussies are marking the occasion, from paddocks
to cellar doors. We'll take a look at how rural
support groups like Fat Farmers are backing dads on the land,
encouraging better mental health, connection and getting moving again through
(00:23):
community exercise initiatives. Plus, local wineries are raising a glass
with red wine sales booming ahead of Sunday as families
across essays stock up to spoil Dad with a bottle
of his favorite drop. And of course we'll check in
with the Royal Ladelaide Show, wrapping up with what's been
tipped to be the busiest day of the event, full
of family fun, agg competitions and one last dag would
(00:44):
dog before the gates close. Maitland farmer Ben wonders Its
founded Fat Farmers following a realization that his mental and
physical health needed a boost, and he brought his whole
community along for the journey. I caught up with the
father of two who was recently named the twenty twenty
five Bush Champion by the Prime Minister at the National
Bush Summit.
Speaker 3 (01:03):
It was one of those pinch yourself moments where you
just just thought, yeah, I didn't really see myself being here,
and I think for me, it's no longer really about me.
It was really a celebration for the whole Fat Farmer's
Crew who really FAMI are all bush champions, and one
thing that we really rely on is their champions that
(01:25):
sort of instigate local fitness groups. So I think to
them and a couple of amazing ladies Sally and Tessa,
that helped me sort of kick this whole thing off
from an idea to reality. I think it's really all
about all of us, not just me.
Speaker 2 (01:40):
So the reason I wanted to chat to you today, Ben,
of course is for your wonderful win, but also you
are a dad and his Father's Day this weekend, so
I was just wanting to pick your brain on how
has been a parent shaped your perspective on farming and
mental health.
Speaker 3 (01:55):
I think, you know, being a generational business, we've sort
of always been trained to lead by example, and my
wife Belle and I have really always.
Speaker 4 (02:04):
Tried to do that.
Speaker 3 (02:05):
I suppose with our kids, and whilst we enjoy working hard,
we really enjoy being fit and active and part of
the fat farmers. He's been able to do all of
the exercise and hiking or water skiing with our kids
and now it's great to see as the kids get older,
you know, they've made a regular exercise a part of
their daily life. And I think beyond that, we probably
(02:29):
we have a strong focus on the sustainability of our farming.
So we're now working with a succession consulting with our
kids so they can prosure everything they want to in
their own careers. And that's We've got a boy and
a girl, so there's no sort of gender barrier of
who wants to be a farmer or whether they just
simply want to go on as they are, pursue their
(02:50):
careers and just you know, continue to be landowners. I suppose. So, yeah,
it's all just sort of communication and encouraging them to
be the best they can.
Speaker 2 (02:59):
Yeah, So what does a typical day look like for
you on the farm? Then are your kids involved with
you on.
Speaker 3 (03:05):
The farm At the moment, they're both working on the
East Coast. They've both got Uni degrees and so they're
sort of pursuing that. Initially, you know, I would spend
huge azs working on machines and spending time in the paddock.
But as we've expanded our business, now I probably spend
more time in the office working on you know, all
the un fun staff grain, marketing and purchasing inputs. And
(03:28):
obviously now we have sort of half a dozen great
staff members, so you know, there's a big focus on
keeping them safe. So yeah, it has changed a bit.
And now we've got some nice machines, but unfortunately I
don't get to drive them as much as I used to.
Speaker 2 (03:43):
So of course, farming, as we know, can be a
very consuming, all consuming lifestyle.
Speaker 4 (03:49):
You know.
Speaker 2 (03:49):
In fact, we've had recent studies showing about you know,
how fatigued it is just that absolute killer for farmers
like yourself. So how do you balance your responsibilities on
the farm with some down time and you know, hanging
out with the family.
