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Living Rural - May 2007

Lifestyle Farmers - neighbours from Heaven or Hell?

May 30th 2007 02:25

Farms to the left of you, farms to the right

There is a sense of unease among many farmers who rely on what they can produce from the land as their major source of income, when they are introduced to the hobby farmer, absentee land owner or those who have opted for a “bush change” in their retirement or semi-retirement - the so-called lifestyle farmers. While most people in the bush make a great effort to welcome new-comers to their district, these people can be met with some suspicion and coolness, if certain basic principals are not followed.

The new comer must realize that to begin with, the price paid for the piece of land they have acquired was probably inflated to a degree that a normal farmer was unable to acquire it. This is great for the seller, but not for farmers who wish to expand their properties. However, most farmers bow to the demands of market forces, however unwillingly, and if the new neighbours are nice enough people, such little matters can be overcome. (Besides, the farmer will make a mental note of the price and adjust the equity value of his property a little as a result!)
However, it is important for the new owner to ensure they do not cause too much unrest. Here are a few suggestions to help them settle in and truly enjoy their new acquisition.
Firstly, they should shop in the local town and not do all their grocery shopping in the city and bring it with them when they come. Shopping is not just getting the groceries. It’s meeting the town’s people, knowing who to ask if the mail gets lost or if they have a flat tyre. It is discovering what events are coming up and it could well be how they can learn how to get involved. Getting the local newspaper can add to this orientation process.

It is important that the new comers introduce themselves to the neighbouring farming family. This is vital. They need to know whether they are living there permanently or are only on the property occasionally. This is not a prying exercise, it is a matter of safety. Neighbours need to exchange phone numbers and to know what to do if a fire is in the area, if severe storms have knocked down trees or fences, if they see strangers on the land, or if they discover a sick animal in the paddock. Who can be contacted if something is wrong. Neighbourhood watch is very important in the country and neighbours will appreciate a willingness to return the favour.
It could be a good idea for the man of the house to join the local volunteer fire brigade (if there is one). If they haven’t a truck, that is O.K. If there are fires, all help will be welcome. At the very least ensure the property is fire safe, and perhaps give a donation is a start. It is also important that the trusted neighbour knows how to get on the property if the lifestyle farmer decides to keep their gates locked when away.
Dogs need to be controlled. Farmers have enough trouble ensuring their livestock is safe and secure without dogs large or small stirring up the cattle, attacking sheep or separating lambs from their mothers.
If a farmer does a favour while the recent farm owners are away, like cutting a fallen tree off their fence or returning a straying sheep, he should not be treated like an intruder but be trusted for his good judgement.
Farmers are happy to give advice if there are any problems. They may even be happy to do a little work on the land if paid the going rate. Some even work the land on these small farms for extra income for both parties.
Keep fences in good condition and drainage systems clear. The farmer will appreciate the efforts to ensure his business is not disrupted by straying livestock or flooded roads and paddocks.
If keeping livestock, they do not just sit in the paddock and grow. They need feeding and a miriade of husbandry activities – drenching several times a year, and for sheep - shearing, ensuring they aren’t fly- blown and other jobs. Nothing distresses a farmer more than to see animals that are neglected or mistreated by those who are just “playing at farming”. And if sheep end up with lice and escape into the neighbour’s flock, it can severely affect his income. Remember this may be his only income – while the new farmer may have other assets.
If the hobby farmer is planning to make improvements to his property by planting trees or doing some drainage work, it is important to ensure this fits in with the wider district’s land care management strategies. The local farmers will tell them if a group exists and will be impressed by their desire to ensure their property is part of the plan.
Keep weeds under control. Blackberry bushes produce great fruit, but are not welcome additions to the paddocks. Thistles and other weeds can spread easily and extra spraying costs are unwelcome.
Small acreage farmers or land owners can add a great deal to the district. They are there to enjoy the experience and can be enthusiastic contributors to the community, adding to the economy and the culture of the area. If you are one such person, make sure you plan carefully what you are going to do with the land, remember these simple but essential rules and life in your new country home will be the best choice you ever made.

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Posted By: bumpkin - Category: farming, town life, people, events, observations

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Here comes the Rain!

May 3rd 2007 04:14

I'm in the good books!

The cat is earning his keep at the moment. He has managed to catch two mice in the house and he and I had a wonderful time getting rid of a family of eight rats that took up residence in the hen house. Well the old dog helped a bit with one – he scared it to death – honestly – it had a heart attack! I believe the moggie is now being employed gainfully down at the shed for the same purpose.
Why this sudden influx of rodents? It all has to do with a change in the season – and more importantly the signs that it is going to rain. I have it on very good authority (my husband) that rodents in my kitchen are a sure sign that good rains are on the way. So instead of complaining about the half eaten Weetbix and the smell in the saucepan cupboard I should be happily cleaning out said cupboards each week and living in hope! Well I hope he’s right – because I hate cleaning at the best of times… (Just as an aside here - we have had some rain already – it’s good to see some patches of green in the paddocks – may it continue – lots and lots!)
What other signs of nature should we all be aware of to predict rain? The first one to to be seen is when the salt water that is just below the ground in salt patches comes to the surface. This is really noticeable and often salt tolerate grasses start to green up too. This is, of course, like many farm activities a mixed blessing. The farmer can see if his salt patches have spread – not good, but he is also hopeful that rains are on the way - good.
Other animals also venture into the house. We had a spider infestation, so much so we got in the Pest Controller. While he was here he sprayed two large nests of very busy ants, so I can’t use them as a barometer for when the rains are coming any more. Busy ants are a sure sign of forthcoming rains.
Some farmers will swear by the notion that six weeks after the mountain ducks have paired off there will be rains. The trouble with that is – how do you know when they paired off – it’s not as if they had a marriage ceremony on your front lawn – is it!
Speaking of birds – it is believed that the black cockatoos come into the district before it rains. Now when I lived in Perth we always said that when we could hear the black cockatoos and also hear the train it was going to rain. Now the train could only be heard when the wind blew in a certain direction, so that makes sense. But the cockatoos? As one of our friends has said – they have to be living somewhere!
Finally many believe that the red gum trees have a heavy flowering when a good season is approaching. Logically, one would think they would do that when they were gasping for water – but I will bow to a higher authority on that matter and admire them in their beauty.
I know books have been written on signs for rain. Weather forecasters are becoming a little more accurate with all their gear, so that people do not rely on, or are not as conscious of, the signs within nature. I hope they aren’t lost in the technological maze, but continue to fascinate those that rely on rain for their livelihood and existence – who, when you think about it, is almost all of us in one way or another.