Rural Reflections #6

January 29, 2019February 24, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / 3 Comments

With Australia Day on the weekend, it has made me think about our history and appreciate the hard times that our ancestors had lived through. We are so lucky today to have the freedom, the technology and the many opportunistic events within our lives. As I reflect back and acknowledge our history, it gives me reason to celebrate my love for Australia, the land, the lifestyle, the democracy and the people.

From our indigenous heritage, to those who have come from all corners of the globe to call our country home, we are united within our dynamic nation, regardless of where our stories began and our cultural diversity. Aboriginal people had lived on this land, that we now call Australia, for more than 65,000 years. On 26th January 1788, eleven convict ships from Great Britain, arrived at Sydney Cove, marking the start of a new colony on this beautiful land. Every year, Australia Day is celebrated as a national holiday to reflect on what it means to be Australian.

Some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have mixed feelings about this day, as some consider it to be a day of mourning or survival of their culture. As they were the traditional custodians of this land… respect, trust and positive relationships have been promoted through the Reconciliation process. Australia Day aspires to be a celebration of our nation, gives recognition to all of our history and unites us all as Australian people in our diverse nation.

Farming was important from the very first day that the ships arrived in Australia. Sheep were one of the first domesticated animals to be introduced into Australia at this time. Within 50 years of their arrival, sheep had become the main source of income for the Australian agricultural industry. Originally, sheep were not raised for meat, but for wool, and quite quickly the Australian export of sheep became more profitable than any country in the world.

Nowadays, Australia is the world’s number one producer of premium quality fine wool and is the largest producer of all wools by value and volume. The total wool produced in Australia is 324,900 tonnes greasy (shorn wool prior to treatment).

There are around 70 million sheep in Australia, producing an average of 4.6kg of wool per head. The value of wool produced in Australia averages AU$3 billion dollars, which reflects the continuing strong global demand for Australian wool.

So with the recognition of our history and thinking about sheep in Australia, I thought it would be appropriate to share this photo from our property. It shows the heritage-listed shearers’ quarters that was on our property when we purchased it. The photo was taken in April 2017 when green grass actually existed here.

Rural Reflection #6…

06 The Authentic Comforts of a Shearers' Quarters Heritage

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I like this photo because it represents the little comforts of long ago, providing shelter and warmth… and sadly probably not much more than that. It also depicts in my mind, the hard back-breaking work of the shearers’ resting before another long day’s work. These shearers’ quarters are no longer in use, but as we drive past it every day on the farm, I acknowledge the history of this rustic structure with original timber walls and the authentic culture that lies within.

We need to all acknowledge the history around us and recognise the impact within our lives. Historical events have happened, well out of our control… but we have the choice how we react to these events. Incidents in our past, mould our personality and behaviour. We have the control to make a difference in our lives and the world we live in. As an Australian, I choose to enjoy the freedom in our nation, accept the wrongs that have happened in the past, let go of negativity, work hard for an industry that I love and be the best person I can be. What do you choose?

Take care, Karen.

“We are not makers of history.

We are made by history.”

~ Martin Luther King, Jr

Tamworth Country Music Festival 2019 ~ Part 2

January 28, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / 1 Comment

Further to my story here at Tamworth NSW (Australia), for my final recap from the Toyota Tamworth Country Music Festival 2019. It is a wrap… done and dusted… and what an enjoyable, fun-filled, relaxing time that we have all had during the last 10 days of the festival. The country music talent never ceases and the entertainment factor has been incredible. Over 300,000 music lovers have enjoyed their time here at the festival… and what an incredible experience for everyone, especially during this horrid drought.

Farmers have had a little time out, rural families have found some enjoyment, city folk have supported the businesses that had been doing it tough over the last year. Everyone has come together through their passion for country music and this music has encompassed their lives and lifted spirits across the community. My personal experience has continued on the road of thrills and indulgence.

On Thursday afternoon, I received a phone call from Clipex Fencing & Stockyards, to ask if I would like 2 complimentary tickets for my husband and I, to attend the concerts of Adam Harvey and Beccy Cole. I was astonished and almost paralyzed… why me… why us… there are so many farmers, that would deserve this generous offer. But rather than worry or feel selfish for being presented with this wonderful opportunity to give us a night out… I just felt so very thankful. As a Clipex customer, we were so grateful to this local fencing business and their staff… and their kindness was appreciated so very much.

Whilst we had been attending some free shows at the local clubs during the music festival, we had only purchased tickets for shows, to support breast cancer through the McGrath Foundation and drought relief through the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners. So this was very special for us, as a farmer in drought with limited finances, this opportunity was of great value.

Adam Harvey – Friday 25th January

We were still amazed that we had received this generous opportunity to attend Adam Harvey‘s concert. As we sat waiting for the concert to start, my husband and I were so excited and thankful to Clipex Fencing. We were so lucky. I don’t think we have smiled this much for so long.

