Cows Archives - Clover Hill Diaries - Join Me and Be the Change

Two trees, eight generations and a view that keeps calling you closer

There are two trees I think about a lot and they sit about five hundred metres apart.

The Witness Tree is a 200 year old plus Moreton Bay Fig

Down in the valley, on another working dairy farm, stands what I call the Witness tree. The tree has watched generations of stock, families and seasons pass beneath it and it keeps doing the same job it always has. On warm days the cows head straight for it, lining up in the shade as if there’s a roster. Farmers know where the herd will be before they even look.

The Witness tree has watched generations of cows come to the same conclusion. That spot. That shade. Case closed.

Up on the side of the mountain is our place. This farm has been worked since 1840 by two families across eight generations. Same land, different times, plenty of early mornings. The volcanic soil is rich but the rock shows itself quickly, which did not stop me fifty years ago from planting a lemon scented gum in the front garden. It took to the challenge. Today it marks the house, scents the air on warm afternoons and gives you a fair idea of what the weather is about to do.

Lemon Scented Gum on the side of Saddleback Mountain

I take photos of the cows in the front paddock the way other people take photos of their kids. Different light, different moods, different characters every time. They never ask why, they never pose, they never complain

The distance between those two trees tells you almost everything you need to know about Jamberoo. In a short walk the land drops from rocky hillside to deep valley soil. The shape changes. The work does not. Cows are milked, grass is managed, and people read the land closely because that is how farming here has always worked.

As I drive down to the road, I can see the Witness tree holding the valley together, paddocks stepping down one by one. Up on the side of the mountain, the sea sits at the end of my view, never the same twice. Some days it looks calm, other days restless, but it always feels like an invitation, come closer, see what I’m doing today. It is all close, layered, and slightly cheeky in how much variety Jamberoo fits into such a small space.\

This is the paddock I see from my front verandah. Well managed farms don’t just produce food, they shape the landscape we all enjoy driving past, walking through, and quietly admiring. The view is not an accident.

Eight generations on one farm teaches you this. The land has its own ideas. Trees know their jobs. Cows organise themselves beautifully. And Jamberoo keeps reminding you that practicality, persistence and a bit of humour travel very well together.

#JamberooValley #DairyFarming #WorkingFarms #LandscapeAndPlace #RuralAustralia #GenerationsOnTheLand #SouthCoastNSW #FarmingLife #SenseOfPlace #SaddlebackMountain

The hero of today’s story is the photograph

Moos in the Mist

The past couple of weeks have been full on, and my head has been running its own agenda. “The book” has taken over completely. It does not seem to matter if it is two in the morning or two in the afternoon. The scenes arrive when they feel like it, and once they land, I have no choice but to deal with them.

And of course, in a book written by me you can expect strong female leads. That was always the plan. No Tess of the d’urbervilles anywhere to be seen. What I did not plan for was the problem I have now created for myself. I think I have fallen a little in love with the male lead. I am turning him into the perfect man and now I cannot stop thinking about him. If that is not a sign that I need to get out of my own head occasionally, I do not know what is.

And speaking of the male lead, my book might be fictional but it is based on true facts. On Friday I discovered that his first name was far too close to the real man’s name. Too close. A name I had used four hundred times. Thank goodness for Control F. I hit that button, held my breath, and watched the entire manuscript light up like a Christmas tree. Then came the not so romantic part. Control F Replace. Fictional man reborn.

It is much safer when these scenes arrive at two in the morning. Nobody sees me wandering around the house writing and rewriting them, half sentences in the dark. When they arrive in daylight, it becomes a public event.

A few weeks ago I went to Minnamurra for coffee with friends. I got out of the car thinking about a scene and stopped right there in the middle of the road to record it on my phone. Thank God it was Minnamurra and not Terralong Street. I can only imagine the commentary if I tried that in peak hour.

And then there are the drives home. A scene arrives, I need to catch it, and I start looking for somewhere to pull over. If you know the roads around here, you know how unrealistic that is. You cannot pull over. Not safely anyway. Ask the bicycle riders. They could give an entire TED Talk on the subject.

