 

He ditched the city for shearing sheds across New Zealand, a Mexican shearing gang in California, and managing a farm for a Lord in England. Eventually, Alan Chapman-Smith settled on the rugged west coast of Waikato to raise a family and make his living off the land.

In this episode, our host Ben sits down with his dad to hear the story of a life spent farming. Alan, known as 'Chappy', reflects on what drew him from Auckland to shearing and farming, what life was like for a farmer 50-odd years ago, surviving the upheaval of Rogernomics, how farming has changed, and why he eventually decided it was time to leave the land.

There’s a personal reason for this conversation, too. With Alan facing some health challenges, Ben wanted to capture his dad’s story for his own kids, and their kids, to hear one day.

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He ditched the city for shearing sheds across New Zealand, a Mexican shearing gang in California, and managing a farm for a Lord in England. Eventually, Alan Chapman-Smith settled on the rugged west coast of Waikato to raise a family and make his living off the land.
In this episode, our host Ben sits down with his dad to hear the story of a life spent farming. Alan, known as 'Chappy', reflects on what drew him from Auckland to shearing and farming, what life was like for a farmer 50-odd years ago, surviving the upheaval of Rogernomics, how farming has changed, and why he eventually decided it was time to leave the land.
There&rsquo;s a personal reason for this conversation, too. With Alan facing some health challenges, Ben wanted to capture his dad&rsquo;s story for his own kids, and their kids, to hear one day.

The Federated Farmers Podcast is your weekly guide to the issues affecting rural New Zealand. Join us as we unpack the policies, challenges and big ideas shaping life on farm. With frank conversations from farmers, advocates and experts, we break down what matters and why, so you can stay informed, prepared and heard. 

Hosted by Ben Chapman-Smith, Federated Farmers' communications manager, who grew up on a sheep and beef farm in Te Akau on Waikato's west coast.  

The Federated Farmers Podcast is your weekly guide to the issues affecting rural New Zealand. Join us as we unpack the policies, challenges and big ideas shaping life on farm. With frank conversations from farmers, advocates and experts, we break down what matters and why, so you can stay informed, prepared and heard. Hosted by Ben Chapman-Smith, Federated Farmers' communications manager, who grew up on a sheep and beef farm in Te Akau on Waikato's west coast. &nbsp;

Federated Farmers Podcast

My dad – a good keen man | EP 109

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/d4ff2a31-513a-4a7f-94c7-b4e100329276/transcript