Learning on the fly, life in the USA & a better food system with Olympia Yarger

After losing her first child in her early twenties, Olympia packed up her life and headed to the northern territory. As she says she was running away from her issues. She found herself as the only female working in an export yard and as only Olympia can do quickly became part of the crew, and may have surprised them.

She headed for the USA, as an avid horse lover she became a horse trainer in Stephenville Texas, a dry county. She would ride her bike several miles after a long day of training horses to have a few beers at the local club.

Olympia left the dry county and met her now-husband Eric, a US Marine who deployed to Afghanistan several times. Olympia shares the reality of living in a Marine Corps Town, the thoughts of not when they would return but if they would return home. 

Olympia is simply extraordinary her will to make a difference is inspiring and this is where she finds herself today, reducing food waste going to landfill and feeding it to the Soldier Flies which ultimately then lead to becoming a stock feed. She cares deeply about the environment and is having a remarkable impact.

This episode was recorded on Ngunnawal country and is part of our collaboration with EvokeAg. Throughout the series we’re shining a light on the people -  from all walks of life - who make our global agrifood system so vibrant. We’re hearing their stories of innovation, their diverse background, what drives them and why shaping the future of food is so rewarding. If you're keen on attending or partnering for EvokeAG 2023 in Adelaide, head to www.evokeag.com