So yesterday morning, when I stood on my veranda, I felt grateful for my little piece of paradise. It gave me a short reset before diving back into all the things demanding attention, including one fictional man who is taking up far too much space in my head.

And that brings me to the hero of today’s story – the photograph. I have taken many photos from my front veranda, yet this one sparked something. A couple of people have already asked if they can paint it. I am not entirely sure why this particular image resonated more than the others, but it did.

What do you think, readers?

I am a bit partial to this one

#writinglife #novelinprogress #writersbrain #creativeprocess #rurallife #aussiestorytelling #amwritingfiction #strongfemaleleads #scenesfromtheveranda #lifeonafarm #writinghumour #behindthebook

Why Are We Fighting About Cows When the Real Problem is Us and Trust?

It’s the great cow controversy of 2024, and social media is on fire. This time, it’s not about dairy vs. oat milk or even beef vs. tofu. It’s about a tiny supplement called Bovaer, designed to reduce methane emissions from cattle, and the uproar is deafening.

On Facebook, it’s war. Some are decrying Bovaer as the latest corporate conspiracy, something Bill Gates would whip up in his private jet to poison our milk. Others see it as the saviour of the planet. But here’s what’s really happening: we’re missing the point entirely.

Let’s be honest. The problem isn’t cows. It’s us. The more people we have, the more food we need to produce. That means more cows, more methane, and, yes, more impact on the environment. But when a practical solution comes along to reduce that impact—something backed by a decade of research and field trials—we throw up our hands in shock. Why?

There’s a fundamental trust gap between the people making these solutions and the people consuming them. Scientists, bless their well-intentioned hearts, roll out their data and expect us to just get it. But most people don’t live in peer-reviewed journals. They live in real-world uncertainty, where the line between “helpful innovation” and “corporate takeover” feels razor-thin.

And social media isn’t helping. Instead of nuanced discussions, we’re fed bite-sized outrage. A single post about Bovaer can spiral into fearmongering faster than you can say “methane,” leaving consumers more sceptical than informed.

Take a moment to consider this: humans pop supplements every day with little to no evidence that they work. Collagen powders, detox teas, mystery vitamins—there’s a whole industry thriving on the “it can’t hurt, right?” mentality. But introduce a scientifically-proven supplement for cows, and suddenly we’re all chemical experts, clutching our organic milk bottles like lifelines.

The debate over Bovaer isn’t really about methane or cows. It’s about trust. Trust in the people who make our food. Trust in the researchers who develop solutions. And trust in each other to have real conversations instead of trading cheap shots online.

We can’t fix this problem by vilifying farmers who are trying to do the right thing, whether they’re grass-feeding their cows or testing methane-reducing additives. Nor can we solve it by blindly defending corporate-backed solutions without addressing consumer concerns.

Here’s the truth: no single fix is perfect. Grass-fed systems sequester carbon but still produce methane. Feedlot systems can use products like Bovaer but rely on grain, which has its own environmental cost. The real solution lies in recognising that everyone—farmers, scientists, and consumers—is on the same team. We all want sustainable food systems. We all want to protect the planet. We just need to stop fighting long enough to figure out how to get there.

So, next time you see a post about cows “killing the planet” or a product like Bovaer being the hero or villain of the story, pause. Ask questions. Demand transparency.

But don’t let fear or outrage guide the narrative. Because if we don’t tackle the root problem—how we produce and consume food—we’re just mooing in circles.

Will agriculture ever learn? How many own goals does it need to kick? Trust and Transparency is everything.

I rest my case 4 December 2024 SMH – Panic over additive in cattle feed sparks milk and meat furore

#Bovaer #MethaneReduction #SustainableFarming #GrassFedBeef #DairyFarming #ClimateAction #FoodSecurity #LivestockSolutions #EnvironmentalImpact #ConsumerTrust

Bridging Traditions and Innovations for a Sustainable Future

It’s not about choosing sides but rather about choosing the Earth, time and again, with every decision we make. Only by recognising the value in both traditional wisdom and innovative technologies can we hope to find holistic solutions to the pressing environmental issues of our time.

