S1 Ep 28 - One Woman Band

Today's guest has fit more jobs into her 36 years than most of us do in a lifetime. This powerhouse loves showing up for a day's shearing only to shock her colleagues by being tiny in stature. She drives trucks with her handbag on the front seat and classical music playing.  To add to that, she started her own sheep stud at age 17 and has since added grain trading and muscle scanning businesses to her resume. What's more, she loves to cook! Rachel Chirgwin is a woman not to be underestimated. However, there is a role she'd still like to add to the mix - wife and mum. Today we discuss: Rachel's favourite place on the farm is the sheep shed in the middle of the night.   At 36, she has already succeeded at more jobs than most of us even try in a lifetime and shares how her country life began. Rachel started a stud at the young age of 17 as she had discovered an interest in the breeding of sheep and cattle. Being home-schooled on Kangaroo Island resulted in Rachel learning a lot of practical skills from a very young age along with her twin sister. The financial highs and lows of farming and Rachel shares how she started her farm with no power or water. Shearing, truck driving and stud farming, Rachel has done it all and describes a 'normal' day. Working in a predominantly male dominated industry, Rachel has felt welcomed and supported by the community. Rachel's top tip for surviving in your own business. Her favourite thing about life on the land. The generosity of time and resources of Rachel's local community have been a major factor in her success. The most common misconception about Rachel – she is only 110cm tall. The future for Rachel Chirgwin. 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 Connect with Rachel Chirgwin on Facebook Curlew Valley Suffolks Clare Valley Grains on Facebook   Produced by Pretty Podcasts