THE South East’s own George the Farmer is saying “g’day” to his mates across the country after stepping onto ABC visual platforms this week.
Created by Limestone Coast duo Simone Kain and Ben Hood in 2015, the concept brings farm education to life and inspire the next generation of agriculturalists.
Starting off as an interactive app, George the Farmer has grown into books, plush toys, educational guides and now a television program.
The five-year licensing deal gives ABC exclusive free-to-air rights for its primary and secondary channels, including online streaming through the ABC iView digital platform.
The initial idea was developed after Ms Kain identified a lack of farm characters globally telling stories about life on the land to help inspire and educate children.
“We had Postman Pat and Bob the Builder but a character educating children about how the main thing that sustains our life – food – was missing,” she said.
“The number of children growing up on farms these days is in decline.
“And with that, an increasing disconnection to where food comes from and the people who play a vital role in producing our produce.”
Following this, Ms Kain worked together with Mr Hood to bring to life the Aussie larrakin, who is supported by his wife agronomist Dr Ruby Farmer.
The vital role the brand plays in the education sector has been recognised through various awards in addition to being praised by Federal Education Minster Dan Tehan and the Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia.
“The series of George the Farmer books are examples of how quality books for children can educate and celebrate all aspects of Australian society,” Mr Tehan said.
“Agriculture is still the cornerstone of the Australian economy, as well as being a quintessential part of Australian culture.
“Our hard working farmers deserve to be celebrated and as the Australian population continues to move towards a greater percentage of people living in cities and other urban areas, ensuring all Australian children know how food is grown is of vital importance.”
The first two less-than-10-minute episodes of series one are now live on ABC iView with a focus on the paddock to plate journey of wheat and potatoes in the South East.
“The first episode is filmed at farmer Lachie’s property near Lucindale and highlights how we produce wheat and wheat products,” Mr Hood said.
“Episode two is filmed right outside of Penola during potato harvest season, so we heavily focus on produce in the South East.
“It is great to showcase our region on a national level and we have more educational videos in the works.”