Image Source unknown

As we navigate the challenges of the 21st century, it’s clear that the environmental decisions we make are more significant than ever. Recently, an image circulating online has sparked a conversation about the perceived dichotomy between traditional agricultural practices and modern renewable energy solutions. The image juxtaposes cattle farming against a vast array of solar panels, with a provocative caption that criticises choosing one over the other. This serves as a stark reminder of how the environmental discourse is often riddled with oversimplifications.

Understanding the Complexity

Firstly, it’s essential to acknowledge that environmental issues are not a monolith; they are as diverse as the ecosystems of our planet. Traditional practices like cattle herding have evolved over thousands of years and are woven into the cultural fabric of many societies, including Australia’s. These practices can be sustainable and in harmony with nature when managed correctly.

Conversely, the spread of solar panels across landscapes signifies humanity’s leap towards addressing climate change. This modern solution to our energy needs represents a crucial step towards reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. However, the production, installation, and disposal of solar technology also have environmental footprints that must be addressed.

The Need for a Balanced Dialogue

Constructive discourse should avoid casting aspersions on one method in favour of another. Rather than creating divisions, our focus should be on how traditional and modern practices can complement each other. In Australia, for instance, there is potential in integrating solar technology with agriculture to create a synergistic relationship that benefits farmers, consumers, and the environment.

Innovation Within Tradition

On the traditional front, there are numerous ways to enhance sustainability, such as regenerative agriculture, which revitalises soil health and sequesters carbon. Livestock can play a role in these systems, with managed grazing mimicking the natural movements of wild herds to promote ecological balance.

Modern Solutions for Present-Day Problems

On the innovation side, we must continue to advance in the development of renewable energy sources. The goal is to make them more efficient, less resource-intensive, and fully recyclable, thereby reducing their environmental impact. It’s not just about implementing new technologies but also about refining them to coexist sustainably within our environment.

The Way Forward

As Australians, we have a deep connection to our land and a history of pioneering spirit. By embracing both the wisdom of the past and the innovations of the present, we can forge a sustainable path forward. The key lies in our ability to have nuanced, fact-based conversations that lead to actions reflecting the complexity of environmental stewardship.

It’s not about choosing sides but rather about choosing the Earth, time and again, with every decision we make. Only by recognising the value in both traditional wisdom and innovative technologies can we hope to find holistic solutions to the pressing environmental issues of our time.

#SustainableFuture, #EnvironmentalComplexity, #TraditionalWisdom, #ModernInnovations, #RenewableEnergy, #RegenerativeAgriculture, #SolarSolutions, #ClimateAction, #EcoDialogue, #BalancedApproach, #CattleAndClimate, #EnergyTransition, #GreenTech, #AussieFarmers, #SustainabilityTrends

Grazing Amidst Urban Expansion Finding The Sweet Spot 🏙️🌾

As urban boundaries stretch and twist, let’s not forget the green fields and the mindful practices that sustain them. Here’s to a future where growth and green can coexist, beautifully. 🏙️💚🌾

In the shadow of rapid urban expansion, the distinction between prime agricultural land and productive prime agricultural land has never been more crucial. As our countryside skirts ever closer to the bustling edges of expanding cities, the importance of utilising every inch of agricultural space wisely and sustainably cannot be overstated. Today, more than ever, the practices we adopt on these precious plots of land can ripple through our ecosystems, economies, and communities. 🌍💡

In the context of farming, the term “productive” specifically refers to land or farming practices that not only support the growth and health of crops or livestock but crucially have the ability to generate a positive return on investment (ROI), ensuring the economic viability and sustainability of the agricultural operation.

Why Timing is Everything in Grazing 🕒🌾

Amidst the push and pull of urban development, the practice of grazing dairy cows at the optimal stage of grass growth emerges not just as good farming but as a necessity for maintaining the delicate balance between productivity and sustainability. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of getting this timing just right:

Optimal Nutrition for Peak Performance 🍽️💪

In areas squeezed by urban pressures, making the most of available pastureland means grazing our cows on young, nutrient-rich grass. This ensures they’re getting a diet packed with the energy and protein needed for top-notch milk production, a critical factor when land is at a premium.

