Embrace your inner farmer for a cause this month and host a COVIDSafe event as Rural Aid shares a televised charity concert to help our farmers who have been hit hard in 2020.
First it was drought, followed by the devastating bushfires. Then COVID-19 came along, and a worldwide pandemic was declared.
It hasn’t been an easy year for anyone, but, on Saturday 28 November, Rural Aid, with the help of the Nine Network, will bring awareness to the plight of those who look after our land and livestock.
The event’s unofficial spokesperson, ‘The Ringer,’ is calling on the community to don their best farming gear while watching the concert from home (or at their local pub).
“If you’re going to get involved in this bloody spectacular event in a few weeks, you’ll need to put your best boot forward,” he said.
So, Newcastle Weekly spoke to him for his top ten tips for dressing like a farmer.
A big, big hat: Aussie agriculture is one of the most sun-smart industries in the country. Wear the biggest broad-brimmed hat you can find, even if it says “Bunnings” on the band.
No ironing needed: That’s not to say farmers don’t care for their appearance, but when you’re heading out to a paddock, you generally don’t have time to “press and starch” the work wear.
Footwear to boot: A sturdy pair of leather boots will make you look the part. No need to polish them up. In fact, if they are a bit too shiny, maybe slip them on and go for a walk in the dirt.
Goodbye tie: Farmers don’t often wear ties, except maybe to a camp draft, wedding, awards ceremony or a Young Nationals Convention. They just aren’t practical and have a tendency to get caught in bench grinders.
Buckle up… within reason: When it comes to belt buckles, keep them reasonable, unless you’ve won a national rodeo championship. Some folks are basically walking around with a car bonnet below their stomachs and it’s a bit much.
Watch the time: A watch can be handy in the bush to know when it’s time for smoko, arvo tea, supper and all the other meals in between. Feel free to wear one of those fitness trackers but bear in mind you’ll need to do about nine million steps to achieve your Farmer Badge.
Check the shirt: Sure, a lot of graziers choose plaid or checkered long-sleeve shirts (again, providing good sun protection) but that’s not a hard and fast rule. Neutral, earthy colours go well. Feel free to roll the sleeves up to the elbows.
Slacks and dacks: Generally, jeans or moleskins are the go-to attire for farmers when it comes to pants, maybe footy shirts if they’re in holiday mode. Jeggings, tracksuit pants, lycra and metallic fabric short shorts should be avoided. Stubbies or Ruggers are acceptable.
Wear the style: It’s one thing to pull on some clothes; it’s another to embody a farmer. Visualise yourself as the owner of a 30,000 tree-orchard or a million-acre cattle property and embrace the look. It may help to lean on something while you’re having a yarn, or hook your thumbs into your jean pockets, and slouch.
Work with what you’ve got: Don’t have a pair of RMs? Pull on some gumboots and you’re a dairy farmer. Or forego the footwear entirely and say you’re a sugar cane grower from Queensland. Being a farmer is about adapting to the conditions – go with what’s on hand.
The Ringer is also urging the community to share photos of their outfits on social media using the hashtag #goodonyamate.
It is set to act as a message of solidarity to farmers across the country.
The Good Onya Mate concert will air at 7.30pm on Saturday 28 November on Channel Nine.