Speaker 3 (04:02):
Yeah, this is really tough, and I think for me personally,
I've probably learned from my mistakes being a generator fist
generation farmer. I suppose, you know, we were taught how
to work hard with an endless amount of call it mongrel,
I suppose, and commitment to the business, and then we're
also faced with that changing scape and agriculture, whereas now
(04:22):
we've got mobile phones and connectivity sort of you know,
to deal with as well, and that whole thing of multitasking. Eventually,
you've got to say, you know, enough's enough. You know,
where do we draw the line. And thankfully, my wife
Bell's been amazing at sort of you know, saying, you know,
not only keeping the family spinning during those busy times,
(04:42):
but saying right when we get home, you know, it's
now ditch the phones, ditch the work, and let's be
the best people we can. Yeah, that's certainly a challenge
in all business now, and especially I suppose with the
in generational farming.
Speaker 2 (04:59):
Yeah, definitely. I know people are working harder than ever
with the cost of living, so not just farmers but
everyone just to keep their heads above water and so
having to sacrifice something. But what was the moment or
experience for you personally that made you realize there was
a real need for something like fat farmers in rural
communities in particular, not just for farmers, but for anyone
living in the country who might be a bit isolated.
Speaker 3 (05:20):
Well, look again, I think it was probably a bit
selfish initially, but I probably once we started doing it,
I didn't realize what I was missing with that, that
whole feeling about doing exercise, you know, and being part
of a team. And I didn't play sport for long,
but I think as human beings we all grave connection
and team work, and obviously when you get in a
(05:42):
gym and combine and combine those too, it becomes really
an addiction. And I think probably the other thing is
when you're exercising in later life, unlike when you used
to play sport, you probably don't go and drink a
heap of alcohol after so and once we've done in
our own town, I just sort of thought, Wow, what
a change for our town. And we're just about changed
(06:04):
the culture in our town of probably especially males exercising,
because twelve years ago it just wasn't the dumb thing.
Speaker 2 (06:13):
Yeah, So that leads me into my next question. Then,
So have you noticed a shift in attitude as well
towards mental health and fitness among you know, the mates
that you see from day to day.
Speaker 3 (06:22):
Oh? Absolutely, well, you know, I think the typical attitude
have sucked up, you know, and it'll be okay, is diminishing,
which is great, but you know, we still have the
challenges of sort of life in the country can be
quite isolating, not just for farmers, and as you mentioned,
you know, the rising costs of living, the recent drought,
(06:42):
that's whole of community. And yeah, it has been tough,
and certainly recently, you know, mental health and depression rates
in the bush have been rising and unfortunately, sadly, we've
just seen a bit more incidence of rural suicide. So yeah,
but look, we are improving, we are getting better, but
(07:02):
it's we've still got a way to go.
Speaker 2 (07:04):
As far as success stories go. Is there anyone whose
life you've heard of and someone's you know, come up
to you and said that their life has changed because
they got involved with fat farmers?
Speaker 3 (07:14):
Oh? Absolutely, And you know, and you know, without being
too specific, I suppose you know, just in our own town,
you know, a young lad that just hadn't really done
any exercise and for a twenty year old to come
and exercise with a heap of older people, you know,
and now he's lost a heap of weight and you know,
(07:34):
super fit and outgoing. And we've had farmers that really
didn't leave the farm and they've come to the gym,
sort of got a whole community around them, and I
think probably been a couple of cases we're actually you know,
two people have reached out to me and sort of
said that that fat farmer season potentially saved my husband's life.
So yeah, it's pretty powerful. And certainly when you look
(07:56):
at the data of the farmers or the people coming
out of our groups, it's massive improvement in well in
just being better people, not only met mental health. So
and what you'll end up really having is a whole
group of mates around you that are there for you
(08:16):
and support you. So and I think the other thing is,
you know, we've had members of our group have serious
pushfires or floods affect their properties, and so you know,
to me that's an outcome as well, really that we
were able to get behind them and support them through that.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
What advice would you give to someone listening, maybe another farmer,
maybe just a dad who's struggling but doesn't know where
to start.
