Rachel’s Farm: Reviving Traditional Agriculture for a Greener Future

A Celebrity Farmer’s Journey to Regenerative Practice

Hang on – the Rachel in Rachel’s Farm is Rachel Ward?! Indeed, it is! Ward, then known for her role as the wild and free-spirited Meggie in the iconic 1983 adaptation of The Thorn Birds, has embraced a new chapter. She has left behind acting to dedicate herself to becoming a regenerative farmer.

The Farm’s Transformation

This 90-minute documentary takes viewers to a smallholding owned by Ward and her husband, Bryan Brown, who met on the set of The Thorn Birds and have been together ever since. Using the property as a holiday retreat, they now strive to make the farm ecologically sustainable. While Brown is supportive, Ward is the driving force behind their sustainability efforts.

Alliances and Challenges

Support comes from an unlikely ally, Mick Green Jr., whose father, Mick Green Sr., used to be Ward’s farm manager. Initially skeptical about her plans to eschew industrial farming methods in favor of organic practices, Mick Jr. becomes convinced of the need for a better approach after witnessing the degradation of the land.

Ward’s passion stems from fear for the future and existential dread about the climate crisis. Her efforts include holistic management courses and partnerships with various experts to enhance soil quality, encourage water retention, and adopt other natural farming practices.

The Stakes and Struggles

Despite compelling earnestness and ardor, much of the documentary revolves around Ward’s impassioned narratives and technical discussions. While valuable, these sections can make the film feel static. The director’s observation that audiences love to “see” how-to information, rather than just hear about it, rings true. The film captures genuine changes in its early stages but struggles with narrative momentum.

Another challenge arises when Normie, Mick Jr.’s knowledgeable assistant, has to leave due to financial constraints. Ward steps up, but her approach is more chaotic and less effective than Normie’s or Mick Jr’s. However, she remains committed to her vision.

The Message and Impact

The documentary’s message is undeniably powerful: modern agricultural practices are as damaging to the environment as fossil fuels, and regenerative methods offer a more sustainable alternative. Ward incorporates Indigenous consultants, emphasizing the importance of traditional knowledge in this context.

Additionally, the film touches on the emotional side of Ward’s journey. Her daughter, Matilda, reflects on how Ward’s climate-related stress affected her in the past. Today, finding fulfillment in her sustainable farming efforts, Matilda expresses gratitude for her mother’s renewed purpose.

A Beacon of Hope

Despite its flaws, Rachel’s Farm serves as a refreshing reminder of the potential for individual action in the fight against climate change. Ward’s enthusiasm and optimism are infectious, offering a beacon of hope that sustainable practices can be implemented on even a small scale.

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