The autumn brought us a reasonably decisive break. All clovers and grasses that germinated were able to survive through until follow up rains enabled them to establish themselves.

Following the autumn break I took the opportunity prior to lambing to de-stock paddocks where possible. Most ewes were fed in containment areas allowing the pastures to establish prior to grazing. When the first lambs were born I returned the mobs to their paddocks where I continued to supplementary feed them for some weeks. By the time lambing was ‘in full swing’ there was enough pasture feed to sustain them without the disruption of a feed trailer.

All early drop lambs have been marked and percentages were slightly lower than last year but still around the long term average. I have weaned lambs off some older sale sheep so the ewes can gain condition for a September market.

We had a drier start to winter than the previous two years which was helpful to crops as water logging didn’t cause the usual yield loss. The recent heavier rainfall has run some water but the long and warmer days have helped keep things growing.    

Our southern land at Condah has seen very good rainfall. It seems every time I visit there I tip out an overflowing rain gauge. Most of the property has been stocked with lambing ewes but in addition we fattened a good number of last year’s later born lambs. These were sold over the past two months. Most fell in the trade weight category but the improving market kept values up.

September usually marks the start of our high workload with crutching and shearing, followed by hay and lamb marketing all combining to keep things busy. Let’s hope the spring brings us further rain and the farmers and communities doing it tough can gain some much needed relief.    

On the sporting front, most of us have been playing badminton with two kids playing table tennis and Ben tried volleyball for the first time. With kids at three different schools and a wide variety of extracurricular activities it takes some keeping up with. 

Our family endured a tough few months as we cared for Bernie as he deteriorated with cancer. He was an inspiration to many, including his family. I will certainly miss our time together. I look forward to working similarly with my future farming children.