From Mental Load To Farm Finance, The Free FarmHer Workshops Cover The Lot
The FarmHer workshops are back for 2026, with another mix of practical farm skills, food, wellbeing and a little fun on the agenda.
Farm life, after all, comes with a fairly broad job description.
One minute you’re talking sheep, the next you’re wondering what happened to the veggie garden, what’s for dinner, where the money went and why there are 47 unfinished jobs rattling around inside your head.
After last year serving up everything from weeds and watercolours to crops and canapés, the free Southern Flinders series returns with mental load management, pilates, sheep, gardening, dumplings and farm finance.
Yep. Dumplings and farm finance in the same session. What’s not to love about that?
The three free workshops will run across October and November, with women welcome to book the whole series or pick the sessions that take their fancy.
Making Farm Life Lighter
First up on Friday, October 16 is Making Farm Life Lighter, with Bridget Johns from Be Simply Free tackling the mental load that comes when home, family, farm, work and community all compete for space in the same brain.
She’ll share practical ways to manage time, reduce the mental load and create more room for what matters.
There’s also a Come & Try Pilates session with NicFit, working on fitness and those all-important core muscles, because frankly, who needs peeing their pants added to the list of things women already have to deal with?
Sheep, Seeds And Spring
On Monday, October 26, things head outdoors for Sheep & Spring Garden.
Gaye Kuerschner will open her garden at Black Rock, sharing practical advice on growing food in local conditions, including seasonal gardening, propagation, soil health, water automation, recycling and reducing waste.
Then Livestock Production Specialist Emma Shattock takes over for Sheep 101, with a chance to better understand one of farming’s more determinedly stupid animals.
Dumplings And Dollars
The final workshop on Monday, November 9 pairs an unusual partnership – dumplings and farm finance.
There’ll be a hands-on session making two styles of dumplings, followed by agribusiness managers Lyn and Julie tackling the rather aptly named Where’s The $ At?
A fair question, really.
A Place For Country Connection
Behind the series is Orroroo’s 54 31 Collective, a community-run not-for-profit named after the town’s postcode.
The Collective grew from a local push to create opportunities and connection following years of drought and now provides a space for local makers, businesses, workshops and community activities.
The FarmHer workshops continue that focus, bringing women together to learn practical skills, share knowledge and connect with others living and working on the land.
The 2026 FarmHer series is supported by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR).
FARM-HER FARMING ‘101’ WORKSHOP SERIES 2026
Friday, October 16
Making Farm Life Lighter + Come & Try Pilates
Monday, October 26
Sheep 101 + Spring Garden
Monday, November 9
Dumplings + Where’s The $ At?
WHERE: Orroroo, Southern Flinders Ranges
COST: FREE, kids welcome
INCLUDED: All materials and morning tea, plus lunch at the final session
BOOKINGS: Book one workshop or all three through 54 31 Collective
Places are limited, bookings essential.
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