June Bulletin 2014

Idogt 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.

April Bulletin 2014

Featured

bulletin-april-14 I love having the opportunity of looking at the farm through other people’s eyes. I think it gives me a whole new perspective and the sometimes needed energy to continue to strive towards the goal that seems out of reach. So it was when last Sunday over thirty five prospective farmers came to visit for the afternoon. We gently split them up into two groups and Richie did an excellent job in the market garden while I spoke about the history of Obi Obi Essentials and why we are where we are! Then there were the questions and that great opportunity to gain new insights into yourself and others. Thank you Elaine and Steve for organising this great afternoon. The heavens surely opened up the other week and now after having to turn on the pipes to try to control the flood of water, the place is looking excruciatingly beautiful in its rain soakedness and this evening another storm brought more top up and reasons to use the mower more seriously before the winter. As I work in the market garden either in the morning or afternoon it is joyful to watch the geese parade single file past the enclosed garden from the dam down to the now full and flowing creek. May there be good growth and vigour in the now planted seeds bringing the winter vegies!

From our place to yours,

The Johnson family.