The show started with support act Judah Kelly, best known for winning The Voice Australia in 2017. This young man’s voice really is amazing with his unique range.

We then enjoyed the music from Adam Harvey himself, from his older tunes to his more recent ones. What I like about Adam, is that he is a genuinely nice fella and is good-hearted and supportive of other young artists. His guest artists for the show included Catherine Britt and Troy Cassar-Daley. He also introduced his lovely daughter Layla Harvey and then proudly sang a duet with her. I really love his laid-back music style and down-to-earth lyrics.

Beccy Cole – Friday 25th January

The good times continued in the next concert with Beccy Cole and the Sisters of Twang. The all-girl line-up was an absolute hit for festival-goers and a performance to remember. I still could not believe we were so lucky to receive these complimentary tickets to see this incredible show, thanks to Clipex Fencing.

The powerful voice of Beccy Cole was incredible and her passion through her songs was captivating. This may have been my favourite show at the Tamworth Country Music Festival. I really loved her humour, her story-telling and her heartfelt lyrics. Her guest artists included her son Ricky Albeck, Kelly Brouhaha, her mother Carole Sturtzel and her partner Libby O’Donovan. It was lovely watching the emotional performance with Beccy Cole and her son Ricky Albeck. The heartwarming connection was visible as mother and son shared their mutual passion for music, both with their own individual styles. As a mother myself, this was just beautiful to witness and enjoy.

What I really like about Beccy Cole… was the way she promoted feminism and women supporting each other in this day and age. By no means is she a man-hater, as she is a mother of a son, that means the world to her. She just wants women to be nice to each other and accept ourselves for who we are… which I think is great advice for us all. Her kind words and fun-loving performance… left us all feeling strong and capable to face the world.

It was nice to see a “Drought Relief” CD amongst others at her CD store, from various artists for the drought appeal. As a farmer in drought, this gesture is very much appreciated, when we see the support in front of us every day. The drought support has been nation-wide from not only music artists, but everyday Australians in city and country, young and old. This generosity and support make us feel like you have our back and care about the future of Australian food and fibre. So thank you so much.

Australia Day – Saturday 26th January

Australia Day is the national day set aside to celebrate being Australian, regardless of where our personal stories may have begun. It is a day for us to all reflect on being Australian, be proud of our culture, celebrate our nation and recognise our history.

What better way to celebrate Australia Day… than spending time with my lovely sister and her beautiful family, when they visit Tamworth this weekend. We enjoyed a buffet-style dinner together, in the J&L Family Restaurant at the Tamworth Services Club. There was plenty of choice with succulent seafood including prawns, oysters, smoked salmon… a variety of carvery roasts and vegetables, Chinese cuisine, fresh salads, fruit platters and delicious desserts. There was something for everyone to choose to their liking, both adults and children.

I remember sitting and reflecting on being Australian… enjoying the company of my family, enjoying tasty fresh food in the local community, and with a sense of proudness for the ex-servicemen and women that fought for our freedom many years ago… so we can continue to enjoy our beautiful country. I respect the multi-culturalism of Australia and recognise all of our origins… a history that ultimately unites us within our nation.

Following our dinner, we then enjoyed a stroll in the park and listened to some more country music from Tamworth’s best local artists. The finale was watching the spectacular fireworks with my nieces and nephew. What is it about fireworks that just seems to fascinate us all and brings us to a complete stand-still momentarily? From the young children through to the older generation… we all just watch calmly in awe.

Tex Dubbo – Sunday 27th January

My final show was the Tex Dubbo gig… the alter ego of Troy Cassar-Daley, singing old-style songs from renowned country music artists that inspired him. At this show, Troy does not sing his own songs… but pays homage to the music that has shaped his own career. We heard original songs from the music of Merle Haggard, George Jones and Willie Nelson… which were relaxing and unwinding for me. This show happens every second year, is very popular and held at the Longyard Hotel.

His wife Laurel Edwards, supported him in some of his show. I really like how Troy is so respectfully open and speaks so highly about his lovely wife and their life together. This gives you so much respect towards him, knowing that he is a very decent bloke and that he appreciates his wife. As a loving wife myself, I think this is just wonderful.

Despite the 39 degree heat in the open garden area, I enjoyed the show with my sister and her family. My sister and her husband love these old-style songs, and I loved to see the enjoyment on their faces as well, as they enjoyed some time-out. My husband and I also enjoyed a great lunch from the bistro as we enjoyed the music.

And the show must end! As my lovely sister and her family headed back home to Dubbo, my husband and I returned back to the farm. Shearing is happening the following day on our farm, so the evening is spent mustering sheep to the yard, ready for tomorrow’s early start.

What a huge jam-packed music festival over the last 10 days! The festival ended yesterday and is now over… until next year. So I encourage you all to add the Tamworth Country Music Festival to your “TO DO” list. This event is not to be missed. Bear in mind, you will probably enjoy yourself so much, that you may return year after year.

