By Judy Barnet, Ag Columnist
“Welcome back!” I was super excited to pick up Yves from Brisbane Airport on Tuesday. I love going to the airport. Our family travelled extensively when I was young as Dad was an aircraft inspector with the Civil Aviation Authority in NZ. I got to fly in gliders, helicopters, tiger moths and many other sorts of aircraft. When travelling to Australia and PNG I sometimes was allowed to sit upfront in the cockpit with the pilots.
Thanks to the new Airport road tunnels and light traffic I arrived an hour early at the domestic terminal and I was tempted to make a stop at the international terminal just for a look! Yves had come back to pick up his car and trailer after they were forced to fly down to Tassie last September at the height of Covid, being unable to drive through NSW. Their whole life’s belongings were packed into their two cars and trailer but luckily they had family in Tassie to help out with furniture etc. They did have to buy another car though. Richie and I were hoping to deliver the car and trailer to them but we hadn’t been able to get away from the farm. However, we are determined to get there before lambing in Spring. Yves and Monica were incredibly lucky to be able to rent a house straight across the road from the beach, so I just can’t wait to visit!
I have finally finished photographing and videoing this year’s lambs for my sale on 19 April. Unfortunately, I made a major boo boo! When we drafted the sheep there was one particular ewe that was less than the Southdown ideal. She was a bit poor as she was still feeding her five-month-old twins that she must have lured through a weak part of the fence in the weaning paddock. She always has twins and does a good job with them so for that reason I have kept her on. Well, I left this ewe in the yards thinking I would put a bit of feed into her to ensure she was the optimum weight and condition at joining. To my horror, she appears in the background of nearly every photo and video! I can edit her out of the photos but I’m not so sure about the videos.
I cringe as I write this but there was another oops moment on the farm this week. A silo that was being loaded with grain toppled over. There was a lot of grain to be picked up off the ground, but no use crying over spilt grain! To ensure this never happens again I have arranged for the very skilled Anthony from Nathan Sweet Excavations to put down a pad when he comes out next week to dig the pier holes for the shed. The excavator looks like a graceful swan when he operates it! Weather permitting, the concrete should be poured this week as well.
I am so pleased to report that three of the four cows have now been A.I.d. Of course, there is no guarantee that the cows will take on the first attempt but I am a glass half full kinda gal so my confidence is high. The girls have been easy to get into the yards, lured with a bit of food, but blasted mongrels to get into the crush. They are too quiet and spoilt and, of course, in the tradition of our farm, the yards are a bit “Dad and Dave”. Just temporary, mind! Speaking of temporary, I am quietly thinking I might get a sign made for Richie’s workshop when it is finished – “The Temporary Repair Shop”. I am not quite sure if he will laugh or be offended. Will approach with caution!
I haven’t got much other news this week. My MLA audit went well and I have a couple of other minor things to do but that is all.
Until next week, stay safe.
Judy
