Life as a farmer, artist, photographer and brand ambassador, is a juggling act for 32-year-old Hannah Rose.
Best known as ‘British Farm Girl’, the Monmouthshire native has a prominent presence across social media, boasting more than 7,500 Instagram followers.
A love of the land, which was instilled in her at a tender age, influenced her career path. “My family have farmed for four generations – it’s in my blood,” she explained to Catherina Cunnane, editor of That’s Farming.
“My fondest memories are trying to learn to drive the Landrover, whilst checking the commercial stock.”
“Of course, I couldn’t touch the pedals but that didn’t stop me.” she laughed.
Farming enterprises
Hannah’s passion for agriculture continued to blossom and she now assists with the running of the family’s commercial flock of sheep, whilst working on a 210-strong dairy farm, consisting of Holsteins and Charolais-crosses.
“A typical day involves working on the estates, fitting in wherever I’m needed, rearing the calves and helping on the family farm when required.”
“Being in the beautiful British countryside is a pretty good office. I enjoy being able to work in an industry that is innovative and brings out new machinery all the time.”
She said that agricultural shows are the pinnacle dates in the farming calendar where the community members come together in their numbers.
“I loved being at agricultural shows – I’ll never forget the year we had a supreme champion with our Limousins at the Royal, the Royal Welsh & Three Counties.”
“Knowing that you work in one of the most important industries in the world is extremely rewarding. Animals are good for the soul and I like the fact that no two days are the same.”
“Having a large skill set, being a farmer means you’ve got to wear a lot of hats and do a lot of jobs.”
Social media
The 32-year-old provides an insight into her lifestyle across her various social media platforms.
She joined Instagram in recent years, where she shares content, in the form of photos and videos, with like-minded followers.”
“My Instagram account started as a base to share photos without the doom and gloom you sometimes find on other social media platforms. I find Instagram is more visual and there’s a lot less conflict.”
“I try to post things that interest me. I do try to promote the industry; we have a lot to be proud of. I like to think I spread positivity through my posts, I am a glass half full type of person.” the young farmer added.
“I’ve met some great people through Instagram and friends for life. I also like to show the other side of farming and the country life that people don’t usually see.”
She acknowledged that farming can be very isolating, adding that the ability to network with other farmers is “invaluable”.
Speaking about her interest in photography and work in the area of the promotion of various brands, Hannah said: “I believe if I’m going to take a photo then I may as well try to make it a good one!”
“There were no games consoles or phones when I was a kid, so I have always been creative.”
“I would only ever be a brand ambassador for someone whose brand fits in with my lifestyle and my followers. I would never promote something I do not like and it’s a great way of networking.”
Women in ag
She said she is treated the same as male counterparts in the agricultural sector.
“Farming is a male-dominated sector, so in my opinion, the shortage of women coincides with a lesser amount of recognition.”
“If more women were to go into farming, that would be fantastic and the more recognition we would get!”
“I have seen more and more women doing well in the industry, so I think we are going in the right direction. “
“You really have to want to farm. Farming is a lifestyle, not just a job. I believe if women continue to push the positive message out, then this would encourage more women into the industry.”
Future
Satisfied in her current position, Hannah relishes the idea of becoming a promotional speaker for the farming sector.
“I love what I do – I feel very fortunate to have been brought up in farming and long may it continue.”
“I’m happy where I am and love what I’m doing at the moment but who knows what the future holds.”
“An industry that feeds us is an industry worth fighting for. Without farming, there is no future,” she concluded.
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