Australia is chock-full of champions

And history will keep safe their names

We share moments of proud men and women

Who have climbed to the top of their game,

They provide us with great inspiration

But if I may make a very big call

If the aim is to recognise champions

I think The Farmer’s the Pearl of Them All.

 

See the tough game he’s in never ends

And the playing field’s often quite rough

You need wet stuff to fill up the rain gauge

Talent and hope aren’t enough

Resilience plays a huge factor

Without it the greatest may fall

And our champion has got it in spades

The Farmer, The Pearl of Them All

 

Plus courage to push through the hard times

You need it to last on the land

While the Rain Gods can smile on you sweetly

Control can still slip from your hands

Too much is as bad as too little

A flood rocks him right to the core

But he mops up and continues the battle

The Farmer, The Pearl of Them All

 

Sometimes there are knee-jerk reactions

From those who are desperate for votes

Who pretend to be well-versed in matters

But wouldn’t know chick peas from oats

While he tries to make sense of this madness

That again puts his back to the wall

Each day he heads out to the paddock

The Farmer, The Pearl of Them All

 

Look, it’s not all bad luck and crook seasons

When the planets align life is sweet

He knows when he gets a fair go

His produce is real hard to beat

He’ll knock the froth off a couple of cold ones

And most likely have a few more

To celebrate the life he has chosen

The Farmer – The Pearl of Them All

 

And that’s why we’re all here tonight

It’s what National Ag Day’s about

To give hope to all folk on the land

If they won’t listen we’ll stand up and shout

For bushies love getting together,

Just whistle, they’ll soon hear the call

And gather to honour their brethren

The Farmers – The Pearls of Them All

 

So next time the talk turns to heroes

A subject of much great debate

And you discuss who befits such a title

Spare a thought for our battling mate

In the history of all things Australian

He has well-earned the right to walk tall

So please raise a glass to our champion

The Farmer – The Pearl of Them All.

 

Written by Murray Hartin.

Inspired by Will Ogilvie’s classic poem ‘The Pearl of Them All’.