TikTokTo continue our FarmTok spotlight series this month ahead of the National Ploughing Championships we spoke to Irish #FarmTok star @sophie_bell__! Sophie became a top FarmTok creator just over a year ago by making relatable videos about farming life in Ireland. Sophie prides herself in being a female creator in the largely male dominated agriultural scene. She wants to show young women that its totally ok (and fun!) to be a girl in the farming world. We discussed how she got into farming from a young age, her plans for #ploughing2023 and her favourite thing about being a FarmTok creator.
Q:How did you get into farming, and what motivated you to share it on TikTok specifically?
A: I grew up on a small farm my whole life, so the interest probably stemmed from there. I always enjoyed being outdoors and working with animals. My interest grew when I was in secondary school where I was surrounded by like-minded people, and given more responsibilities on the farm, like bringing my first calves to hand rear. I actually took on the farm myself when I was in my Leaving Certificate year, whilst my Dad was abroad for work. I wanted to start sharing it on TikTok because farming can be quite lonely and hard at times. I thought it would be nice to bring some form of humor to the community, whilst sharing the odd snippet of what I get up to on the farm. The videos may seem quite routine to what I get up to, however to someone else it can show them that it’s absolutely ok to be a woman interested in farming (when I was younger I struggled with this) or that you can be a farmer even if you don’t come from a large farming background. It also can showcase what Irish agriculture is, and the effort that goes into making food for the country.
Q: What is your favourite thing about the National Ploughing Championships?
A: Well aside from the neverending amount of free pens (!) my favourite thing is seeing the amount of people gathering at an event that is all related to agriculture. It shows how much the industry has to offer, as well as how important this industry means to us in Ireland. I hope that it also helps consumers who buy their food in the supermarket better understand where their produce comes from. There's also a general buzz around the place and it's great chatting with people from around the country.
Q: What is your favourite TikTok you have made to date and why? (please link the video)
A: I suppose the one where I put tea bags on the washing line! It’s a joke about Cavan people wanting to save their money by hanging tea bags on their washing lines, wanting to reuse them. It received quite a large reaction in the community!
Q: Which other Irish TikTok creators inspire you?
A: The lovely @fionabergin inspires me, she’s a wonderful character, and so so funny. Her Tik Toks are always very wholesome. There are plenty of other creators out there who I find inspiring as well. It is a great platform to network with other like-minded people. I have made some great friends from it!
Q: What is the best thing about being a FarmTok creator?
A: The best thing about being a FarmTok creator is the opportunity to showcase the beauty and simplicity of farm life. It's incredibly rewarding to be part of a community that values sustainable agriculture, animal welfare, and the beauty of nature. FarmTok Creators have the power to educate, inspire, and entertain others, while also fostering a greater appreciation for the hard work and dedication that goes into farming. TikTok and the #FarmTok community is a fantastic way to connect with like-minded individuals, learn from others and build a supportive community. Additionally, being a FarmTok creator allows you to showcase the unique experiences, challenges, and joys of farm life, creating a sense of authenticity and relatability for your audience. It's an opportunity to share your knowledge, creativity, and passion with others, making a positive impact on both the farming community and those who may be curious about it.
Q: What is your favourite thing about the Irish TikTok/FarmTok community?
A: Many people appreciate the Irish FarmTok community for its authenticity and genuine representation of rural farming life in Ireland. The community offers a platform for farmers, agriculture enthusiasts, and nature lovers to connect and share their experiences, knowledge, and passion for farming. The supportive and inclusive nature of the community is often praised, as members frequently offer advice, encouragement, and a sense of camaraderie. Additionally, the community's ability to showcase the beauty of the Irish countryside, highlight traditional farming practices, and promote sustainable agriculture practices is also highly regarded. Overall, my favourite thing about the Irish FarmTok community, is its ability to create a positive and engaging space for those interested in Irish farming and rural life.
