Ditch The Store

In this episode, CJ discusses the history of women in farming and the reasons for their underrepresentation.

We cover why women have always been farmers even if they weren't counted, the roles women play on the farm and in times of need women have learned what was needed and just got the work done, like during the wars. We then go on to discuss the "alternative lifestyle" movement or hippies and the change in who was farming. It was no longer a traditional farming family model. 

Then we talk about where women are going from here.

Women who have an interest in farming, I think, make better livestock managers. I'm not sure if it's a maternal thing, as I know a lot of women who aren't maternal, myself included, but still make great farmers. I actually think it has more to do with womens ability to multitask, and still pay attention. We generally know if an animal is "off" healthy wise or if something isn't going as it should. 

The saying "women can do anything" is so true when it comes to farming, however, having a supportive and helpful family certainly goes a long way. 

In this episode, CJ talks about how she became interested in farming and her background in working with animals. 

From city kid to farm kid, doing correspondence schooling and milking cows. CJ had to adapt quickly to the family move. And what kid would not want to care for and manage a paddock full of animals?  

CJ talks about growing up and away from farming as she travelled and worked overseas, before returning to Australia to start her family. 

That's when she knew she had to return to her life on the land. This is not a lifestyle change for the faint-hearted, it is a full family commitment, and she is lucky her children agree. She was also lucky to meet her partner, known as the Handy Helper, who while he had no knowledge of farming, brought enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. He's also pretty handy. 

A sea-change/ tree-change from urban living to rural living is definitely not for everyone but you also don't have to have grown up in a farming family to be a farmer. Learning to homestead or urban farm is the setting stone to this lifestyle, and anyone prepared to "have a go" can get involved. 

If you are interested in getting your own urban homestead started, don't forget to get your free Must Know Guide to Backyard Chickens 

https://www.mojohomestead.net/7mustknows

Welcome to Not The Farmers Wife, a podcast for female farmers, girls who grow and homesteading women. No matter if you are in an urban block or on 100 acres, there is something here for all of you.

This is our introduction episode so CJ explains why she had to build Mojo Homestead. Discover why she is trying to farm full-time and her passion for regenerative agriculture. CJ believes everyone should grow their own food, even if they are on a small urban block.

You can visit Mojo Homestead to see what's happening on the farm and download your free 7 Must Knows to Keeping Backyard Chickens here https://www.mojohomestead.net/7mustknows

Thank you so much for listening. I hope you’ve enjoyed our time together today. If you did I be so grateful if you left me a review, I would absolutely love you to tag me in your next post on your favourite socials at either Not The Farmers Wife or Mojo Homestead. And remember grow the life you want to live. See ya.