The dating scene in Center, Colo., a town of about 2,000 residents, is said to be pretty sparse. So when a local potato and barley farmer named Brandon Rogers decided he was ready to get hitched, he chose an option many young hopefuls do these days: reality TV.
Rogers was one of four cowboy hat-wearing men courting potential mates on season two of FOX’s “Farmer Wants a Wife.” Like so many reality dating shows, the premise centers on single men in search of a woman to spend forever with. What’s unique about this one is that the women competing for the ultimate prize – love – need to shovel manure, herd cattle and fix tractors to prove they are up for the task.
Think of it like “The Bachelor” with a country patois. Despite the promise of a lasting partnership, it was clear from the beginning that some contestants may be trying to bolster their sizzle reel. Several hailed from big cities in New York and California and had never stepped foot on a farm prior.
Rogers started the season by speed-dating eight women, five of whom he chose to bring back to his farm in Center, which is just west of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. There the group did daily farm work like sorting potatoes and repairing irrigation systems, cooked communal dinners, and pondered what married life would be like in the middle of nowhere Colorado.
Brandon Rogers and Grace Girard spent their first solo date watching the sunset in Colorado with a tailgate picnic on “Farmer Wants a Wife.” (Provided by Jeff Neumann/FOX)
Brandon Rogers is a potato and barley farmer from Center, Colo. where the dating scene is almost nonexistent. That’s why he went on reality show “Farmer Wants a Wife” to find a partner. (Provided by Jeff Neumann/FOX)
Wisconsinite Grace Girard stole farmer Brandon Rogers’ heart with her laidback attitude and ability to sort potatoes, likely. (Provided by Jeff Neumann/FOX)
of
Through a series of dates and women leaving of their own accord, Rogers whittled down his pool of options to two women: Grace Girard, a communications associate from Caledonia, Wis., and Emerson Sears, a college counselor from small town Iowa. Girard was one of the original constants, while Sears came in after a blind date during a mid-season plot twist.
Rogers had concerns about both women. Girard, for one, was very close with her family and enjoyed the amenities of the city. He was afraid to lure her away from those. Sears no doubt embraced the rural lifestyle, but Rogers was concerned they hadn’t had enough time to build a solid foundation for a lifelong relationship.
In the season finale, which aired May 9, Rogers chose to continue things with Girard, who happily accepted the opportunity.
“I really feel like we have established a really good emotional connection, so I would like to see where that emotional connection would take us,” Rogers said.
“I don’t want to lose you and I would love to see where this goes,” Girard replied.
Despite the name of the show, “Farmer Wants a Wife,” there was no formal marriage proposal and the couple did not leave the show engaged. Two other farmers chose a woman to continue dating, while one broke up with both his finalists.
So did our local farmer find a wife? You can find out on Thursday when FOX hosts a cast reunion. Tune in at 7 p.m. MT or the following day on Hulu to get the tea.