We all deserve a little break every now and then. It is what keeps us sane and recharged to work effectively in whatever industry we are involved with. Farmers tend to not take enough time-out… due to the ongoing daily workload and costs. But in this current drought, it is more important than ever, to look after yourself and your loved ones. My husband and I are more focused than ever, to tackle life and farming again… with thanks to those music artists and entertainers that support this major festival.

Take care, Karen.

“Never get so busy making a living

that you forget to make a life.”

~ Author Unknown

Tamworth Country Music Festival 2019 ~ Part 1

January 23, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / 4 Comments

The country music talent and the enjoyable entertainment is non-stop here in Tamworth NSW (Australia) this last week. Everyone is coming “out of the woodwork”, to find their favourite country music stars and discovering some newly-emerging talent. Singing and dancing are happening all around Tamworth at the moment. With over 300,000 music lovers, enjoying 700 performers, at 2800 events… there is so much for everyone to see and do. We are just over halfway through the festival, which ends on Sunday 27th January 2019.

As a last minute decision, I decided to allow myself some time-out to enjoy the Country Music Festival this year, especially now that I live only a half hour drive from Tamworth. The farm duties and office routines have all been put on hold (but we manage to fit the more urgent jobs in, around our social activities, which really is a rare occurrence for us). Since the drought has been so much of a burden this last year… it was time to let our hair down. Not only for my own sanity, but for my husband as well… we both needed some time-out and reminded ourselves of the healing ability that music induces. So here is a recap of what I have been up to and will also give you a few ideas for when you do attend the music festival.

Opening Concert in Toyota Park – Friday 18th January

As an invited VIP guest of Clipex Fencing, we attended the Opening Ceremony at Toyota Park. In a more private marquee setting we were provided with shade, seating, cold drinks and finger-food, whilst we watched and enjoyed the beautiful music from the CMAA Academy of Country Music students and tutors. As a bonus, we were able to meet and chat with Adam Harvey, the Clipex Brand Ambassador.

However, the concert in the park is a free event open to everyone, so you can just bring a chair and some drinks/snacks to enjoy the music anywhere in the park, then watch the spectacular fireworks. The opening concert was hosted by Felicity Urquhart.

“The Great Australian Round Up” Main Event & Rodeo – Saturday 19th January

This was a unique and exciting event introduced this year, with internationally renowned Guy McLean and his incredible stock horses, held at the Australian Equine & Livestock Events Centre (AELEC). This was a charity event to raise money for the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners and other vital rural services.

His extraordinary horsemanship skills absolutely amazed me. To see his performance, gives you a small sense of appreciation of the work this man puts into these beautiful horses, to train them to happily perform without bridles or leads. It is absolutely mind-blowing.

This was followed with some exciting rodeo action, with cowboys on bucking horses and bulls and cowgirls on their well-trained horses. My favourite part of the rodeo, was watching the young boys riding the mini bulls.

Darren Carr & Other Dummies – Sunday 20th January

OMG this was the funniest thing I have ever seen. Darren Carr is known as Australia’s #1 stand-up ventriloquist. With his natural comedy and cast of crazy characters, his performance is so hilariously entertaining. This was an amazing show held at the West Tamworth League Club.

Country Turns Pink – Sunday 20th January

This was a big concert… with big name Country Stars performing their well-loved songs, and introducing new and upcoming artists. It was hosted by comedian Darren Carr, with all proceeds going to the McGrath Foundation. This is an important charity raising money to fund McGrath Breast Care Nurses, who provide invaluable support and care to women and men experiencing breast cancer. The McGrath Breast Care Nurses bring peace of mind to many families, through their expert knowledge, personal care and genuine compassion.

I was passionate about attending this event, to not only show my support of the McGrath Foundation, but on a personal level as well. A good family friend of mine has just recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and undergone breast surgery only a week ago. The McGrath Foundation is a great cause and this event has raised over $119,000 over the last 4 years. Thank you to the country music artists that support this event and the venue West Tamworth League Club. We enjoyed music from artists such as Tania Kernaghan, Gina Jeffreys, Beccy Cole, Adam Harvey and Amber Lawrence.

Pete Denahy Comedy & Bluegrass – Tuesday 22nd January

We enjoyed Pete Denahy in this early morning show with plenty of laughter and great music from the bluegrass genre. We also enjoyed his other special guests with comedy performances and more bluegrass style music. This was a very relaxing show and free to members and guests of West Tamworth League Club. I really love the unique element that the double bass, fiddle and mandolin bring to this show.

Legends Long Lunch – Tuesday 22nd January

The stars of the show were Daniel Thompson, Mike Carr, Anthony Taylor and Luke Austen. Their interaction, their humour and their music talent, entertained us for several hours in a free show at West Tamworth League Club. We also enjoyed their “surprise” special guests joining them on stage to entertain us alongside them. My favourite part was Daniel Thompson singing “Johnny Cash” songs in his very low voice.