Speaker 3 (08:41):
Look, I think communications just so important, and we've just
got to lose that stigma around you know, keeping silent,
so you know, talk to your partner, talk to some friends,
get some help. And I think you know, even if
just you maintain yourself a bit better, go for a
walk in the morning. I think, you know, just just
(09:01):
communication really and there's certainly there's plenty of help out there,
you've just got to ask for it.
Speaker 2 (09:08):
Really wonderful. Well, A very happy Father's Day to you,
and congratulations again on being named Bush Champion and ag Champion.
An incredible organization that you've helped create here and I
know it's doing a lot of people a lot of good.
Speaker 3 (09:21):
Thanks Jackie. We appreciate your support and don't forget to
thank you farmer for your next meal.
Speaker 2 (09:27):
We'll have more coming up after the break. I heard essays,
I heart essay. Welcome back. With just two shopping days
left until Father's Day, the big winners this year look
to be local liquor shops and seller doors, as well
as the twenty twenty five Royal Adelaide Show, with a
(09:47):
bumper crowd expected for the final day this Sunday. Father's Day.
Presence can be tricky and for those who want to
avoid the jocks and socks, a nice bottle of wine
is often the next safest option. Coles has been tipped
to sell one point seven million bottles of red wine.
This week, Dan Murphy's is bracing for a seventy percent
increase in sales on Sunday alone in the Riverland though,
(10:08):
our reporter Lacki Winnel spoke to Ticketarra Wine's founder Ashley Ratcliffe,
who explains us a few changing trends in the wine industry.
In particular, the stale was sold for Father's Day.
Speaker 1 (10:19):
Big movement to light style reds and alternative variety things
like Nara, Davla, Monte Porciero. But of course the good
older Cheras and Cabinet and Savinia blogs still do well.
But I think the father's this year need a little
bit of a variety.
Speaker 3 (10:36):
And what about those maybe thinking of buying a gift
for Father's Day. In the way of wine, you recommend
storing it for a while or is it best to
not let it go off in a cellar?
Speaker 1 (10:46):
Well, as everybody knows, we've got a bit of an
oversupply in the wine industry at the moment, so I
wouldn't be sellaring anything. I would be buying it and
enjoying it and going back and buying another bottle and
enjoying it as well. So you know, every father and
the kids above drinking age, of course, can help the
one game by going out and enjoying one in a
(11:07):
sensible and safe way.
Speaker 2 (11:09):
Agricultural competition entries that this year's Royal Adelaide's Show have
surged over twenty six thousand, the highest in recent years.
Now celebrating one hundred years at Wayville, the event is
drawing South Australian agricultural families and farmers from near and far.
Organizers say this spiank despite cost of living pressures, highlights
just how keen producers are to show their best and
(11:31):
celebrate the state's farming community. I caught up with grain
producers Say CEO and father Brad Perry to hear about
some of the competition's run and won. This week. An
exciting week it's been for the Royal Ladlaide Show, and
of course it wraps up this weekend, which is Father's Day.
And be happy Father's Day to you Brad.
Speaker 4 (11:49):
Oh, thank you very much.
Speaker 3 (11:50):
Jack.
Speaker 2 (11:52):
Are you going to be at the show this weekend?
I know that you've got a fair bit going on
with sponsorships and what have you with GPSA.
Speaker 4 (11:59):
No, I'm actually I've spent a large portion of my
time at the show. This week, We've had a number
of events. We do sponsor a whole heap of awards,
and we are also involved in some judging. So yeah,
we've seen the crowds filter through, which has been really good.
But I'm actually heading up the Orpinansula with the family
(12:20):
for Father's Day for a few days, so I think
that'll be nice.
Speaker 2 (12:23):
Yeah, sounds good. Well. As far as competition entries, obviously
you said you judged one, but competitions this year has
actually seen a bit of a spike in numbers from
around our regions at twenty six thousand, So have you
seen some people from all sorts of corners of the state.
