Busselton farmer Tahlia McSwain proves you can’t judge a farmer by a stereotype image.
The 23-year-old is one of six dairy farmers to be included in the book, What Does A Farmer Look Like?.
The book aims to challenge outdated views about farmers and present Australia’s current generation of farmers in a positive and accurate light.
Author, photographer and central New South Wales sheep farmer Kim Storey was inspired to produce the book after conversations on social media showed how far perceptions of farmers differed from reality.
“I googled the term `what does a farmer look like?’ and the images were mostly of older men in overalls with a pitchfork and chewing straw,” she said.
“Farming was really dumbed down and there were very few women, I wanted to do something to change that and show the diversity of farming in Australia.”
Ms McSwain, a fourth-generation dairy farmer, said it was important to share a positive vision about farming.
“A lot of people don’t understand agriculture or farmers,” she said.
“That’s why I was keen to be involved and tell my story.
“People have preconceived ideas of what we do and how we treat animals, so anything we can do to help educate them will support all farmers.”
In the book, Ms Storey tries to represent all facets of farming, from dairy and beef to cropping and horticulture. Many family farms are featured and the subjects range in age from two to 101.
“I hope it proves a point about today’s farmers and promotes a positive image of farming,” she said.
“Sadly, when farming hits mainstream media it’s usually about drought or flood or animal rights. It’s very rare that it’s a positive story but there are a lot of good stories out there.”
Ms Storey said farmers from all backgrounds shared common traits of being friendly and dedicated to their profession, their land and their animals.
“Everyone welcomes you into their kitchen and loves to talk about their farm and what they produce,” she said.
“I hope this book encourages other people to learn a bit more about where their food and fibre comes from and the challenges associated with producing it.”
For more information about the book, visit whatdoesafarmerlooklike.com.
