Ben Eagle speaks to dairy farmer Jack Bradley who moved from the UK to Iceland.
In this episode, host Ben Eagle speaks with Jack Bradley, a first-generation dairy farmer in Iceland. Jack shares his unique journey from the UK to Iceland, detailing his experiences in the military, a pivotal holiday in Kavos that indirectly sparked his interest in farming, and his time working in New Zealand. He discusses the cultural differences between the UK and Iceland, the challenges of herd management, and the importance of community. Jack also explains the Icelandic milk quota system and his aspirations for the future, including establishing a tourism business alongside his farming. Throughout the conversation, Jack emphasizes the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone and the need for transparency in the agricultural industry.
Timecodes:
00:00 Introduction to Jack Bradley's Journey
03:17 Life in Iceland: Landscape and Community
05:52 Childhood Influences and Early Aspirations
10:50 Military Career and Lessons from Failure
14:53 Cultural Observations: UK vs. Iceland
19:34 The Pivotal Holiday in Kavos
23:44 Transitioning into Dairy Farming
24:39 The Importance of Fit in Job Recruitment
26:28 Challenges of Herd Management
28:13 Navigating Education and Career Paths
29:17 A Leap of Faith to Iceland
30:42 Life in Iceland: A New Beginning
33:11 Cultural Adjustments and Language Barriers
37:16 From Farming to Owning a Farm
40:12 Building a Future Together
44:12 The Efficiency of Business in Iceland
45:14 Understanding Iceland's Unique Milk Quota System
48:14 Challenges of Expanding Dairy Operations
50:47 Future Aspirations and Business Ventures
55:28 Cultural Insights and Unique Traditions
59:19 Messages of Encouragement and Change for Farmers
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About Ben and RuralPod Media
Ben Eagle is the founder and Head of Podcasts at RuralPod Media, a specialist rural podcast production agency. You can find out more at ruralpodmedia.co.uk or benjamineagle.co.uk
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Image Credit: Jack Bradley