Blackberries

Have had an interesting couple of days, spraying blackberries amongst the tree plantations around the farm. I have seen some sights and areas of the farm not experienced before, poking about all the hard to reach places.

Weather: a perfect 22 degrees, little breeze.
Topography: footholds rare to find, mostly steep, covered in long grass and branches
Wildlife: saw our first black wallaby, tiger snake right where I needed to spray which then disappeared under the grass, Rosella parots and plenty of Jack Jumper nests.

Hard going getting about with the knapsack. The hose on the sprayer behind the tractor could only reach a small percentage of the area, and was harder to drag through the trees. Between the wet feet, thorns and wicked cramps I did enjoy those 'special little spots' and taking in the views when stopping for a break. Some of the patches had gone a bit wild. Will have to keep on top of them next year.

Next job is shearing some lambs while the weather is fine.

Green green green Autumn

It is a great time of year in Gippsland, when there is no mud but the grass is literally jumping out of the ground. Its a good chance for these young lambs to grow out. Most days are in the 20's this month. Perfect growing conditions.

Lazy Autumn rest time

The cycle of life begins again on the farm as the ewes recuperate in their favorite shade spots along the creek, not having to walk in for milking every day. They have no schedule, and can rest themselves in preparation for the coming winter and lambing. The rams are happy too, back with the girls and doing their daily patrol.

Meanwhile the dairy can get some maintenance, we can chip away at farm work that can't be done in the wet, and the aged cheeses ripen further in the cellars.
There will be a short period when Moyarra yoghurt and soft cheeses won't be available, but there is plenty of Prom Picnic and Venus Bay Blue maturing and developing deeper flavors until the fresh batches come along next season.