Buskers Street Performance – Wednesday 23rd January

There are a variety of buskers singing their hearts out right along Peel St as well as other entertainers and artists on stages throughout the CBD. A visit to the Tamworth Country Music Festival cannot happen without checking out the many buskers. This morning after my doctor visit in the centre of town, I had a quick wander along the main street to see and hear some of the buskers and visited a few street stalls. It really is a lovely atmosphere and worth seeing.

More to come…

With still 4 days to go and my sister visiting on the weekend, I will give you the rest of the recap next week (Part 2). If you are lucky enough to be attending this year’s music festival, I hope you enjoy the remaining few days. It is not too late to come to Tamworth, as there are still daily shows at all hours. Otherwise, please mark your calendar for next year.

This experience is worth it and I can guarantee, as a stressed-out farmer in need of something else, this has done the trick. My husband and I are both calmer, more relaxed, more focused to work and more capable to get on with our demanding everyday jobs on the farm. We are enjoying life again and that is an amazing feeling. And who better than to enjoy this experience with, but my favourite person in the whole world, my husband Peter.

For more information see Toyota Country Music Festival Tamworth 2019.

Take care, Karen.

“Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”

~ Berthold Auerbach, a German Poet & Author

Rural Reflections #5

January 21, 2019February 24, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / 1 Comment

Loyalty, trust, love and hope… is at the heart of why farmers bear the burden of drought year after year. Loyalty to our passion in life, our love for the agricultural industry and our love for our family. This is what motivates us to keep on going, implement our drought management plans and ensure our nation’s future food security.

We trust our agricultural industry to survive so we can continue to feed our great nation and the rest of the world. We hold hope for a better season as we face hardship and worry every single day. Farmers love what they do… they care for their livestock, they take pride in managing the land beneath them and they trust in what they are doing to help feed and clothe our nation.

Today I am sharing this photo with you, taken in November 2018, only 2 short months ago. Our land has suffered the effects of drought, as we had a very dry start to 2018, with the driest first half of a year on record. Our average annual rainfall is 673mm (26 inches), but in 2018 we only received about half of that… 369mm (14 inches), only 17mm more than the lowest annual rainfall on record.

In the month of November alone, we received 106mm (4 inches)… which had given us hope. Hope for a break in the dry season and hope for some relief for the land, the livestock and for us. Sadly it didn’t last for long, but nevertheless, there is light at the end of this tunnel… finally.

Rural Reflection #5…

05 Eager Hereford Breeders Follow With Excitement

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As in stock management, a new paddock awaits this mob of cows and this photo depicts their excitement as the movement takes place. A failed forage crop (on the left), planted in February last year, raises its head with the much-anticipated moisture. Following every big drought, now we have the threat of weeds, invading paddocks that were once pasture. But through on-farm management, weeds can be controlled, once some rainfall is received. And those clouds above us hold hope that rain may be coming.

As we drive in front of the cattle, calling them to a new paddock… the hot, dry and dusty conditions were not restraining them at all. I love this photo because it shows the natural quiet nature of Hereford cattle, the ease of stock movement and the trust that these beautiful breeders have in us. They trust us to provide them with feed to meet their nutritional requirements. They trust us to provide them with healthy clean water to drink. They trust us entirely, as they follow eagerly without apprehension, as they contemplate what paddock may await them next.

So even with the over-bearing drought effects and the long-term process to farm business recovery… our loyalty to these animals and our industry drives us every day. It is with the love of farming, that we do hold hope for a better season to fall upon us soon.

Take care, Karen.

“Loyalty is what makes us trust,

Trust is what makes us stay,

Staying is what makes us love,

and love is what gives us hope.”

~ Glenn van Dekken

Revel in Country Music at Australia’s #1 Festival

January 15, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / 2 Comments

Get ready for Australia’s largest music festival starting in only 3 days. Tamworth NSW is famous for hosting the annual Toyota Country Music Festival in January each year. A festival where many renowned country music artists and thousands of fans flock from all over the nation and from abroad to our regional city for 10 whole days of fun, live music and entertainment.

Not only is this the largest music festival in Australia, but the second largest music festival in the world. WOW that is huge… 700 artists, at more than 2800 events across the city, over 10 days and nights. Starting Friday 18th January until Sunday 27th January 2019… there is something for everyone. And it is not too late!

The Tamworth Country Music Festival is a unique festival experience and attendance is free to all. There are free shows every night in Toyota Park (Bicentennial Park) for you to enjoy. Main streets are closed off for buskers, stalls, children’s activities and street performers. You can choose from over 2800 free and ticketed shows over the 10 days in the park, pubs, clubs and hotels around Tamworth. The Tamworth region is dynamic and in full festival swing.

