When you marry into farming, life can take many unexpected turns. For today's guests moving to Caloundra Station in the Upper South-East of South Australia came with the shock of only having an income once a year! So, Robyn Verrall set out to create an income for herself. By promoting her husband's animal welfare and best farming practices, she managed to start a direct paddock to plate business called Bully's Meats. More than that – she's turned her focus to helping others, with a mission to improve food insecurity in regional communities. Today we discuss:
- Robyn's favourite place on her farm is the location she was married at the top of the hill.
- She gave up her medical sales rep career to become a full-time farmer.
- Robyn was a single mother in her mid-20s and became acutely aware of issues around food insecurity.
- Robyn shares how 'Bully's Meats' sparked an interest in reducing food insecurity and increasing food affordability in Indigenous communities.
- As a First Nation owned and operated meat distribution centre, 'Kere for Country' is the first of its kind in Australia.
- The support Robyn offers to those struggling to find meat for their family and, the logistics of distribution to rural Australia.
- Winning the South Australian Rural Women of the Year Award has enabled Robyn to invest in Kere to Country and spread the word.
- 70% of First Nations People are food insecure in Australia, 22% of those are children.
- Robyn attends every slaughter to ensure the animals are respected in death as they are in life.
- The most unexpected aspect of living on the land for Robyn is the ingenuity and strength of women.
- The most common misconception about women on the land.
- Robyn's ultimate dream for the future.
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.
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Bully's Meats
Kere to Country
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