From Paddock to Proposal: The Enduring Love Stories of Farmer Wants A Wife
Australia’s beloved reality dating show, Farmer Wants A Wife (FWAW), has carved a unique niche in the television landscape. While other programs might thrive on manufactured drama, FWAW offers a refreshing dose of genuine courtship, leaving viewers with a heartwarming sense of optimism after each episode. The simple yet effective premise of matching single farmers from remote corners of the country with potential partners has proven to be a recipe for lasting love, boasting an impressive 11 marriages and 27 children to date. As host Natalie Gruzlewski returns to guide another season, set to premiere on June 8th, the anticipation builds for new love stories to unfold. But for now, let’s take a nostalgic look back at the enduring success stories that have made Farmer Wants A Wife a true testament to finding love in the bush.
Here’s a look at where the couples from Farmer Wants A Wife are now:
Early Seasons: Laying the Foundation for Love
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Chris Newsome and Kim Tierney (Season 1, 2007)
True love blossomed right from the show’s inception. Chris and Kim became the very first couple to marry on Farmer Wants A Wife, with their wedding even being featured in the following season. They now reside in Tamworth, NSW, and are proud parents to son Corbin and daughter Charlotte.
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Rob Hodges and Jo Fincham (Season 2, 2008)
Mount Gambier’s beef and sheep farmer, Rob Hodges, captured the heart of city girl Jo Fincham in Season 2. Their connection proved to be genuine, leading to marriage and the joyous arrival of three children: Darcy, Maggie, and Roy. Jo reflected on their early days, telling Adelaide Now in 2022, “We were very lucky. We could have chatted for ages and (our relationship) unravelled very naturally.”
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Damian Atkins and Rachael Peynenborg (Season 3, 2009)
The spark between Damian Atkins and Rachael Peynenborg in Season 3 was immediate and has only grown stronger. Their fairytale meeting on the show culminated in marriage and a bustling family of three children: Harvey, Fin, and Mae.
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Scott Warby and Clare Spark (Season 4, 2009)
Despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship after filming, Scott and Clare’s love endured. The Brisbane native and the sheep and crop farmer maintained their connection through regular weekend meetups. Nine months after meeting, Scott proposed, and the couple is now married with two children, Elsie and Fraser, living on their Mungindi property. Clare shared with TV WEEK in 2020, “Appearing on Farmer Wants A Wife worked out very well for us.” She also highlighted the continued romance in their decade-long marriage, noting Scott’s romantic gestures like bringing her wildflowers and planning getaways. Scott reciprocated, mentioning Clare’s thoughtful surprises, such as a new golf buggy. Their daughter Elsie is reportedly amused by having seen her parents on television.
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Brad Crane and Stacie Marmion (Season 4, 2009)
Season 4 proved to be a fertile ground for romance, with Lithgow cattle farmer Brad Crane unexpectedly finding his wife, Stacie Marmion, on the show, despite initially joining for a bit of fun. After a six-month courtship, Brad proposed, and the couple now has three daughters: Darcie, Bobbie, and Frankie.
Mid-Season Successes: Building Families and Futures
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Nathan McClymont and Amanda Ecker (Season 5, 2010)
Nathan and Amanda experienced a whirlwind romance in Season 5. Nathan popped the question in the finale, and Amanda said yes. They are now proud parents to three children: Mason, Benjamin, and Oscar.
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Frank Atherton and Tenille Jolly (Season 7, 2011)
A brief five-minute speed date ignited the connection between farmer Frank Atherton and Tenille Jolly. Their initial spark quickly grew, leading to Frank proposing on his Hughenden property two years later. The couple is now married with one son, Oliver.
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Sam Alford and Jodie Byrne (Season 8, 2012)
Cattleman Sam Alford charmed Sydney travel agent Jodie Byrne in Season 8. Within three months of the show’s conclusion, Jodie relocated to Sam’s Western Australian property. He proposed over the 2012 Christmas break, and the couple tied the knot in early 2015, welcoming their son River in 2018.