The Country Music Festival is a family-friendly event, with free concerts in Toyota Park (Bicentennial Park) in Kable Avenue, the Toyota Country Music Fanzone stage in Fitzroy Street, busking and live entertainment for all ages. Bring the whole family and check out the Family Zone for rides, entertainment and more in Kable Avenue during the festival.

There are tickets available for gigs by performing artists in the lead-up and during the Country Music Festival. From live performances, entertainment, country music attractions and other festival activities… this annual event is not to be missed.

To name a few of the renowned performers for the 2019 Country Music Festival…. Kasey Chambers, Troy Cassar-Daley, Adam Harvey, Beccy Cole, Travis Collins, Catherine Britt, Adam Brand and The Bushwackers.

If the red carpet tickles your fancy… the Golden Guitar Awards night is an opportunity to rub shoulders with the biggest names in country music and see them perform in one huge concert at the TRECC. This is the finale to the 10 day Toyota Country Music Festival Tamworth 2019. The Golden Guitar Awards are the nation’s longest running music awards concert.

In search of the next Toyota Star Maker 2019… 10 of Australia’s top emerging country music artists will compete to become the 40th Toyota Star Maker winner at the Grand Final, the main event on the first Sunday of the festival. The 2018 Toyota Star Maker Winner last year was Brad Cox.

My husband and I did attend a few concerts and shows last year with some good friends. I remember enjoying Australian singer/songwriter Shane Nicholson at “The Pub” last year. We also laughed with friends at the “Longyard Hotel” when listening to the crazy antics of a fast-paced show with the Australian band The Bushwackers. After attending the free Opening Concert in the park and enjoying a variety of artists, I then purchased tickets to attend the “Moonshiners Honky Tonk Bar” for Travis Collins show later in the week. I also love to walk around the Tamworth street stalls and listen to the variety of buskers… always finding a favourite.

If you are wanting something a little different, you can enjoy the excitement of the ABCRA National Finals Rodeo and Campdraft. A week of elite Rodeo and Campdraft action at Tamworth’s Australian Equine Livestock & Events Centre (AELEC) The thrill of cowboys competing for the buckle… highly experienced bucking stock, who thrive on dumping cowboy’s in the dust… and cowgirls upon their horses in a showdown after years of training. The dynamic energy will have you on the edge of your seat.

Another new 2-day event to provide an exciting, unique and new element to the Tamworth Country Music Festival for both tourists and locals… is the Great Australian Round Up. It is to be held at AELEC to celebrate our farming heritage and support our agricultural future. This is a charity event raising money for the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners and other vital rural services. Showcasing Australian country exhibitions and memorabilia from the legendary Longreach Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame. The main event will include internationally renowned Guy McLean and his incredible stock horses, as seen on Australia’s Got Talent (see YouTube link for his audition). An elite Rodeo extravaganza will follow. Not only the excitement of rodeo action, The Great Australian Round Up rodeo will tell a story of the heritage of rodeo in Australia, highlighting its importance in today’s rural communities.

Tamworth country music attractions available all year round include the Big Golden Guitar, Australian Country Music Hall of Fame, Wax Museum, Galaxy of Stars, Roll of Renown and Hands of Fame.

Keep in mind, the Tamworth agricultural industry has been suffering the effects of drought on the land, so the businesses in town have felt this too. This annual festival is a chance for you to come and spend your money in Tamworth to support the local businesses who have suffered as a domino effect of this horrid drought. We have seen drought support across the nation, but now is your chance to help first hand and put money back into our rural community by attending this entertaining festival. We are all in this together and I hope that we can all enjoy some time-out, great music and entertainment galore.

So it doesn’t matter if you are seeking live country music entertainment, exciting country activities or sensational country events… it will all be here ready and waiting for you in Tamworth NSW. Come and see what the Tamworth region has to offer. Book your accommodation now and bring your family and friends, a hat, sunscreen, fold-up chair or picnic rug for outdoor concerts, photo ID for the pubs/clubs… and you will be ready for an experience you will never forget.

For more information see Toyota Country Music Festival Tamworth 2019.

Take care, Karen.

“A good country song

takes a page out of somebody’s life

and puts it to music.”

~ Conway Twitty, American Country Music Singer

Rural Reflections #4

January 13, 2019February 24, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / 4 Comments

Hope and memories exist somewhere within us all. This widespread drought has left farmers and rural communities battling every day… which is a reminder that we all need time to just stop and reflect.

Memories seem to find warmth from within us. Those memories of a time when a season was able to produce food and fibre, with only the usual effort on the farm. Farm production without the mental tribulations, physical exhaustion and financial debilitation. Time to enjoy life… time to spend with our families… time to feel content. A time we all yearn for once again.