Speaker 4 (12:39):
Yeah, we certainly have. In the competitions that we sponsor
in the grain and fodder industry, I think all applicants
or competitors are up, so that does include a lot
of schools and Sue Pratt, who's the state's agriculture lead teacher,
she's been doing a great job, I think in rounding
up schools and getting them excited about agriculture. So one
(13:03):
of the things that I judged on Monday was the
Sew and Grow competition where school students were able to
enter wheeps that they'd grown in a pot and explain
the process that they went through and the outcomes and
how they thought they would have improved on those for
next time. It was an excellent competition. They had more
than seventy entries and there were numerous schools from across
(13:26):
the state.
Speaker 2 (13:27):
And as far as it been quite a difficult year,
very dry start for our grain farmers is looking up
a little bit now having had some rain. What do
you have to say to those who are getting involved still?
Speaker 4 (13:37):
I think it's a great effort for farmers to continue
to be involved in what's our biggest event in South
Australia and particularly very important for agriculture and showcasing that
to city people and people from into state and others
who attend.
Speaker 2 (13:52):
Yeah, like you say, this is a great way to
showcase the best of our regions and celebrate the state's
farming community. Also spoke to the founder of Fat Farmers.
I don't know if you've heard of him, Ben wonder
Sits earlier on in the show, and these sorts of things,
you know, I think he'd agree, are just so good
at lifting people's spirits. Getting to be involved in something
(14:13):
like the Royal Audelaide show with people from all over
the state.
Speaker 4 (14:16):
Yeah, I completely agree with those sentiments. I think it's
important that farmers and others in the communities who are
impacted by the draft continue to get involved in some
of these events, not only for connection, but I think
it's also good to take a break.
Speaker 2 (14:30):
That's it for this week and to all the dads
out there, I hope you have a wonderful day. Don't
forget you can hear iHeart Essay in the iHeart app
or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Jackie Lim. Join
us again next week for more of the stories you
want to hear. I Heart Essay the Voice of South Australia.
Wow hrdessode.
Speaker 2 (00:02):
Hi, I'm Jackie Limb with Aheard Essay. This Sunday, we're
celebrating Father's Day and in this episode, we're diving into
how regional South Aussies are marking the occasion, from paddocks
to cellar doors. We'll take a look at how rural
support groups like Fat Farmers are backing dads on the land,
encouraging better mental health, connection and getting moving again through
(00:23):
community exercise initiatives. Plus, local wineries are raising a glass
with red wine sales booming ahead of Sunday as families
across essays stock up to spoil Dad with a bottle
of his favorite drop. And of course we'll check in
with the Royal Ladelaide Show, wrapping up with what's been
tipped to be the busiest day of the event, full
of family fun, agg competitions and one last dag would
(00:44):
dog before the gates close. Maitland farmer Ben wonders Its
founded Fat Farmers following a realization that his mental and
physical health needed a boost, and he brought his whole
community along for the journey. I caught up with the
father of two who was recently named the twenty twenty
five Bush Champion by the Prime Minister at the National
Bush Summit.
Speaker 3 (01:03):
It was one of those pinch yourself moments where you
just just thought, yeah, I didn't really see myself being here,
and I think for me, it's no longer really about me.
It was really a celebration for the whole Fat Farmer's
Crew who really FAMI are all bush champions, and one
thing that we really rely on is their champions that
(01:25):
sort of instigate local fitness groups. So I think to
them and a couple of amazing ladies Sally and Tessa,
that helped me sort of kick this whole thing off
from an idea to reality. I think it's really all
about all of us, not just me.
Speaker 2 (01:40):
So the reason I wanted to chat to you today, Ben,
of course is for your wonderful win, but also you
are a dad and his Father's Day this weekend, so
I was just wanting to pick your brain on how
has been a parent shaped your perspective on farming and
mental health.
Speaker 3 (01:55):
I think, you know, being a generational business, we've sort
of always been trained to lead by example, and my
wife Belle and I have really always.
Speaker 4 (02:04):
Tried to do that.
