This special A Friend of Mine episode is a live roving interview from the 45th Murrumbateman Field Days – a testament to the power of community support and collaboration. More than just a showcase of agricultural innovation and local craftsmanship, the field days brings together people from across the region, reinforcing the strong ties that bind the community.

Held on October 19 and 20, the Field Days offers everything from advanced farming equipment to locally produced goods, all set in a relaxed, family-friendly environment that embodies the spirit of Murrumbateman. 

Murrumbateman is a town in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales. It is on the Barton Highway, about 30 kilometres north-west of Canberra, and is part of the Yass Valley Shire. 

Surrounded by rolling green vineyards in the heart of cool climate wine country, the Murrumbateman region is home to 20 world-class boutique wineries.

At times you will hear the sounds of our surroundings whether it's some of the 15,000 people in attendance, machinery, carnival rides, livestock, or even a helicopter. These sounds make it seem like you’re standing right there with us, sharing a quick catch-up.

Meet our three special guests.

Stephanie Helm from The Vintner's Daughter shares her journey of blending tradition with innovation in winemaking, emphasising the importance of collaboration among women in agriculture. In pursuit of adopting more organic vineyard practices, Stephanie and her husband Ben are breeding a flock of Babydoll sheep that can graze through the vineyards year round.

Jennie Curtis from Roogulli Farm introduces us to the charming Babydoll sheep that are perfect for small farms, vineyards and orchards. Jennie has transitioned from landscape architect to fostering cooperation within the sheep breeding community and is president of the Babydoll Sheep Breeders Australia.

Leonie Waldock from Vineyard 1207 reflects on her transition from education to winemaking, highlighting the challenges and joys of running a boutique winery. She talks about the importance of diversifying income streams in the wine industry.

LINKS

Murrumbateman Field Days - https://mfdays.com/

The Vintners Daughter - https://thevintnersdaughter.com.au/

Roogulli Farm - https://www.roogulli.com/

Vineyard 1207 - https://www.vineyard1207.com.au/

ABOUT OAK MAGAZINE

This episode was hosted by Kimberley Furness, founder + editor of OAK Magazine. We are a proudly independent media publisher dedicated to sharing stories and amplifying voices of female change makers and women in business in regional and rural Australia. OAK is an award winning community ecosystem of print, digital, audio and events. We have demonstrated outstanding quality, innovation and impact through our print magazine, podcasts and audio version of OAK Magazine. OAK is where you will find in-depth chats and courageous conversations with women in business from regional and rural Australia.

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For more inspiring stories, visit OAK Magazine website. Hosted by Kimberley Furness, Founder + Editor, OAK Magazine.