S1 Ep 49 - Gap Year

Australian Farmers: Telling Our Story

We’ve all heard of taking a gap year – but usually you hear of kids from Sydney heading for Europe. Not Bradley Benge. This city boy ended up at a cattle property in Western Australia called Challa Station. It’s all part of a National Farmers Federation lead program AgCAREERSTART which supports young people out of school head to the bush for a year of work and training. Brad and his host farmer, Debbie Dowden are today’s guests. We discuss:

• After joining the National Farmers Federation lead program AgCAREERSTART, Brad shares the differences he has noticed between city and county life and, which one he enjoys more.
• Debbie explains why they decided to host Brad for a year and how their hopes for his future at the station lay with Brad.
• Starting out as an electrician and sheeting trades, Brad enjoys the lifestyle and practical work of station life.
• Brad loves the land so much that his own family is making the transition from city to farm life and will be joining him soon.
• Debbie shares the daily workings on the cattle station since owning the land since 1888.
• The next generation of station managers may not be their own children says Debbie.
• Debbie’s advice for those looking for a life on the land.
• The misconceptions Brad had about life on the land before he arrived.
• Seasonal work and the impact of the rain on the feed for the cattle.
• The most unexpected thing to happen to Brad since he arrived.
• The AgCAREERSTART program and the support they have offered both Brad and Debbie.
• Brad’s dream for the future is to be right where he is now in 10 years’ time.

We hope to see you back on the road soon, to learn more about how Australia grows on the next episode of Australian Farmers with Angie Asimus.

Links:

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National Farmers Federation lead program AgCAREERSTART

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