How hard can it be with Kate Field

What motivates someone to transition to farming and podcasting, and how do these pursuits interconnect with larger societal and environmental issues?

Discover how personal passion for storytelling evolves into impactful podcasting about regenerative farming.

We sort of got to this point in our careers and we just looked at each other and went, ‘Oh, this is not fulfilling.’

~ Kate Field (7:50)

The discussion explores a transition from urban life and academic careers to a rural farming lifestyle, driven by dissatisfaction with consumer culture and a desire for meaningful, fulfilling work. Kate describes the initial challenges of establishing a farm, including the hard labor and the steep learning curve. She shares how cheesemaking became a practical entry point into farming and an opportunity to align their values with their lifestyle.

The conversation touches on broader themes such as the importance of sustainable farming practices, the environmental impact of agriculture, and the misconceptions surrounding food production. Kate emphasizes the role of agriculture in addressing climate change and how their podcast helps amplify this message. She also discusses the social transformation that comes with rural living, highlighting the strength of local community bonds and how these relationships differ from those in urban settings.

Takeaways

The significance of curiosity and connection — Podcasting is a way to explore ideas and engage with others in meaningful conversations.

The true cost of food — Many people misunderstand how much effort, resources, and environmental considerations go into producing food.

Climate change and agriculture — Sustainable farming has a crucial role in mitigating climate change, contrary to some narratives blaming agriculture.

Rural versus urban social dynamics — Moving to a rural area fosters stronger community bonds compared to urban living.

Challenges of farming — Starting and maintaining a farm requires immense labor, infrastructure investment, and long-term perseverance.

Value of storytelling — Sharing personal experiences through podcasting helps bridge the gap between producers and consumers.

Resources

Farming for the Future Podcast — The speaker’s podcast focusing on sustainable and regenerative farming.

Australian Government Climate Change Information — Provides insights into agricultural impacts on climate change.

Cheesemaking Courses in Tasmania — Resource for learning about artisan cheesemaking.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

ɕ