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Andrew Guthrie and Jess Nathan (Season 11, 2021)
Andrew and Jess declared their love in the Season 11 finale. After nearly a year of navigating long-distance, Jess announced in November 2021 that they were finally moving in together, embarking on a new chapter that included renovating their new property.
“After exactly 11 months of long-distance and a million lockdowns later, today has finally arrived. So excited to start this next chapter with my love, starting with a big ol’ house reno on our brand spankin’ new property! (Well, new to us),” she shared on Instagram.
They became engaged in August 2023 and married in June 2024, later sharing their journey with IVF and are now expecting.
Recent Seasons: Continuing the Tradition of Love
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Will Simpson and Jess Cova (Season 12, 2022)
Following their declaration of love in the Season 12 finale, Will and Jess revealed at the reunion that they had been inseparable. Jess moved to Will’s farm in Berriwillock, Victoria, and has embraced country life, joining the local netball team, working as a nurse, and a barmaid, all while pursuing her studies.
The couple celebrated their two-year anniversary in March 2024 and announced their engagement in 2025. Will’s proposal, filmed and aired during the Season 15 finale, was a touching moment. “You are the love of my life. I adore you. I cherish you. And I want us to spend the rest of our lives together,” he told Jess before asking, “Will you marry me?” She, naturally, said yes.
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Harry Floyd and Tess Brookman (Season 12, 2022)
Harry and Tess are another success story from the 2022 season, remaining strong three years later. After initially relocating to Airlie Beach for Tess to complete her psychology degree, they have now returned to country living. The couple became engaged in March of this year, with Tess recalling her immediate “yes” when Harry proposed with a ring presented in a cowboy hat.
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Benjamin Jackson and Hannah Gracey (Season 12, 2022)
Benjamin surprised many when he confirmed his relationship with Hannah in June 2023. Despite leaving the show early due to family health concerns, Benjamin shared a picture of himself and Hannah on Instagram, announcing their relationship. Hannah had been a contestant vying for Benjamin’s affection. The pair announced their engagement in February of this year, with Hannah describing it as the “easiest yes.”
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David McMahon and Emily Gordon (Season 12, 2023)
Almost a year after filming wrapped for the 2023 season, David and Emily announced their engagement. David chose Mudgee’s Evamor Valley, the site of their first solo date, for his heartfelt proposal. They tied the knot in 2024, and footage from their wedding day was broadcast during the Season 15 finale. The couple welcomed their first child, Willa Mae McMahon, on April 10th of this year.
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Brad Jones and Clare Hockings (Season 12, 2023)
After moving in together on Brad’s Cootamundra farm shortly after the Season 12 finale, Brad and Clare maintained a relatively low profile until June 2023, when they announced they were expecting their first child. In December 2023, they shared the arrival of their son, Roy Grahame. The couple also revealed during the Season 15 finale that they were expecting their second child, with baby Lachie born in October last year.
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Matt Young and Olivia Benic (Season 12, 2023)
While Matt and Olivia’s journey on FWAW had its challenges, their life off-screen has been filled with significant milestones. After announcing the purchase of a property together in January 2023, they surprised fans in August of the same year by revealing the secret arrival of their child. They expressed gratitude to their support network for allowing them to experience this private joy. During the Season 15 finale, Matt and Olivia revealed their child’s name is Henry.
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Todd Melbourne and Daisy Lamb (Season 13, 2024)
Farmer Todd’s choice of Daisy in the Season 13 finale came as no surprise to viewers. “Finding love is a big risk,” Todd admitted, “I’m willing to take the risk with you, Daisy. I can finally give you the reassurance that I am definitely falling in love with you.” Although Todd has yet to propose, the couple remains strong in 2026.
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Dustin Manwaring and Sophie Trethowan (Season 13, 2024)
In the final episodes of Season 13, Dustin expressed that he felt he and Sophie “had known each other forever.” He was captivated by Sophie from the moment he saw her, eager for her to experience the special places on his farm. Shortly after the reunion aired, the couple confirmed to Woman’s Day that they were still together. “We’ve just slotted back into normal life. It’s been so lovely to witness how our relationship is outside of the show,” Dustin shared.