This weekend I did stop, relax and reflect a little… a feeling and action that seemed so long lost. A reminder that time with our loved ones is essential for all… and time to take care of yourself. I needed to find this place… a moment where I could bring back hope. This hope… or feeling of desire… for our season to break, for the heavens to open and rain soak into our paddocks and fill our tanks and dams. For this rain to wash away our stress, our weariness and our pessimism. One day it will happen… we are one day closer to rain every day.

So today I would like to share this photo with you, to show that hope is only around the corner. This photo was taken in July 2017, at the end of a good Winter season, as sheep fatten for sale on the green grass. It also depicts a storm to the east over Tamworth NSW.

Rural Reflection #4…

04 A Distant Storm Overlooking the Sheep

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I showed this photo to my husband, and at first, he didn’t even recognise it to be our property. Sadly, the scenery now is paradoxical to back then. Now every day is a vision of thick dust and short dry vegetation sparsely consuming the paddocks… and more so have consumed our lives.

I really like this photo because of how it depicts the storm in the background yet the sun shining brightly on the sheep feeding on the green grass. It symbolises the intensity of how farming relies on storms and rain to continue our production effectively. It also illustrates diversity within rural areas, and only 20km away the weather can differ so dramatically.

We may not be able to control the weather and a farmer knows best as they gamble every day upon the odds. But we can have some form of control regarding how we respond to the drought, how we prepare for the drought and how we protect our families mental state in the meantime. In any industry and family situation it is important to retain our optimistic state of mind and take care of each other.

It is now more than ever, we need to focus on our memories of the good seasons on the farm. A time that will return to us once again. Hold on to hope, enjoy time with your family as you anticipate a better season soon and remember we will get through this… together.

Take care, Karen.

“The greater your storm,

the brighter your rainbow.”

~ Author Unknown

Rural Reflections #3

January 8, 2019February 24, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / 2 Comments

Where does your road lead you to? We all have a long and winding road within our lives. Our journey along this road… is what we make of it.

We need to appreciate the journey and not look for a final destination in our lives. Appreciate our loved ones that we share this road with. Appreciate the natural beauty all around us. And appreciate the heart and soul within us all.

After a busy weekend on the farm, family commitments and a bought of heat exhaustion… my reflection is a little late this time. The never-ending tasks on the farm and the workload 7 days a week, more so as a result of drought as time becomes a limiting factor… is tiring me. It has left me thinking about what is really important in our lives. Our family, our loved ones, those that our lives revolve around… these people are the ones we need to cherish and hold dearly.

I spent my Sunday mustering stock, early weaning calves, weighing stud cattle and organising some cows to sell to pay a few bills. The dry and dusty conditions and the heat makes it a very tiring day. The usual early start to beat the heat and finally a late dinner by 8:30pm. Then comes the paperwork and updating computer records to meet record-keeping requirements on-farm. I finished at 1:00am in the morning.

So then only 4 and a half hours sleep before Monday morning weighing lambs and sending the lambs off to market. The lack of sleep coupled with the heat, left me with heat exhaustion. By 4:30pm yesterday and the shock of vomiting, as weakness and vagueness set in, I gave in to the exhaustion and lay on down. I awoke in a daze over 2 hours later, confused somewhat but ready for dinner. No office work that evening at all. I made a dinner from leftovers in the fridge, showered and watched a nice movie on television. An enjoyable evening and one that has become a rarity. Relaxation has been lost this last year… and is greatly missed.

Today as my office work is piling up and I procrastinate as to where to start, I decide to write this blog first. My chance to unwind mentally and share a part of my life with you all. I reflected on the relevance of the photo I have chosen for today.

Rural Reflection #3…

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This photo shows the driveway to my property and my home near Tamworth NSW. It was taken in April 2017 in the Autumn, when the green aspect was the norm. I really like the dark green tree on the right for its facade and shape but I have no idea what sort of tree it actually is. Does anybody recognise what tree this may be?

I like this photo as it depicts a road well-travelled and a road that leads on home. It also reflects a better season than what is upon us right now and reminds me that one day the drought will be over and we will see this green scenery once again.

Sometimes life just gets too busy that we do not stop to appreciate the simple things in our life. I can look at this photo and know that whatever challenges I have to face… I still have a road that leads to home and a haven where I can also find my own inner peace and where my happiness now resides.

As my sons have grown up now and living their own lives independently, I also hope they see a road that leads them back home to us to appreciate their history and the roots of our family. I also hope that they find their own future happiness and be able to continue to return along this road… to where a loving family awaits their cherished visits.

One thing we must all understand… it is not the home and materialistic objects in our lives, that are of value. It is the people, our loved ones in our lives… that make our home a home. The road that we follow in our life, is one that we carve out. A road that leads us to our own true happiness.

Take care, Karen.

“Chase your dreams

but always know the road

that’ll lead you home again.”

