Life on the Farm with The Farmer Not The Wife
Farming is more than just a job—it’s a way of life. For many, it’s about family legacy, hard work, and embracing the unpredictable nature of the countryside. We caught up with Rhi Pinches, aka @the_farmer_not_the_wife, to learn more about her journey in farming, her passion for sharing the realities of farm life on social media, and how Polaris has played a key role in her day-to-day work.
Born into Farming
For Rhi, farming is in her blood.
“Fortunately for me, I was born into a farming family, which gave me a great gateway into the industry. As the eldest of four, I spent a lot of my childhood helping my dad—whether that was filling water buckets, opening gates, or just being an extra pair of hands. As I grew, so did my responsibilities, and now, at 32, I have three children of my own and I am a partner in the family business.”
The love for farming runs deep, but so does the appreciation for sharing its reality with others. That’s why she started her social media platform, The Farmer Not The Wife, showcasing the raw and honest side of life as a beef and sheep farmer, and juggling that with being a mum.
Farm Life and Family
A day in the life of being The Farmer Not the Wife is nothing short of busy.
“My mornings start with the school run before heading back home with my youngest, who sticks with me as I tackle the day’s tasks. This usually involves checking livestock, feeding and bedding down cattle, and—especially over the winter—getting stuck into projects like fencing and tree planting. Once the kids are home from school I often bundle them into the Ranger and head back out to the fields. If the job in hand isn’t safe to have the kids about, I capture my Mum to watch them for me if I need to go back to work – she is always on hand to help me as my partner doesn’t return home from work until later in the evening.”
With so many demands, finding balance is a challenge, but she’s determined to keep her children involved in farm life where possible.
“I encourage them to spend time outside with me. That way, we’re together, getting work done, and hopefully, they’re learning and having fun at the same time. The key is to make things enjoyable—even if it’s just letting them take on little jobs so they feel involved.”
But what’s been the biggest challenge?
“The most rewarding part of my farming journey has also been the hardest—proving that I can keep on farming while raising a family. Having three girls under five was a whirlwind, but you learn to manage it. Exhausted and aged, but managing!”
Polaris RANGER Diesel: A Game-Changer on the Farm
Juggling motherhood and farming is tough, but doing it without the right equipment would have been even tougher.
“I wouldn’t have managed without investing in our first Polaris Ranger when my middle daughter was born. We’d tried other brands, but the Ranger stood out—it was quieter, it had a bench seat perfect for us, and it heated up fast. It also had compartments to keep farm medicines safe, plus a little cupboard for colouring books and pens—probably not what the designers had in mind!”
Having a reliable vehicle made all the difference.
“The Ranger gave me a safe, warm, and secure way to get around our rough hill farm without needing childcare. I couldn’t manage without it.”
Switching from an ATV to a UTV was a transition, but soon Rhi realised how it suited her lifestyle more.
“I was worried I’d struggle to catch or move livestock, but the Ranger Diesel is incredibly manoeuvrable. It’s lightweight compared to other brands, meaning it doesn’t tear up wet ground, and it grips impressively on steep land.
Although I use the Ranger day-in, day-out, and it’s generally replaced our need for multiple ATVs, I do still want one ATV to hand on the farm. Recently I decided to make the jump from my Yamaha and purchase a new Sportsman 570 from my local Polaris dealer. I haven’t had the chance to use it properly yet, but I can really see and feel the difference. Now we’re Polaris through and through!”
One of her fondest memories with Polaris isn’t just about the impressive capabilities of the vehicle but the brand itself.
“Being invited to a Polaris press event in 2024 was a huge highlight. I learned about the models and features and fell in love with electric XP Kinetic. I’d just recovered from meningitis and wasn’t sure if I’d manage the trip, but I’m so glad I went—it was a massive opportunity.”
The Power of Social Media in Farming
Beyond the fields, Rhi has found a community through Instagram.
“I use my account daily to show the highs and lows of hill farm life in the Shropshire Hills. Social media has introduced me to like-minded people, and some of them really stepped up to support me when I was unwell.”
She’s also excited about how more farmers are sharing their experiences online.
“It’s brilliant seeing so many farmers using pictures, reels, and stories to give an insight into what we do. More people are becoming interested in farming and where their food comes from, and social media is making it accessible.”
Looking to the Future
Right now, there’s plenty of work to do during lambing and calving season.
“We made the most of our time during the winter—putting up fences and gateways, fitting water tanks, laying concrete, and planting hedgerows. It was all made easier with the Ranger, which lets us throw everything in the back and get on with it. Thankfully, the days are now getting longer again and we’re flat out with the Ranger during this busy season.”
As for the next decade of farming in the UK?
“I won’t lie—thinking about the future of British agriculture makes me a bit emotional. But one thing I do know is that Polaris will continue to play a role. The Kinetic was amazing, and with electric vehicles becoming more popular, I think we’ll see more of them on farms across the country.”
Follow @the_farmer_not_the_wife on Instagram for a real, unfiltered look at life on a British hill farm and for more information on the RANGER Diesel visit, www.polarisbritain.com/ranger/ranger-diesel.