Speaker 3 (02:05):
I suppose with our kids, and whilst we enjoy working hard,
we really enjoy being fit and active and part of
the fat farmers. He's been able to do all of
the exercise and hiking or water skiing with our kids
and now it's great to see as the kids get older,
you know, they've made a regular exercise a part of
their daily life. And I think beyond that, we probably
(02:29):
we have a strong focus on the sustainability of our farming.
So we're now working with a succession consulting with our
kids so they can prosure everything they want to in
their own careers. And that's We've got a boy and
a girl, so there's no sort of gender barrier of
who wants to be a farmer or whether they just
simply want to go on as they are, pursue their
(02:50):
careers and just you know, continue to be landowners. I suppose. So, yeah,
it's all just sort of communication and encouraging them to
be the best they can.
Speaker 2 (02:59):
Yeah, So what does a typical day look like for
you on the farm? Then are your kids involved with
you on.
Speaker 3 (03:05):
The farm At the moment, they're both working on the
East Coast. They've both got Uni degrees and so they're
sort of pursuing that. Initially, you know, I would spend
huge azs working on machines and spending time in the paddock.
But as we've expanded our business, now I probably spend
more time in the office working on you know, all
the un fun staff grain, marketing and purchasing inputs. And
(03:28):
obviously now we have sort of half a dozen great
staff members, so you know, there's a big focus on
keeping them safe. So yeah, it has changed a bit.
And now we've got some nice machines, but unfortunately I
don't get to drive them as much as I used to.
Speaker 2 (03:43):
So of course, farming, as we know, can be a
very consuming, all consuming lifestyle.
Speaker 4 (03:49):
You know.
Speaker 2 (03:49):
In fact, we've had recent studies showing about you know,
how fatigued it is just that absolute killer for farmers
like yourself. So how do you balance your responsibilities on
the farm with some down time and you know, hanging
out with the family.
Speaker 3 (04:02):
Yeah, this is really tough, and I think for me personally,
I've probably learned from my mistakes being a generator fist
generation farmer. I suppose, you know, we were taught how
to work hard with an endless amount of call it mongrel,
I suppose, and commitment to the business, and then we're
also faced with that changing scape and agriculture, whereas now
(04:22):
we've got mobile phones and connectivity sort of you know,
to deal with as well, and that whole thing of multitasking. Eventually,
you've got to say, you know, enough's enough. You know,
where do we draw the line. And thankfully, my wife
Bell's been amazing at sort of you know, saying, you know,
not only keeping the family spinning during those busy times,
(04:42):
but saying right when we get home, you know, it's
now ditch the phones, ditch the work, and let's be
the best people we can. Yeah, that's certainly a challenge
in all business now, and especially I suppose with the
in generational farming.
Speaker 2 (04:59):
Yeah, definitely. I know people are working harder than ever
with the cost of living, so not just farmers but
everyone just to keep their heads above water and so
having to sacrifice something. But what was the moment or
experience for you personally that made you realize there was
a real need for something like fat farmers in rural
communities in particular, not just for farmers, but for anyone
living in the country who might be a bit isolated.
Speaker 3 (05:20):
Well, look again, I think it was probably a bit
selfish initially, but I probably once we started doing it,
I didn't realize what I was missing with that, that
whole feeling about doing exercise, you know, and being part
of a team. And I didn't play sport for long,
but I think as human beings we all grave connection
and team work, and obviously when you get in a
(05:42):
gym and combine and combine those too, it becomes really
an addiction. And I think probably the other thing is
when you're exercising in later life, unlike when you used
to play sport, you probably don't go and drink a
heap of alcohol after so and once we've done in
our own town, I just sort of thought, Wow, what
a change for our town. And we're just about changed
(06:04):
the culture in our town of probably especially males exercising,
because twelve years ago it just wasn't the dumb thing.
Speaker 2 (06:13):
Yeah, So that leads me into my next question. Then,
So have you noticed a shift in attitude as well
towards mental health and fitness among you know, the mates
that you see from day to day.
