It is always humbling owning animals and having them prove you wrong. The Dexters (small black cows) are a good case in point! Six months ago we sold the bull as he and one of the girls were always getting out. There was also the issue that he seemed to prefer the company of our drought master steers to the girls and the idea of progeny from him seemed to be rather remote. But,, Shaun, come back, all is forgiven, so far we have three beautiful dark brown calves with black points (he was brown). Such is life!

This beautiful spring like weather has meant that ticks are still around. So, it is with great sadness that I have to report the passing of McDuff , a rascal of a cocker spaniel, always making us laugh and always so loyal. Unconditional love was his middle name and the farm is the poorer for his going.

Finally, the market garden is powering on with winter vegies starting to be ready for picking. The establishment of seedling trays has been a great success as the many bugs and other greeblys seem less inclined to do quite so much damage when the seedlings have a bit of bulk behind them on planting. If anyone has had success with blue-tongued lizards for getting rid of slugs, I would love to hear from you as this seems an easier alternative to ducks. Sarah has her hand hovering over a couple of them on gumtree, so quick someone, blue-tongues.

From our place to yours,

The Johnson family.