Digestive Health and Happiness 😊🐄

The health of our dairy cows is paramount, and grazing at the right moment promotes efficient digestion and nutrient uptake, vital for the well-being of the herd and the quality of milk produced. Healthy cows in healthy pastures are the bedrock of productive dairy farming.

Sustainable Pastures, Sustainable Future 🌍💚

As urban areas encroach on agricultural land, the importance of sustainable pasture management becomes magnified. By practicing rotational grazing and ensuring cows graze at the ideal growth stages, we’re not only optimising milk production but also contributing to soil health, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. In the face of urban expansion, these practices are vital for environmental stewardship. #SustainableFarming

Economic Efficiency: More Moo for Your Buck 💷🐮

In the context of diminishing agricultural space, efficiency is key. By maximising the productivity of each pasture through precise grazing management, dairy farmers can navigate the challenges posed by urban sprawl, ensuring a profitable operation that thrives on quality, not just quantity. #EfficiencyIsKey

The Practice of Precision Grazing 📏🌱

Precision grazing stands as a beacon for dairy farms encircled by urban growth. It allows for meticulous management of grazing schedules, ensuring that cows feed on grass at its nutritional peak. This method is essential for sustaining an endless cycle of growth and regrowth, vital for farms fighting for space and relevance against the tide of development. 🔄🌿

The Takeaway: Grazing Gold 🏆🌾

As we navigate the complexities of farming in the age of urban expansion, the role of targeted grazing practices becomes not just beneficial but imperative. It’s a testament to the resilience and adaptability of modern dairy farming—a commitment to excellence in the face of encroaching urban landscapes. So, let’s raise a glass to the farmers who make it possible for us to enjoy high-quality dairy, all while stewarding the land with care and foresight. 🥛❤️

Remember, in the ballet of progress and preservation, every step, every graze, counts. It’s not just about sustaining; it’s about thriving. #DairyFarming #GrazingGold #UrbanExpansion

As urban boundaries stretch and twist, let’s not forget the green fields and the mindful practices that sustain them. Here’s to a future where growth and green can coexist, beautifully. 🏙️💚🌾

Creating a better world together

This week our Young Farming Champions are continuing their deep dive with Cynthia Mahoney into How to Ask for More, they are learning to handle the people who are stuck in the drama triangle and in particular the people who want to be rescued. I personally find them more insidious than the bullies

I am very passionate about giving our Young Farming Champions the skills to take others on the journey with them as painlessly as possible.

I definitely don’t want too many people to feel the need to go on my journey to drive change.

Persistence is part of my DNA, thinking “no” means “almost YES” a glass half full strategy.

When you get a reputation as a person who never gives up ( if only they knew how wrong they are – I tried that once – wasn’t very good at that) others who mean well often take advantage.

I have had some very rewarding wins

I have been on some scary journeys. When some NSW vets asked me would I step up on this and have it phased out I hadn’t even heard of the practice ( nor had most farmers in states beyond Victoria and Tasmania – Again this is an example of the push to have food at rock bottom prices is not good for animals or people or the planet.) It took 9 years but it happened, and it certainly told me agr-politics was not for me.

In 2022 I am on a mission to enable everyone who works in agriculture to feel they can be loud and proud. That the best people apply and stay to work in the industry that helps nourish the nation.

I have been around long enough to know there are still several things we have to address before we can put our hands on our heart and say we are doing enough as a sector to achieve that.

This takes are lot of lobbying and sometimes in my case calling things out.

Its hard work, at times I struggle and I journal my pain.

We can all work together and build a better world or we can focus on bettering our world

I am grateful to everyone who is on this journey to build a better world with me.

The climate crisis means farmers have to be prepared for the worst day every day

After being declared the windiest place in NSW in the last 48 hours like all our farmers across the country our local dairy farmers have to be prepared for the worst day everyday.