Speaker 3 (06:22):
Oh? Absolutely, well, you know, I think the typical attitude
have sucked up, you know, and it'll be okay, is diminishing,
which is great, but you know, we still have the
challenges of sort of life in the country can be
quite isolating, not just for farmers, and as you mentioned,
you know, the rising costs of living, the recent drought,
(06:42):
that's whole of community. And yeah, it has been tough,
and certainly recently, you know, mental health and depression rates
in the bush have been rising and unfortunately, sadly, we've
just seen a bit more incidence of rural suicide. So yeah,
but look, we are improving, we are getting better, but
(07:02):
it's we've still got a way to go.
Speaker 2 (07:04):
As far as success stories go. Is there anyone whose
life you've heard of and someone's you know, come up
to you and said that their life has changed because
they got involved with fat farmers?
Speaker 3 (07:14):
Oh? Absolutely, And you know, and you know, without being
too specific, I suppose you know, just in our own town,
you know, a young lad that just hadn't really done
any exercise and for a twenty year old to come
and exercise with a heap of older people, you know,
and now he's lost a heap of weight and you know,
(07:34):
super fit and outgoing. And we've had farmers that really
didn't leave the farm and they've come to the gym,
sort of got a whole community around them, and I
think probably been a couple of cases we're actually you know,
two people have reached out to me and sort of
said that that fat farmer season potentially saved my husband's life.
So yeah, it's pretty powerful. And certainly when you look
(07:56):
at the data of the farmers or the people coming
out of our groups, it's massive improvement in well in
just being better people, not only met mental health. So
and what you'll end up really having is a whole
group of mates around you that are there for you
(08:16):
and support you. So and I think the other thing is,
you know, we've had members of our group have serious
pushfires or floods affect their properties, and so you know,
to me that's an outcome as well, really that we
were able to get behind them and support them through that.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
What advice would you give to someone listening, maybe another farmer,
maybe just a dad who's struggling but doesn't know where
to start.
Speaker 3 (08:41):
Look, I think communications just so important, and we've just
got to lose that stigma around you know, keeping silent,
so you know, talk to your partner, talk to some friends,
get some help. And I think you know, even if
just you maintain yourself a bit better, go for a
walk in the morning. I think, you know, just just
(09:01):
communication really and there's certainly there's plenty of help out there,
you've just got to ask for it.
Speaker 2 (09:08):
Really wonderful. Well, A very happy Father's Day to you,
and congratulations again on being named Bush Champion and ag Champion.
An incredible organization that you've helped create here and I
know it's doing a lot of people a lot of good.
Speaker 3 (09:21):
Thanks Jackie. We appreciate your support and don't forget to
thank you farmer for your next meal.
Speaker 2 (09:27):
We'll have more coming up after the break. I heard essays,
I heart essay. Welcome back. With just two shopping days
left until Father's Day, the big winners this year look
to be local liquor shops and seller doors, as well
as the twenty twenty five Royal Adelaide Show, with a
(09:47):
bumper crowd expected for the final day this Sunday. Father's Day.
Presence can be tricky and for those who want to
avoid the jocks and socks, a nice bottle of wine
is often the next safest option. Coles has been tipped
to sell one point seven million bottles of red wine.
This week, Dan Murphy's is bracing for a seventy percent
increase in sales on Sunday alone in the Riverland though,
(10:08):
our reporter Lacki Winnel spoke to Ticketarra Wine's founder Ashley Ratcliffe,
who explains us a few changing trends in the wine industry.
In particular, the stale was sold for Father's Day.
Speaker 1 (10:19):
Big movement to light style reds and alternative variety things
like Nara, Davla, Monte Porciero. But of course the good
older Cheras and Cabinet and Savinia blogs still do well.
But I think the father's this year need a little
bit of a variety.
Speaker 3 (10:36):
And what about those maybe thinking of buying a gift
for Father's Day. In the way of wine, you recommend
storing it for a while or is it best to
not let it go off in a cellar?
