Gap Year

<p>We’ve all heard of taking a gap year – but usually you hear of kids from Sydney heading for Europe. Not Bradley Benge. This city boy ended up at a cattle property in Western Australia called Challa Station. It’s all part of a National Farmers Federation lead program AgCAREERSTART which supports young people out of school head to the bush for a year of work and training. Brad and his host farmer, Debbie Dowden are today’s guests. We discuss:</p> <ul> <li>After joining the National Farmers Federation lead program AgCAREERSTART, Brad shares the differences he has noticed between city and county life and, which one he enjoys more.</li> <li>Debbie explains why they decided to host Brad for a year and how their hopes for his future at the station lay with Brad.</li> <li>Starting out as an electrician and sheeting trades, Brad enjoys the lifestyle and practical work of station life.</li> <li>Brad loves the land so much that his own family is making the transition from city to farm life and will be joining him soon.</li> <li>Debbie shares the daily workings on the cattle station since owning the land since 1888.</li> <li>The next generation of station managers may not be their own children says Debbie.</li> <li>Debbie’s advice for those looking for a life on the land.</li> <li>The misconceptions Brad had about life on the land before he arrived.</li> <li>Seasonal work and the impact of the rain on the feed for the cattle.</li> <li>The most unexpected thing to happen to Brad since he arrived.</li> <li>The AgCAREERSTART program and the support they have offered both Brad and Debbie.</li> <li>Brad’s dream for the future is to be right where he is now in 10 years’ time.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>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.</p> <p> </p> <p>Links:</p> <p><a href="https://angieasimus.com/">Angie Asimus</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/angieasimus/">Connect with @angieasimus on Instagram</a></p> <p><a h