Archive for June, 2007

Bonus!

We found a bonus calf in the paddock this morning. Of the cows we bought only four were meant to be preg-tested in calf … but a fifth cow was looking suspicious and springing yesterday.

This morning, our suspicions were confirmed and we now have another little heifer on the ground! Bonus! All our Poll Jordon Herefords (some maidens) calved without a hitch. 100 per cent success!

They are a joy to have on our paddocks and just as exciting as having my new book The Rouseabout out in the world.

Food for thought

In The Rouseabout I touched on the issue of the importance of seed and food production in a very subtle way. Now it’s time to get louder.

John and I went to a field day at Pindari Herb Farm to find out about Power Generation. We looked at steam, solar, wind and water power systems. We also looked at water and soil management, food and herbal medicine production.

Our hosts, Pindari founders, Ken and Giovi, highlighted how vulnerable we all are relying on ‘systems’ for our survival. Because of technology and the easy way we live and eat, people in this country have lost the skills needed to survive.

As farmers, we know how much it takes to generate tucker. Alongside our livestock production, we also grow much of our own food and rely on the wood heater for warmth and sometimes cooking and the sun for our hot water.

But what about the city person … How vulnerable are they?

We know how one hurricane can influence our entire countries’ banana supply. And now because of rugged seasons Ken said, compared to last year, Australia’s rice production is down by 10%, wheat production down by 40%, Tasmania’s fruit production down by 70% and Victoria’s fruit production down by 50%.

So my tip is, instead of planting trendy plants from the lifestyle gardening TV show, plant a few lettuces and a few spuds instead. You’ll be out in front and healthier for it.

King of the Kelpies

Here’s our mate Ian O’Connell and our Rousie. Ian is the inspiration behind The Stockman and the Casterton Kelpie Muster. I call him Ian — King of Kelpies, but most people just call him “Spud”.

Ian was generous enough to demonstrate Rousie at the Casterton Kelpie Auction where he ‘fetched’ the price of $1,600. Pardon the pun. Rousie spent a week before the auction at Ian’s place getting to know him. Ian took Rousie everywhere with him for four days — where he claimed his territory by pissing into Ian’s opened tool box on the back of the ute and filling it up.

Everytime Ian now picks up a shifter, he is reminded of Rousie’s stay with him! So thanks so very very much Spud for your time and energy in getting Rousie to the auction and sorry about your tool box!

While we’re on Spud, here he is with his auction dog, Bagalla Becky. Becky sold for over $4,600 and is the half sister to last year’s auction record price dog, Mick who made $5,400. Mick is our Bagalla Connie’s full brother.

Becky came second out of 84 dogs at the Victorian Yard Dog Championships in the novice and her mum is currently Victoria’s Cattle Trial Champ. Ian is a humble kind of fella … but I reckon he should take much of the credit.

Rousie Report

The kids have been asking where’s Rousie? I get a bit sad when I have to answer that he’s been sold at the Casterton dog Auction and has a new home. The good news is, he’s settling into his new place really well near Mildura.

He’s got a new dog mate, Beau, who he’s getting along with and is working on a cropping and livestock block with his new family. His new owner said he’s a really good dog; is companionable, plays well with the young family — (even chasing tennis balls for them!) and is lively and likeable.

Workwise, his new owner is taking him slowly as he’s still just a pup.

Too small for the truck

A savagely cold winter and no rain has meant some of Tassie’s farmers and their livestock are struggling.

Because we had destocked and were lucky enough to get a shower or two of rain, it meant we had some green feed ahead of us and we’ve got hay on reserve. It’s allowed us to buy in six of our friends’ calves that were from the worst drought effected area of the state.

The six calves were too small to send away on the truck to market. These funny little woolly babies were carted to us in a horsefloat and dropped off in the paddock with our other cows and calves and have been eating ever since.

They may be stunted all their lives due to their hard start in life, but their genetics from Jordon Poll Hereford stud are very classy so they should throw nice calves.

The importance of community & communication

On Sunday we had the whole family out fencing. We’d had a ripper frost and it was gloriously sunny and quiet.

Then the chopper came. It flew all around the mountain. I was nervous as the wind was drifting our way and I don’t like having the kids outside when the Managed Investment Scheme plantations are being sprayed.

But today, the chopper didn’t look like it was spraying, nor would they have been laying 1080 poison from the air.

I still went home grumpy, resenting the fact our peaceful district was now continually invaded by outsiders who did what they liked to the land, when they liked.

My mood lifted when I heard the message on the phone. It was one of our neighbours who has taken over managing the plantations in our area.

He explained the chopper had been looking for eagle’s nests, as the companies are required to do so by law. He also explained the systems in place to lay the poison and has since notified us of any plantation procedures that may impact on us and our livestock.

Having someone who is local, who understands the importance of community and communication has been a massive relief for me as I come to terms with our dramatically changing landscape.

Showing Off

Even though my novels are fictional, some of the settings are based on real life places and events. In my latest novel, The Rouseabout, Australia’s oldest show at Campbell Town in the heart of Tasmania gets a mention.

I’ve been to the Campbell Town Show many times. My father grew up on the outskirts of the town and I’ve always had a soft spot for it.

So, it was only natural for me to send my character of Kate to the show in The Rouseabout. If you want to see more photos from the real life show like the one above go to their web site.

One of the reasons the show is so special is it’s held in mid-winter to coincide with the ram selling seasons and is a major wool show.

My ‘bum book’ kicks butt

The little kids next door have dubbed my latest novel, The Rouseabout as ‘Rachael’s Bum Book’ due to the cover. Such a flattering title.

I wanted to take this chance now to post a big big thanks to all my readers who leaving such lovely comments about my ‘bum book’.

I’m a bit flat-chat to write back to each and every one of you, but I do read what you write and it warms my heart more than a Bundy on a cold day! Thanks!

So far around 25,000 Rouseabout copies have sold. (A best seller in Australia is considered to sell around 8,000 to 10,000 copies) So The Rouseabout is kicking butt, thanks to all of you!

Also, Penguin are planning an 8000 copy reprint of The Stockmen and a reprint of Jillaroo, so it seems new readers are discovering my books after all these years of writing!

Sales aside, my aim is to celebrate our rural community and stimulate a bit of pride in our industry!

Farmers feed the world and writers feed our minds so let’s support the Aussie ones!

How would you explain this?

My mate Freshie (who is also named in my novel, The Rouseabout) is the best at sending me funny farming photos. Here’s a corker. The driver would surely have had to change his undies after this little slip!

Vet check

Here’s one of our border collie pups having a vet check with Manty. She was listening for heart murmours. All are cleared and are fine for sale. We have three male pups left.