The People Who Inspire Me: Lessons From Family and Friends

Growing up on our family farm, I’ve been incredibly lucky to be surrounded by hardworking, supportive people who inspire me every day. Each person brings something special to my life on the farm, and combined they’ve taught me the importance of resilience, teamwork and passion. 

Firstly, my grandpa, who at over 80 years old is still out working with the same dedication he has carried for decades. He’s a quiet force on the farm, and I’ve never heard him once complain about long hours or hard work. His knowledge is unmatched, and he is an encyclopaedia of farming history and techniques. His humility and willingness to share what he knows is clear, and he has passed down lessons to me that no book or classroom could offer. 

 

Granny and Grandpa!

My dad is passionate about farming, especially potato farming, and he loves to share his knowledge with me both on and off the farm. His dedication to what we do is inspiring, and he never hesitates to teach me what he knows. He’s always willing to explain and demonstrate his methods, making sure I understand not just how things are done but why. The knowledge he has passed on to me has provided me with many opportunities, such as working for big potato companies in the summer, and more recently gaining an internship at Albert Bartlett. All which would not be possible had I not had his guidance. 


My uncle provides a fun working environment for me, making the workload feel lighter and he is always encouraging me to try new things. His humour and encouragement have been invaluable and I’m constantly learning things on the cattle and barley side because of him. 


Likewise, my older brother is very encouraging of me and is my go-to for day-to-day work help on the farm. Since most people I work with are, let’s just say, a bit older, having my brother around brings some balance. When we’re not fighting (because who doesn’t fight with their siblings) we're able to share tasks and laugh off frustrations working alongside each other. It’s a cool experience during harvest when he’s driving the combine and I’m carting from him to think just how much we’ve grown and matured together on the farm. 

Me and my older brother Ben.

 

The guys who work on the farm are a fantastic crew of guys who have always been willing to give help, advice and answer questions. They’ve never made me feel out of place and their support makes a huge difference. 

 

My granny, although she might not think it, is equally inspiring to me in her own way. She married into the farm young and took on the crucial role of bookkeeper in the business. Recently retired from the books, she doesn’t get enough credit for her decades of work. The farms operations rest on careful financial management, yet her work has potentially gone unnoticed. She is always cheering me on, encouraging me to ‘show the boys who’s boss.’ Even now, she still brings meals to the field during harvest, looking after everyone with a quiet strength that speaks for itself. Her support reminds me that the heart of a family farm isn’t just in the work, but the people who keep it running smoothly. 

 

Granny, and a slightly chubby baby me.


Then there’s my mum, who didn’t grow up in agriculture, but she is always cheering me on in ways that the ‘farming side’ of the family don’t. A proud feminist she is always reminding me that I have just as much a place on the farm as anyone else. Her belief in me has provided me with confidence and along with my dad she probably brought me up to be somewhat of an outspoken individual. 

 

Abbie and Dad at a work party!

Lastly, there’s my best friend Abbie. She’s worked alongside me for years at the farm and coming from a farming background, she too is a keen farmer. Dealing with the same issues in farming as me, I’ve got to say she inspires me as she came and had the confidence to start working for my dad and she has never left! Abbie is probably one of my biggest supporters and always (although we may irritate my dad with our chatting) makes a workday fun. Having a woman by my side on the farm has opened up a social side of work for me, and I’m extremely grateful for that. 

 

Each of these people has taught me something valuable, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them. 

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