By Ayesha Joy Clifford ©
VERY satisfying to be able to put our cows into a paddock that looks like this in the middle of winter.
Well most of our cows - there's always one. I don't know why this lovely Charolais girl was hanging back on the other side of the fence when there was great grass just metres away.
Perhaps like me she was waiting for the red-belly snake that was lapping up the sun to retreat back to the tree trunk.
I think of our farm as similar to gardening only on a bit bigger scale. We have been fortunate to be able to adopt pasture management here that is improving our soil and grass and reducing weeds.
The result is healthy cattle for less input. We rely on one-wire electric fencing for a lot of areas now. It's great because it's quick, simple and easy to do. Dairy farmers knew that all along!
It also means I get more time to sit up and enjoy the view and less time on that backbreaking work of weed control.
By Ayesha Joy Clifford ©
THIS little fellow is adorable.
Bartholomew the orphan lamb has taken to life on our farm and has become my little "shadow". I rather fancy I've found my new painting and gardening companion.
Being from cattle country in Rockhampton, I have been researching sheep and discovered they make excellent companion creatures and can live up to 16 years.
My little companion has been out and about exploring the paddock and herb garden that will be his new home.
So far he's trotted happily up and down the garden path,
helped trim the magnificent cream winter nasturtiums,
met his fellow gardening companions Tom Tom and Harley Barley, from a distance
then at a close quarters, and nibbled his seal of approval to the backyard landscaping.
He's already receiving visitors and photo requests but seems to be taking it all in his little stride.
BY Ayesha Joy Clifford ©
OVER the years I've had the good fortune to work with some amazing talent in front of and behind the camera.
So when I had a request for photos with Bartholomew the orphan lamb, I recalled that steadfast media mantra about never working with animals or children.
Working with animals and nature, every day is full of opportunities on-farm to capture and share a window into this life. It's a privilege to be able to live this lifestyle and I pinch myself some days at my good fortune. That doesn't make the photography any easier.
I could have used a couple of those great snappers or at least advice on selfies with a lamb. No time today for elaborate set ups, different lenses, light meters and location scouts. Cows to move, animals to feed, fences to fix. The shameless selfie will have to do.
Bartholomew being the energetic little fellow was quite shy and aloof to begin
a bit reluctant then,
warming up to the idea,
seasoned performer,
talent taking over show
talent tantrum as I'm photobombed out by the lamb.
Finally a snuggle
and a smooch
and couple of nice quiet shots,
and that will do for now.
Phew!
One of our breeding pair of wedgetail eagles has been missing in action for a couple of weeks.
Excited today to see a head peeking over their giant nest. They are often my companions soaring above me in the paddock as they did today.
Will get my binoculars ready to watch for hatchlings. Sibling rivalry is tough in these families - the stronger chick often eats its weaker siblings to eliminate competition.
Favourite food at the moment though is breakfast rabbit which they devour from a favourite old dead tree, while keeping a watchful eye on me passing by on my morning walk.
By Ayesha Joy Clifford ©
GLAD we have nice quiet cows today.
A quick paddock change and they had to walk along next to where our one-wire electric fence is now suspended over a creek.
We've had three of the wettest rainfall years recorded in this area in the past four years.
The most recent big run really gouged out the bank despite our best efforts to keep cattle off them for the most part. This week another metre or so has tumbled to the creek leaving this gaping hole and an interesting bit of suspension fencing.
Fortunately the girls are a pretty quiet bunch. Some used to live in mountains at Marlborough and were mustered by helicopter only twice a year.
They get to see a lot more of us today. They quietly poked along very orderly "minding the
gap" but a couple couldn't resist sticking their heads over for a closer look.
They are curious creatures.
A quick bit of repurposing today.
One fast-growing lamb needing a new warmie plus one lovely shrinkie Merino cardigan needing a new purpose.
One warm little lamb and mission accomplished. I think Bartholomew looks pretty cute too.
Our first calf for the year - very beautiful and very dead. Lovely little bull from a Brahman Bull and Charbray heifer.
Seems such a waste of a little life. Thankfully it doesn't happen often. The little heifer has been back a few times to check on her calf.
Best part of living and working on a farm? The animals. Worst part of living and working on a farm. The animals!
