S1 Ep 12 - Pearls of Wisdom

Imagine working in an underwater garden where you brush shoulders with whales and sharks while cultivating one of most prized jewels of the sea. That's all a standard day in the office for James Brown who runs Pearls of Australia on farms at Cygnet Bay in WA and Broken Bay in NSW. At a time when other pearl farmers were going out of business James' resilience and innovation have earned him the coveted title of Australian Farmer of the Year. James is using the platform to offer rare insights into the magical world of pearling, a fascinating yet painstaking process that takes years to make a single pearl.   James picks his favourite place on his incredible water-based farm. Pearling has such mystery and intrigue and, James shares the secretive early days. The world-famous South Sea Pearl, and the compelling history behind Pearls of Australia. James' grandfather was a pioneer as his pearl farm became the first in Australia to operate without Japanese involvement. The family's working partnership with local Indigenous people, and how this came about. James was the first Pearl Farmer to win the Australian Farmer of the Year Award. The impact of battling aquatic diseases, natural disasters, the GFC, and now the pandemic, over the last 10 years. The increased interest in pearls, where pearls come from and practices behind it. Being on the water each day the unexpected is always expected. The most common misconception about pearling. The ultimate dream for the future of Pearls of Australia. 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: Angie Asimus Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram Partnered with Australian Farmers Follow @australianfarmers On Instagram   Follow @pearlsofaustralia on Instagram Follow @cygnetbaypearlfarm on Instagram Follow @brokenbaypearlfarm on Instagram   Produced by Pretty Podcasts