~ Tim McGraw

Toddler Killed In Devastating Farm Accident

January 3, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / Leave a comment

The shock a family feels as their 2-year-old toddler is killed in a traumatic on-farm tractor accident. How on earth do these loving parents, siblings and grandparents cope with this mortifying loss? The grief is unimaginable yet our hearts go out to this family upon hearing of this tragic event.

I was reading today about the young boy that was killed when a fertiliser bin fell from a tractor and trapped him on a dairy farm in south-west Victoria. The shock and chaos that would have emerged when this accident unfolded, is almost impossible to fathom. The distress the family would have felt as they tried to dig the little boy from beneath the monstrous weight. My heart just breaks quietly from afar… for a loving family that I do not even know.

Sadly farm accidents happen on our farms. It is so scary to think in the blink of an eye… devastation can unfold, ever so quickly. As a mother of 2 boys, I understand knowing their curiosity, their sense of adventure and their indispensable actions… leads us to worry and take precautions every single day on the farm.

One cannot ever understand what happened that day… a simple farm task, carrying out a usual job, family distractions, nobody knows… but it was an accident. Plain and simple. An accident that cannot be reversed and an accident that is so heart-breaking for this family.

It is fun for little kids to grow up on farms and this upbringing is a valued and treasured experience. A life that shapes the country child and develops their skills and attributes. A possible farmer in the making or a well-developed young person to take on any alternate career one day.

Farm kids learn so much when they are involved on-farm and it has a positive effect on them. They learn patience… when extra chores have to be done before dinner can be served. They learn to drive at a young age and maintain vehicles, which is helpful later on when they are getting a drivers licence. They learn to be handy and help with jobs that just need to be done, no excuses. They learn first hand where and how food is grown… and understand the work requirements to feed and clothe the world. They learn to respect the land as this is their family’s livelihood. They learn about the weather and how farmers rely on Mother Nature and they learn how to adapt when drought is upon us. They also learn the meaning of family when they live and work with them every single day.

As a farmer, we generally take precautions with our young children and supervise their involvement. Like other parents, we try to be aware of where our kids are, to avoid accidents of any kind. But sometimes, unfortunately, accidents do happen, no matter what we do. Young children will wander when playing and they take risks without even knowing it.

However, it is devastating that too many tragedies occur on our farms and they happen in a split second of a moment. Farm accidents can involve tractors, quad bikes, motorbikes, farm machinery, horses, livestock, dams and rivers. Naturally, children with their inquisitive nature, sense of adventure and unpredictability… can have a disastrous effect on-farm.

As standard procedure, the toddler’s fatal accident is being investigated by WorkSafe Victoria. I understand the necessity of the investigation due to the fatality and the possible need for future prevention strategies on all farms. But I also feel the family have just lost their son and that devastation alone would be ripping their heart out and a battle of feelings and numbness would exist. What could be worse than that? I just hope the investigating organisation can be respectful to this family… as they have been through enough.

Farm safety for children is very important to all farmers and the usual threats of farm safety are managed from a business perspective. Information for keeping children safe on our farms as well as managing all farm safety can be viewed at Farmsafe Australia.

Most of us do not know that feeling of the tragic loss of a child and so can only empathise with the situation or hold our own children a little tighter now. I hope the parents and grandparents can support each other through this tragic time and find solace in other family and friends. How does one get through such a tragedy on their farm? I do not know. I guess memories of this little boy… remembering their cheerful bubbly son for all that he was. And not being afraid to ask for professional help to deal with their grief and loss.

So we need to love our children, watch them intensely on the farm, take precautions to prevent farm tragedies… and respect the tragic loss that this family has endured. For more of this tragic story see the Sydney Morning Herald article I read today or 9NEWS.

Take care, Karen.

“Grief is the price we pay for love.”

~ Queen Elizabeth II

Happy New Year and Days Gone By

January 1, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / 1 Comment

Another year has gone by and here we are, smack bang at the beginning of 2019 already. We have all celebrated New Year’s Eve last night in some way… whether it be a quiet night at home with the family, dancing the night away or the fascinating “big bang” with live fireworks. Who knew all the words to “Auld Lang Syne”? Or did you just mumble along like the rest of us… joining in with the traditional folk song to signify the start of the New Year?

New Year’s Eve is the largest global celebration… with men, women and children celebrating through rituals galore. In Australia, celebrations are held across the nation… popular family events, dancing, entertainment, fireworks, concerts, the list seems endless.

How did you bring in the New Year? For me, it was a quiet night at home with family, enjoying a delicious meal together, a quiet drink, playing a board game Cattle Baron, good conversation and laughter, thinking about my other family members afar and watching the televised midnight fireworks in Sydney. I know…probably sounds boring to those of you party animals that celebrate into the wee hours of the morning. But for me… I really enjoyed my night at home in relaxation mode, surrounded by my loved ones. With the burden of drought consuming me at the moment, this was the perfect way to bring in the New Year.

