March Bulletin 2014

olivepress01scBefore I ramble on about what is happening at our place, I want to sincerely acknowledge the terrible grief and hardship that so many of our farmers are experiencing in many parts of Queensland and New South Wales. For once I wish to use this space to respectfully suggest that there should be intense discussion about marginal farming land out west and the best way to use areas in places like the Mary Valley and the hinterland of the sunshine Coast where water is still available. For too long we have watch this wide brown land in
flood and drought, feeling helpless with the farmers and not asking how this
situation can be changed for the better.

Here in our utopia, olive picking in almost at an end as like many other groves
in south East Queensland this year we have experienced smaller crops.
However the oil is still superb and we are truly grateful that we have enough to
continue to supply our customers. Although it is always incredibly hot when
picking at the end of February it is with great joy that we are able to experience
the start of autumn mildness when continuing into March. This is truly entering
my favourite time of year with the cooler weather creeping in and great excuses
to have the fire going in the evenings.

With our dam still supplying water for the market garden, the vacant mounds
are being fertilised with alpaca manure, re-mulched and then planted out with a
wide variety of winter vegetable seeds. The bandicoots are causing us concern
as they love digging up the fresh areas after the seeds are lovingly put in their
new homes.

With the anticipation of some good heavy soaking rain,

From our place to yours,

The Johnson family.

January Bulletin 2014

Following right on from last month, rain and irrigation are still high on the list of thought time. All of the animals are getting a little twitchy over the lack of grass growth. One of the large steers escaped next door into the environmental Park (very briefly) fully agreeing with the philosophy that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence! Fortunately fence fixing is part of my resume, so the problem is fixed for now. I do not know how those farmers further out west manage through the droughts and my thoughts are with them. With the olives puScreen Shot 2014-04-07 at 4.37.21 PMtting their energies into growing to full size for picking in March, watering and weed maintenance are priority for them. Fortunately the alpacas and the Dexter cows do a great job in the weed area while fertilising at the same time. Work in the market garden continues to take my time, with Richie helping out. Richie and his partner have just bought land in the area with the dream of becoming farmers. How wonderful to see the next generation of growers quietly emerging. With an eventful and busy year coming to a close, I am looking forward to some serious book reading, Woodford festival going, spending time with my family and catching up with lots of friends. May the festive season be all that you need,

From our place to yours,

The Johnson family.