With no power for more that 48 hours I was mega grateful I had purchased these two power pack to walk Larapinta a number of years ago. They kept all the devices I needed to keep me safe and warm with no electricity

What was even more rewarding was despite 130km plus winds, rain and no power the dairy was still operating 24/7 milking the cows

On a dairy farm there is nothing more important than your cows and your team and a generator that will run the dairy using the tractor in a blackout is a MUST have on every dairy farm.

Some great info here on preparing for floods

Why the NSW National Party’s language about koalas is so damaging to the livelihoods of farmers

The recent Primary Industries Education Foundation survey of students found:

*59% of students learn what they know about food and fibre from their teachers.
* Media and family/friends are also significant influencers of students.

At Picture You in Agriculture we also survey teachers and our research shows that young people who hold very strong opinions about animal welfare and environmental stewardship get their strong opinions and images and perceptions from the media.

The language that farmers use in the media and the animal wellbeing and environmental stewardship policies they align themselves with are pivotal to maintaining consumer trust.

It is also pivotal that the politicians who claim to represent farmers give very serious thought to the language they use.

I am 100% confident that every farmer in Australia wants the best outcomes for koalas as much as every Australian who wants to leave a legacy for our children we can all be proud of.

Smart farming means nurturing the landscape that feeds and clothes us and finding the delicate balance required to share it with our unique plants and animals

#GenerousAncestors

In the media

NSW Farmers Association

NSW Farmers calls on government to find sensible solution for koalas and farmers

Australian Financial Review

Why the NSW government almost self-destructed over koalas

Sydney Morning Herald

Property developer the only stakeholder to raise concerns about NSW koala policy

Koala tiff just the latest clash between Libs and Nats over nature

The Sheep Live Export Trade is an ethical challenge – one farmer’s thoughts

Supplying 50,000 Australians with the milk for their breakfast everyday is a noble role – Cows at Clover Hill meander home to the dairy

There has been a lot of robust conversations about the Sheep Live Export Trade recently and for good reason. As a farmer I have made decisions to send dairy heifers to Vietnam to dairies that I knew were run to very high standards. I have chosen not to send heifers to other countries not because I was concerned about animal cruelty but because our heifers were raised to produce a lot of milk from high quality feed and those countries didn’t have the capacity to provide the feed that would allow our heifers to thrive in their environment. We chose exporters with an excellent reputation and where able to get feedback on their new life in Vietnam. The dairy export trade is an opportunity trade for dairy farmers. As far as I am aware no-one in Australia is growing dairy heifers specifically for the export market. It is a very important market when dairy farms in Australia are in drought and can mean the difference between dairy cattle being sold for meat in this country or living out their lives in developing countries providing nutritious milk for their families.

I am a farmer and like the majority of Australians I know very little about the live sheep export trade beyond what I read in the press. What I do know is our sheep are providing a very important protein source for people in developing countries. Rob Egerton-Warbuton a sheep farmer from Western Australia has written a very seminal piece that truly moved me. You can read it here.

Jen Egerton-Warbutton Source

I first came across Rob and his wife Jen when we were both finalists in the National Landcare Awards in 2010. When I heard their story I was fascinated. I loved the way they farmed and the way they talked about it. So I was very keen to read what Rob had to say. Its a story from the heart and gives great insights into how the majority of livestock farmers feel about their animals and their commitment to give them the best whole of life expereince they can.

“To farm livestock is very hard. Every animal we bring to life through our husbandry will die, and that weights heavily on every farmer. My wife gets very emotional when they leave on the truck” Rob Egerton Warbutton Source

Livestock farmers in Australia play a very important role. We cannot feed all Australian families on the land we have by growing plants only. (See footnote) Nor can we feed all Australian families on the land we have if every farmer followed organic farming principles.

So my thoughts on the Sheep Live Export trade. Human beings can do dreadful things to human beings. Rick Thorburn certainly reminds us of that but nobody is suggesting we shut down the Foster Care system. We are outraged when we read about child abuse but nobody is suggesting we shut down Catholic Churches . We are outraged when we read about Harvey Weinstein et al but nobody is suggesting we shut down the Movie business . We are outraged when we read about students being shot in schools in America but nobody is suggesting we shut down schools. This is very sobering reading

The Sheep Live Export Trade system is broken, it must be fixed. Whose role is it to make sure that happens? This is an extract of what Rob has to say…….