New Year’s Day provides us with a chance to celebrate that we have made it through another 365 days, our unit of time where we keep chronological order of our lives. The day we profoundly shift from one year to the next. At the stroke of midnight, we wave goodbye to the year gone by… and reflect on the achievements in our heart… and share the love with our family and friends. We also signify a fresh beginning at this ritual in time. Many people dance, eat, drink and watch fireworks to mark the start of a New Year.

If you have a birthday around the end of September or the beginning of October… well alas… you were probably conceived on New Year’s Eve. A time when our love for one another is profoundly displayed. Lots of hugs and kisses and gratitude are thrown around… a sight we are all so familiar with.

I remember when I was young, I used to attend family dances in country towns, dance the night away and upon the countdown to midnight… sing “Auld Lang Syne”. Historians have called it “the song that nobody knows” yet we have all tried to sing it. And most of us, not that well… but that doesn’t stop us from joining in.

“Auld Lang Syne” is based on a 1788 Scottish poem by Robert Burns and is typically sung on New Year’s Eve around the world. The Scottish phrase “auld lang syne” translates to “old long since” and basically means “days gone by” which is an appropriate toast for the New Year. So when everyone sings the chorus “for auld lang syne”, this translates to “for the sake of old times”. The song also reflects love, friendship and nostalgic memories.

Thankfully in Australia, the lyrics we sing today are a more modern version of the Scots poem. I have included a video with lyrics of “Auld Lang Syne” for you to practice so you won’t need to mumble along in the verses next year. I for one tend to hum along nowadays for the failure of not knowing most of the words.

Video Credit ~ YouTube and “Christmas Songs and Carols – Love to Sing”

Now we will be armed and ready for next year… we can sing to our heart’s content. This folk song is also sung at funerals, graduations and is a farewell song at other occasions.

Sometimes our rituals do change as we get older, have children, move locations or just need a change. When I had children of my own, fireworks become our favourite New Year celebration.

We were living on the Mid North Coast when my children were young, so we would go into town, buy a seafood basket and sit on the riverbank at Taree, eat our platter together and then watch the fireworks. I remember the kids waiting for the fireworks… and they would create their own fun by rolling down the hill and playing on the riverbank. I loved these times and the feeling of contentment and relaxation with my family. We have also joined family and friends at Tuncurry/Forster to watch fireworks in later years.

New Year resolutions have also been contemplated, agreed to and some broken already. We all seem to view a New Year as a fresh new blank page in our book. A book where we can write our own story and start afresh in a New Year. We are excited and enthusiastic to make resolutions to stick with for 2019. What are your New Year resolutions?

A year of bitter-sweet memories has unfolded with the drought in our farming communities and we have seen the drought support sprawled across the nation by so many truly wonderful people. My wish for the New Year is that I hope we have a better, wetter and more prosperous 2019. As the New Year emerges, I hope we all find new joys to discover and lots of reasons to be grateful.

I would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year filled with beautiful moments and treasured memories within your own heart.

Take care, Karen.

“Begin and end each day with a grateful heart.”

~ Andrea Reiser

Rural Reflections #2

December 30, 2018February 24, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / Leave a comment

Babies in any form, always spark our interest. Who doesn’t love newborn baby calves? Today I will share another photo with you all, which reflects hope, something we all need right now.

With this horrid drought affecting farmers physically, emotionally and financially this year… we are always in need of finding joy in something every day. The calving season always delivers us hope and joy.

This photo was taken in July 2018, right in the middle of this dreadful drought. Not only farming to keep our stock alive but also at a production level, as we enter the calving season. Sadly calves are dropping into a hard dry desert-like environment, where optimism is thin and prospects contemplated. Nevertheless, these newborn calves always promise to bring us a smile.

Rural Reflection #2…

image subject to copyright

I really love this photo because of the innocence portrayed with these cute baby calves. Our Hereford calves are naturally quiet which I adore. But I love the calmness they simulate by lazing around in the hay, sleeping soundly and the nonchalant yet curious glances they give you.

They just lay upon the hay innocently… the hay that we just fed out in the wretched drought, during the current daily feeding ritual. As we watch their mothers eating to nourish and gain energy, these babies rest peacefully, as if we just put the hay there for the sole purpose of softening the ground beneath them. How can one not fall in love with these beautiful tranquil animals?

The adoration we have for baby animals is the one positive motivation to keep us working so damn hard on the farm. The birth of life in a cycle, re-cements our vision and passion as farmers and reminds us as to why we accept farming challenges.

So my photo for today is reflecting that change is a part of life… we must appreciate the beauty around us and find this beauty amongst the darkness surrounding us. Drought may have a gut-wrenching hold on us farmers at the moment, but we will get through it. We just need to look around and be grateful for what we do have right now in our lives.

Take care, Karen.

“Only in the darkness can you see the stars.”

~ Martin Luther King Jr

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