A Deep Dive with Farmer, Mother and Author, Lorna Sixsmith

This episode is brought to you by our partner ChopLocal & ChopLocal University

About ChopLocal and ChopLocal University

Meat buyers want convenience and variety, and meat farms need a better way to market their products. That's where ChopLocal comes in.

Founded by farmers, ChopLocal features high quality products from butcher shops and meat farms near you. They are dedicated to building a more resilient supply chain for meat that benefits everyone involved, and we're certain you'll be able to taste the difference!

Want to learn more about selling on ChopLocal as a producer? Visit their website below!

• https://www.choplocaluniversity.com/ (Education For Producers)
• https://choplocal.com/ (Sell or Buy on ChopLocal)

In this engaging conversation, Lorna Sixsmith shares her experiences as a dairy farmer in Ireland, discussing the challenges of seasonal calving, the importance of community support, and her journey as an author. She humorously reflects on the dynamics of farm life, the roles of farm wives and husbands, and her latest novel, 'A Country Girl at Heart,' which captures the essence of farming and relationships. In this conversation, Lorna Sixsmith discusses the evolving landscape of dairy farming in Ireland, reflecting on the pressures to expand and the realities of farm life. She shares insights into her writing process, the appeal of cozy novels, and the challenges of self-publishing. The discussion also touches on Irish cultural traditions, the historical context of women in farming, and the personal transitions of parenthood and returning to farm life. In this conversation, Lorna Sixsmith shares her experiences as a farming parent and discusses the challenges and joys of raising children in a farming environment. She emphasizes the importance of taking time off for family events and the need for representation of women in agriculture. The discussion also touches on the visibility of female farmers, the misconceptions surrounding their roles, and the balance between farming and personal identity. The conversation concludes with reflections on current events and the importance of not sweating the small stuff in life.

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Takeaways

• Lorna has two nearly adult children studying abroad.
• She manages a dairy farm with 160 cows and some beef.
• The importance of community support in farming is emphasized.
• Lorna's books humorously explore farm life and relationships.
• She highlights the challenges of being a farm wife.
• The dynamics of communication between farmers and their spouses are crucial.
• Lorna's latest novel reflects real farming experiences.
• She discusses the impact of seasonal calving on family life.
• The role of humor in navigating farm challenges is significant.
• Lorna's writing journey began with a viral blog post. Dairy farming in Ireland has seen significant changes, with pressures to expand.
• The realities of dairy farming include long hours and hard work.
• Lorna's novels aim to entertain while educating readers about farming life.
• Self-publishing allows for creative control and personal promotion.
• Irish traditions, such as barmbrack, reflect cultural heritage.
• Women play a crucial role in farming but often lack recognition.
• Historical research reveals the economic contributions of women in agriculture.
• Transitioning to parenthood while farming presents unique challenges.
• The perception of farming and gender roles is still evolving in Ireland.
• Lorna's academic pursuits focus on women's history and agricultural practices. Farming parents should prioritize attending important events for their children.
• It's essential to recognize that women are just as entitled to farm as men.
• Visibility of women in agriculture is crucial for inspiring future generations.
• Misconceptions about women's roles in farming persist and need to be challenged.
• Women often downplay their contributions to farming, which can affect their identity.
• The representation of female farmers in media has improved but still needs work.
• It's important to balance farming responsibilities with personal interests and family time.
• Current events can be overwhelming, but focusing on what we can control is key.
• Women in agriculture should advocate for their visibility and contributions.
• Finding joy in small victories and not sweating the small stuff is important.