With dry, dusty paddocks bare without feed and dams drying up left right and centre, rain is definitely needed.

The feed cart is pouring out grain three times a week to try to keep the sheep and cattle healthy, with calving almost over and lambing just begun.

Wheat and oats are being served for lunch this year.

While beans were going to be in the ration, prices dictated differently.

Straw covered with molasses is being used, in conjunction with some cereal hay, to bolster the grain and add some bulk to the feed.

Cutting the wheat stubble for straw has meant burning was much less stressful this year, with only a few grass paddocks needing to be done.

We bought a speed tiller this year to help improve germination in canola paddocks and open up some fresh paddocks for levelling, which we do annually in our southern country.

So far I've been happy with it, but unfortunately, I've had to do all the working without any moisture.

We have spread gypsum and lime on canola and lucerne paddocks.

With the lucerne being seven years old, it is time to renew the stand, which has been extremely productive.

Lambing is in full swing and with that, vermin control has been activated.

Fox numbers seem to be high this year, although recent work has stemmed the flow after a few lamb losses early.

Having a dry start always makes life harder at lambing, but due to other programs on the farm, you can only push it back so far.

Sheep are in good condition, with the inclusion of a new Bromar trail feeder this year.

Split bins have allowed us to feed two cereals at once and the bigger bin enables us to feed more in the one fill.

Two Advantage Feeders on wheels have been bought this year to help decrease feeding times.

So far, results are okay but we probably needed to have them earlier in the year to really gain benefits before lambing.

Looking around the district there seems to be more feeders by the day, a sure indication they are a worthy investment.

My real desire to buy them was to use them during the winter months when feed is saturated.

I'm hoping to run bigger mobs on less feed supplemented by grain.

I'm hoping this will free up paddocks to keep them fresh for rotating mobs, as well as the potential to cut hay later on, providing we get spring rain.

Without green feed, we've added plenty of minerals to try to help with requirements, but nothing beats natural green feed. Maybe next year.

On the sporting side of life, Brimpaen enjoyed a successful tennis season, with our A Special team taking out the premiership.

We have been so close for so long now so it was quite satisfying to finally win.

In other news since my last In My Paddock, we have welcomed the arrival of our new farm manager.

On December 18, 2018, at some ungodly hour, Freddie Robert Matthews entered the world.

Many thanks to our support crew during this eventful time.

Special mention to my fiancée Sarah for her small role in the process.

We are both over the moon to have a healthy baby and Freddie brings us so much joy.

He has already changed so much in the past four months and I can't wait until he can come to work with me.

Other parents tell us the time goes so quickly, so Sarah and I are spending as much time as we can and enjoying every moment.

The kid already boasts a John Deere tractor, fishing rod and more gifts and love from friends and family than any child could have.

Until next time, sowing begins and we wish everyone a very healthy and productive year.

The Wimmera Farmer would like to hear about what is happening in your paddock.

To tell us about what's happening on your farm, send a picture and 400 words to community.vic@fairfaxmedia.com.au or phone 0475 953 605 for details.