Speaker 1 (10:46):
Well, as everybody knows, we've got a bit of an
oversupply in the wine industry at the moment, so I
wouldn't be sellaring anything. I would be buying it and
enjoying it and going back and buying another bottle and
enjoying it as well. So you know, every father and
the kids above drinking age, of course, can help the
one game by going out and enjoying one in a
(11:07):
sensible and safe way.
Speaker 2 (11:09):
Agricultural competition entries that this year's Royal Adelaide's Show have
surged over twenty six thousand, the highest in recent years.
Now celebrating one hundred years at Wayville, the event is
drawing South Australian agricultural families and farmers from near and far.
Organizers say this spiank despite cost of living pressures, highlights
just how keen producers are to show their best and
(11:31):
celebrate the state's farming community. I caught up with grain
producers Say CEO and father Brad Perry to hear about
some of the competition's run and won. This week. An
exciting week it's been for the Royal Ladlaide Show, and
of course it wraps up this weekend, which is Father's Day.
And be happy Father's Day to you Brad.
Speaker 4 (11:49):
Oh, thank you very much.
Speaker 3 (11:50):
Jack.
Speaker 2 (11:52):
Are you going to be at the show this weekend?
I know that you've got a fair bit going on
with sponsorships and what have you with GPSA.
Speaker 4 (11:59):
No, I'm actually I've spent a large portion of my
time at the show. This week, We've had a number
of events. We do sponsor a whole heap of awards,
and we are also involved in some judging. So yeah,
we've seen the crowds filter through, which has been really good.
But I'm actually heading up the Orpinansula with the family
(12:20):
for Father's Day for a few days, so I think
that'll be nice.
Speaker 2 (12:23):
Yeah, sounds good. Well. As far as competition entries, obviously
you said you judged one, but competitions this year has
actually seen a bit of a spike in numbers from
around our regions at twenty six thousand, So have you
seen some people from all sorts of corners of the state.
Speaker 4 (12:39):
Yeah, we certainly have. In the competitions that we sponsor
in the grain and fodder industry, I think all applicants
or competitors are up, so that does include a lot
of schools and Sue Pratt, who's the state's agriculture lead teacher,
she's been doing a great job, I think in rounding
up schools and getting them excited about agriculture. So one
(13:03):
of the things that I judged on Monday was the
Sew and Grow competition where school students were able to
enter wheeps that they'd grown in a pot and explain
the process that they went through and the outcomes and
how they thought they would have improved on those for
next time. It was an excellent competition. They had more
than seventy entries and there were numerous schools from across
(13:26):
the state.
Speaker 2 (13:27):
And as far as it been quite a difficult year,
very dry start for our grain farmers is looking up
a little bit now having had some rain. What do
you have to say to those who are getting involved still?
Speaker 4 (13:37):
I think it's a great effort for farmers to continue
to be involved in what's our biggest event in South
Australia and particularly very important for agriculture and showcasing that
to city people and people from into state and others
who attend.
Speaker 2 (13:52):
Yeah, like you say, this is a great way to
showcase the best of our regions and celebrate the state's
farming community. Also spoke to the founder of Fat Farmers.
I don't know if you've heard of him, Ben wonder
Sits earlier on in the show, and these sorts of things,
you know, I think he'd agree, are just so good
at lifting people's spirits. Getting to be involved in something
(14:13):
like the Royal Audelaide show with people from all over
the state.
Speaker 4 (14:16):
Yeah, I completely agree with those sentiments. I think it's
important that farmers and others in the communities who are
impacted by the draft continue to get involved in some
of these events, not only for connection, but I think
it's also good to take a break.
Speaker 2 (14:30):
That's it for this week and to all the dads
out there, I hope you have a wonderful day. Don't
forget you can hear iHeart Essay in the iHeart app
or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Jackie Lim. Join
us again next week for more of the stories you
want to hear. I Heart Essay the Voice of South Australia.
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