A farmer has shocked Australians with the low annual pay he earns while being the 'backbone of the nation'.
Michael Tweedy, 32, was stopped on the street in the Gold Coast by jobs app Getahead on February 10, answering questions about his job and how much he earns.
'[My pay] sort of varies and depends on the season,' he told the interviewer.
'But in a good year I suppose $50,000, $60,000.'
Mr Tweedy, who is based in Gwydir Shire in northern NSW near the Queensland border, opened up about how being a farmer affects his health and well-being.
'It's long days, hard days,' he said.
'Isolation is another massive thing. When you are a farmer, you don't necessarily see people for a long period of time.
'But, in saying that, when you do, it is always a great big celebration and you have a good time.'
Asked what he loves about his job, Mr Tweedy said he enjoys 'being the backbone in this nation'.
Farmer Michael Tweedy (pictured) said he gets paid between $50,000 and $60,000 each year
Australians were shocked by how little he gets paid for work that supports the community
Mr Tweedy said his job can be isolating but that he is proud to work in a sector that is the 'backbone' of Australia
'People need the ingredients that we grow and we supply, and that's what makes me passionate about what I do,' the farmer said.
But Australians were shocked by the low wage Mr Tweedy said he received.
'It’s a shame our farmers get such a little of money for supporting the community,' one user said.
Another said: 'That’s terrible dollar for such hard work.'
'When you realise you can earn more stacking shelves than growing food and take none of the risk,' a third quipped.
However, some commenters queried the salary claim and shared their experiences.
'I grew up on a farm, my brother employs a junior farmer - 18 years old - and he gets 60k a year and gets meat supplied and a house to stay in for free,' one person said.
A second added: 'I’ve worked in multiple sectors of the Ag industry across Australia – I know what I’m talking about – this bloke makes 50k in a good year?!
'What the f is he farming?! Guinea pigs?!'
According to the job website SEEK, the average salary of a farmer in Australia is between $80,000 and $85,000.
But wages for farmers can differ depending on which part of the sector they work in, and their location in the country.