Animal welfare and the policy environment around it is 100% the responsibility of farmers. The problem is in my view we haven’t done a very good job of it. We tend to be too protectionists of our practices, too guarded about our feelings, and too resistant to change. ………..

Its clear why farmers need to be involved in animal welfare and the policy that surrounds it. Its for the protection of animals, not from farmers but from those who imagine they protect them without understanding how they live. Source

Its a very emotional issue and

Being ethical is a part of what defines us as human beings. We are rational, thinking, choosing creatures. We all have the capacity to make conscious choices – although we often act out of habit or in line with the views of the crowd. Source

In the digital world it would appear we are all instant experts with strong opinions and too often simplistic solutions. This excellent article from the team at Agrieducate asks the question SHOULD AUSTRALIANS TAKE ON THE RESPONSIBILITY OF LIVE EXPORT, AND ARE WE READY TO?

Below is an extract under the heading Burden of Responsibility

We are either responsible for the welfare of sheep (in good times and in bad) or we move this responsibility offshore and accept the standards of third party countries to continue a trade dominated by Australia.

If we do accept this responsibility everyone needs to be in the game. Political responses to simply appease generalised conservative and rural voters by the Nationals and Liberals, or urban and greens voters by Labor and the Greens won’t fix this problem. So if we do take on this responsibility, there needs to be political maturity in deciding on a bipartisan approach, with concessions of both sides of the debate. This political maturity is arguably not there, and needs to develop quickly.

It can’t continue to be “greenies” vs. “hard working farmers” or “animal rights activists” vs “cruel farmers”, both sides need engaging about accepting responsibility for the welfare of the sheep and improving the regulation of the entire supply chain. Continuing as adversaries propagates political immaturity for cheap votes, and fails the welfare of sheep, the livelihoods of farmers and ourselves as Australians.

So, irrespective of your political views and the level of political readiness take the first step and ask yourself this “am I comfortable shifting our welfare responsibility offshore, or am I comfortable taking on the responsibility of welfare here in Australia”?

There’s no right answer, and no intended underhand comment designed to influence your thought, but it is a tricky question and it must sit with our individual values before this issue will be resolved.

Pressing problems which require urgent action today are too often the direct result of a lack of action in the past. We rarely get the perfect outcome but as human beings its important to be consistent in our judgements. I don’t have the answers but I would like to see Australia step up and take on the ‘Burden of Responsibility” and set the bar for animal stewardship across the world

Footnote

93% of the food consumed in this country is produced by Australian farmers
less that 6% of Australia is suitable for growing crops
Australia farmers feed everyone here and more than 40 million people around the world

Happy hens – a question of ethics

Tim Eyes (5)

I recently read The Circle which I note is being released as a movie later this year. You can find Margaret Attwood’s review of the book here .

I am also watching ‘Continuum” on Netflix – not exactly riveting television but definitely some very interesting reflections on ethics and what the future could look like depending on the decisions we make in the here and now .

“Look closely at the present you are constructing. It should look like the future you are dreaming.” …… Alice Walker

We are being asked to make many of the decisions now that are being played out in The Circle and Continuum and in movies like Eye in the Sky

The Happy Hens caged egg scenario is the current example. Its a tough world out there for the hen whether she lives in a cage, a barn or gets to graze on pasture.

Life is risky for her.Being in the situation where I do know the stats – there are genuine reasons to house hens in cages – lets not beat up the farmers who do this well.

Are caged hens happy – would you be happy living in a cage?. Your kidding you say yet lots of us do live in “cages” in fact we probably all do, some more than others.

HK-towerblock-sj

Too many humans live in cages like structures in our modern world

We have many restrictions on our everyday lives and everyday those restrictions increase and others are making our decisions for us.

For me its time to stop demonising the farmer and the system and get comfortable about the choices we make everyday. Most of the time there are no right and wrong choices just the best choices at that point in time.

The future isn’t a place we just get to go – it is a place we get to create. Together.