Before sunrise each day, Jason is already at work milking 180 cows. The dairy farmer from Coolabunia in Queensland starts his days at 5:30 AM, feeding livestock, putting out hay, fixing fences, and preparing to do it all again in the afternoon.
It is a demanding lifestyle that leaves little room for dating — one of the reasons the father of two decided to take a chance on Farmer Wants A Wife.
Jason had tried dating apps before signing up for the show. The 37-year-old farmer told 7NEWS.com.au that after matches discovered how far out he lived in rural Queensland, conversations did not progress for long.
He also tried meeting people at local rodeo events and race meets, but juggling work on the dairy farm while looking after two children meant his time to date was limited. This was his main motivation for applying for Farmer Wants A Wife — knowing that farmers before him had found success in finding their life partners on the show.
Jason said he was “very nervous” about how he would be perceived on the show. “I understand it would take time for someone to eventually move into the farm,” Jason said. “But I want them to have the openness to building a life on the farm because that has been a big thing in my past dating history. I’m hoping, being on the show means those questions have already been answered. And I don’t have to have those awkward conversations.”
The fifth-generation dairy farmer is also looking for someone who is open to becoming part of his children’s lives. The proud dad said his two children were “pretty excited” about seeing him on TV and remain at the centre of everything he does. Now, he is at a stage in life where he wants to enjoy more experiences — planning trips, making memories, and building a happy, adventurous future with a partner and his young family.
Jason said in the past he has gravitated towards dating single mothers because they are in a similar position to him. “I want someone family orientated. My kids and my family are a big priority in my life,” Jason said. “They should be trustworthy, willing to compromise, and committed to working as a team. I would want them to be a good role model and just a good person.”
After the early morning milking session, Jason spends his day mixing feed, putting out hay, and maintaining the property before returning to the dairy in the afternoon to milk all 180 cows again. It is hard work, but having grown up on the farm, Jason said it is all he has ever known. Still, he believes it is important to maintain a healthy balance between work and life to “keep your sanity.”
When the work is done, the Queensland farmer unwinds in a way that might surprise some people. “I do reformer Pilates a couple of days a week and play netball when it is in season,” Jason said. He explained he switched hobbies after sustaining knee injuries playing football.
While he hopes to find someone willing to embrace his lifestyle, Jason is quick to point out he is not searching for a farm hand. “I want someone to do their own thing,” Jason said. “I’m not here to force someone to do farm work or anything like that. I want them to have their own career and I’ll support them, as long as they are there to support me too.”
Farmer Wants A Wife starts Monday 8 June on Seven and 7plus.
