Teen Farmer's Innovative Solution to Drought: Learning to Shear

Peterborough Teen Learns Shearing to Combat Drought Amidst a severe drought impacting farmers in South Australia, 16-year-old Ryan McKay from Peterborough is taking proactive steps to ensure the survival of his family's farm. Facing the harsh realities of dwindling resources, Ryan has enrolled in a shearing school in Jamestown, supported by The Advertiser Foundation's drought relief campaign. "Because of the drought this year, we've had to destock," Ryan explains in the video, highlighting the challenges faced by his family. The shearing school provides him with essential skills to reduce reliance on external shearers, saving the farm valuable money during these difficult times. David Reichlet, a shearing instructor, emphasizes the importance of keeping these skills alive, stating, "It's important that we keep these schools going so that we've got ongoing people coming into the industry." Ryan's determination and the support from the Advertiser Foundation offer a beacon of hope amidst the struggle, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of Australian farmers in the face of adversity.