Junior Taulago didn’t set out to be a farmer, in fact, his goal was to be a social worker and hip-hop dance instructor.

Taulago lived in Samoa until he was eight when he moved back to his home town Christchurch.

Eventually, he became a hip-hop dance instructor, while studying to become a social worker.

However, the Christchurch earthquake altered his plans and, deciding he needed a change of scene, he signed up at Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre in Masterton.

Taulago said he had no idea about farming and no experience to speak of either, but a friend suggested giving training institute Taratahi a crack, and he’s never looked back.

Fast forward to 2023, and Taulago now manages a sheep and beef farm in Patoka - one of the areas worst hit by Cyclone Gabrielle.

The farm has 1000 grazing cattle and 700 stud sheep, plus they raise 200 calves as well.

Around 12ha of fencing was destroyed by the cyclone, and power remained out for some time.

Taulago said the community really rallied together during the clean up period, with a bartering system for the necessary equipment.

He’s also a big fan of Farmstrong and has incorporated much of the rural wellbeing programme’s advice into his life.

Taulogo has involved others too, starting Rural Rise, a once-a-week workout in a community hall for farmers.

He spoke to The Country’s Executive Producer Rowena Duncum, as part of the Farmstrong Live Well, Farm Well podcast, about his transition into farming, the aftermath of Gabrielle, and how essential wellbeing is on-farm.