It’s time you met the real Ben Jackson
‘Farmer Benjamin’ says he’s had his time in the spotlight – and that, in part, is true. But consider this the well-deserved next chapter, one told openly, honestly, and in celebration of a good man doing extraordinary things just 30km west of Guyra.
Neither of us slept the night before.
One lay fixated on what they were going to ask, the other on what they were going to say.
Fuelled by caffeine, intrigue and pure adrenaline, my keys hit the ignition at 6.27am and moments later I’m on the road to Brushy Creek.
The first thing you notice is the light, the way those rays cross the road with wild, early morning abandon. But they’re steadfast, too, as all good things with country roots tend to be, guiding me through Black Mountain, Guyra, and beyond.
Keep driving. We’re not there yet – but a chorus of cows is a clue we’re getting close. Other cars are stirring now too. Wheels roll, dirt flies, heads nod, sheep bleat. Good morning country air, it’s good to be here – although I could do with another coffee.
Thankfully, my 8am interview is a self-confessed coffee snob. One more right turn, then left, and he’s there – waving the car in from the top of the driveway, all arms, hair and beard in that same wild abandon as those bold morning rays.
I’m acutely aware that this, our first meeting, is a touch unbalanced. He’s spoken to me on the phone, he knows my old man (who umpires him at cricket), and he’s read my magazine – but that’s his lot. I, on the other hand, have just binged back-to-back episodes of Farmer Wants A Wife that show snippets of this man’s whole world – including moments of joy, heartache, love and loss.
I’ll say here and now, before I park in that driveway, I’m not here to talk to him about his time on that program. I’m not here for a behind-the-scenes scoop, to ask what happened when he left or if he ultimately found love.
I’m here for the real deal – the stuff beneath the surface that drives this man to get out of bed in the morning to nurture this land, honour his ancestors, nourish sheep wearing fine wool jackets, play electronica in paddocks and create heartfelt artworks with the help of carefully placed grain, obedient dogs and one hell of a creative mind.
So, if you’re keen to meet the real Ben Jackson – read on… by buying issue four pronto!
Photography Jim A. Barker
