“We should be proud of what we do on our farms in Australia" with Andrew Fowler
When I saw Andrew Fowler speak at the Nuffield Farming Conference in 2023, I thought it was one of the most captivating and engaging presentation I’d ever seen.
As a video rolled in the background, Andrew shared the story and evolution of their farming business. A forward thinker, he recognises the vital role people play in achieving their business goals and ultimately the importance of sharing agriculture in a positive way to promote it to the broader community and potential people wanting to work in the sector.
Andrew is a passionate farmer, dad, husband and community man. He’s a thinker. Progressive. Visionary. He takes people along on the ride with him.
In this chat Andrew shares his story, the evolution of ‘Chilwell farms’, the family business, the change and expansion of farming in his pocket of Western Australia.
"There was lots of family businesses in Esperance that were able to expand rapidly, they worked out the cropping economics and systems to be sustainable and profitable and were able to leverage off that pretty quickly."
Today, alongside his wife Marie they farm over 50,000 hectares on his family property outside Esperance, producing Canola, barley, wheat, lamb, wool and beef.
In 2000, Andrew undertook a Nuffield Scholarship,
“I was hungry for info and for knowledge and for self-development, like really hungry for improvement at that time”
When it comes to timing, Andrew believes it was pivotal,
“ I was ready for the knowledge and ready for the opportunities that come from meeting some of the best people in the world in farm businesses and agricultural businesses. And it was a really pivotal time for our business growth back home.”
That period would go on to be the most important in his life so far as he met his wife while on his Nuffield Travels.
In this conversation we cover:
· The significance of portraying agriculture in a positive light.
· The unique geographical and climatic diversity of Esperance and its impact on farming.
· The historical development of land in the Esperance region and the role of American investment.
· The evolution of Chilwell Farms from a sheep farm to a diverse operation including cropping and livestock.
· The challenges and rewards of farming in an isolated area.
· Andrew's educational background and its influence on his farming practices.
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