Hobart Agfest exhibitor ready to show off Tasmania ag sector

Leather maker Kirby Gibson breathed new life into a 40-year-old saddle that was gathering dust, and has gone on to save many more. Here’s what’s taking her to Agfest.

Kirby Gibson of Hope & Jane Leather Co at her studio in North Hobart. Picture: Caroline Tan

Hundreds of vendors are preparing for Agfest 2025 which kicks off on May 1.

One exhibitor is Hobart’s Kirby Gibson and she’s preparing for her third Agfest as an exhibitor.

She runs Hope & Jane Leather Co and also a special collection called Second Stride, which re-purposes saddle leather.

Ms Gibson was first inspired when she was given her mother-in-law’s childhood saddle.

“It was probably about 40 years old and she didn’t ride anymore,” she said.

“It was damaged and we couldn’t think of anything to do with it, so I started looking into what we could do.”

Now it’s been 18 months and Ms Gibson has continued to make goods from old saddle leather.

Kirby Gibson of Hope & Jane Leather Co at her studio in North Hobart. Picture: Caroline Tan

She said not only does it save the materials from going to the tip, but it also continues the life of something that could mean a lot to its owner.

“We can turn it into something for them if it’s a memorable saddle,” Ms Gibson said.

“It’s building the connection between that person and their horse and saddle.”

From the leather, Ms Gibson makes bags, belts, and notebook covers.

She also gets given leather to repurpose when people want to get rid of old saddles.

While the 50,000 plus attendees to Agfest mean more eyes on Ms Gibson’s business and goods, she said it’s more than that.

“Really what I get from it is the connection with people,” she said.

“Working together and relying on one another is what helps get people through. It’s always like an unspoken thing, where if something happens, people just jump straight in.”

Mental health and cost-of-living are some key challenges in the agriculture sector.

Agfest was a prime opportunity, Ms Gibson said, to see the work farmers put into produce.

“People are struggling with money, and they’re finding it hard to spend money on good quality things like good quality meats and fruits and veggies and that sort of thing and in turn farmers are suffering,” she said.

“With Agfest, people are able to go and experience everything that people put into it and makes you appreciate where your money’s going.”

Rural Youth Agfest is May 1-3 held at Quercus Park Carrick. Tickets available at https://agfest.com.au/

Originally published as Hobart Agfest exhibitor ready to show off Tasmania ag sector