Farmer Zac knows firsthand how quickly life on the land can change. One hailstorm can wipe out months of hard work, rising costs continue to squeeze growers, and uncertainty is never far away. It is one of the reasons the 24-year-old apple farmer says having someone by his side has become more important than ever.
The apple orchardist from Forest Range in South Australia told 7NEWS.com.au he has been searching for a partner since he was a teenager. He hopes Farmer Wants A Wife will finally help him find the person who is "absolutely right" for him.
Like many farmers across Australia, Zac is navigating growing pressures on the land. He said having someone to support him through the highs and lows of farming has become increasingly important.
"I am sure a lot of people are in the same boat. It is only going to get harder and no one really knows the direction that it is all going to end up," Zac said. "Like you work as hard as you do, and then something as little as hail damage on one day can just absolutely change the outcome of everything."
Finding the Right Partner
Despite the pressures, Zac prides himself on being open, honest, and not taking life too seriously. He believes life is meant to be fun and everything is easier to navigate when you are happy. Despite living on a farm, Zac has never struggled to meet women. His orchard is a "beautiful spot" for a date and, being based in the Adelaide Hills, means he is not as isolated as some other farmers. The challenge, he said, has always been finding the right person for him and his life on the farm.
The youngest of four siblings, who is incredibly close to his family and friends, fitting into his tight-knit community is a must. "I have had relationships in the past where they have not been able to get along with my friends and family," Zac said. "That is probably the biggest thing for me. Adelaide Hills is such a close township, and everyone knows everyone, I have known my mates forever. I want my partner to be able to fit into it and have fun. A sense of humour and a playful nature are essential, paired with a willingness to join my family and community with an open heart."
Taking a Leap of Faith
Hoping to finally find that person, Zac took a leap of faith and applied for the hit Channel 7 reality show. But despite his easy-going personality, he admitted he was a "nervous wreck" before filming began. Not knowing what to expect, Zac said it took him some time to settle into the experience. "I genuinely did not deal with the nerves well at first," Zac admitted. "Like I genuinely had a panic attack going into it because I was so nervous of how I would come across. I just wanted to be able to communicate with the ladies okay. But I have always wanted to meet my partner that I can be with for the rest of my life and well, this was absolutely going to be the right show for me."
Zac said his family were "super supportive" of his decision to go on the show.
Life on the Orchard
When he is not searching for love, Zac spends his days working on the orchard, where no two days are ever the same. Depending on the season, the job can involve everything from pruning and thinning to grafting, mowing, and picking apples. "There are just so many things that have to be done," Zac said. While farming is his passion and he hopes to build a future with someone on the property, Zac said he would never expect a partner to give up her own ambitions. "If they want to help out on the orchard, it is entirely up to them," Zac said. "But obviously everyone has their own dreams and where they want to go in life and that is what I want to support as well."
Economic Pressures
Zac said the increasing cost of living has also had a significant impact on farmers financially. "The pressures of farm life have always been there, but I feel like in the last couple years, with everything else, like everyone is on edge, and no one quite knows what is happening with the economy," Zac said. "Luckily, the Hills is such a supportive group of people, and it definitely does make life a little bit easier."
Farmer Wants A Wife starts Monday 8 June on Seven and 7plus. Stream free on 7plus.
