Some Non Covid News

So what’s happening around our place as summer approaches?

Fence repairs and upgrades continue.

Thanks to Stirls for coming down and helping with some major projects especially the remainder of the southern boundary fence.

We replaced the mid western strainer with a more substantial one and increased the stay length to keep it out of a permanent wet zone that contributed to rotting the base of the old one. A more substantial stay was placed at the eastern end strainer and all the unstable and burnt/scorched wooden posts were replaced with steel pickets. Then the wires were re-strained and tied. It was a full two day job but quite enjoyable working in the bush in pleasantly cool sunny weather. 

It is quite noticeable that, along with the tree regrowth, the bird and wildlife are finally returning. We disturbed a number of wallabies each morning and diverse birdsong was with us most of the day. Even the dreaded Koel has returned.

The fires have also created an environment for many new and interesting plants, apart from the flush of weeds, to grow. Some I have never seen before around here. They have probably lain dormant for decades.

We also made a start on revamping the east and northern house paddock fences damaged by the tree removal by replacing strainers and posts.

The only major project left now is replacing the southern house paddock fence.

The new grass out front is thriving after the occasional day of light rain supplementing the hand watering. Almost time to give it its first mow. The backyard grassing project is still in progress.

The shed rebuild continues. It’s going to be a little bit more fancy than first envisaged due to the builder and the co-driver getting their heads together. I may have to have an eight digit key pad lock installed to keep the fabric overflow from the little house (studio) finding its way over there. It will be nice to get all the stuff currently stored in the carport over there both for aesthetic and security reasons.

The pasture is taking a bit of time to get into its spring flush despite the ground moisture level being quite high. I guess we need some more warmer days to kick things off.

So am still buying hay to supplement the cattle diet. Thankfully it’s recently fallen in price.

Cattle prices are very high at the moment as good rain out west has encouraged restocking after the long drought caused an epic sell down of Australia's cattle herd. Farmers, feedlots and abattoirs are all competing for the smallest cattle herd in 30 years. Australia is now home to some of the world's most expensive cattle.

Not that ours are for sale of course.

So that’s about all our news for now.