oats

Photographic proof that kangaroos compete with livestock

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Oats eaten by kangaroos

Oats eaten by kangaroos

Oats guarded by dogs unaffected by kangaroos

Oats guarded by dogs unaffected by kangaroos


Just in case you were ever in doubt that kangaroos and wallabies compete with livestock, a quick look at one of my paddocks of forage oats is all that’s needed.

These pics are taken at opposite ends of the same paddock. At one end, the paddock shares two fence lines with forest, while at the other, it shares a fence with the maremmas. Who can guess which is which?

This crop was sown before the maremmas were allowed to roam the entire property, so I’m hoping there will be no repeat next year. The two dogs, Charlie and Lola, have been gradually increasing their range since we released them from the calf paddock four months ago but still stay very close to their calves. The next challenge is to encourage them to stray a little more!

By the way, just in case you think I’m stating the obvious, read this report on kangaroos in the SMH.
 

Timing makes good suppliers golden

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Healthy oats where it's not too wet

Healthy oats where it's not too wet

Too much water has stunted these oats

Too much water has stunted these oats

On Monday, I realised a fantastic opportunity was about to pass me by. For months now, most of our newly sown pastures have sulkily refused to grow in their sodden paddocks. The wet interferes with their ability to take up nutrients from the soil and also prevents me getting fertiliser on. Each of the massive fert trucks weighs 8000kg unloaded! Not pretty if they get bogged.

All the same, I decided to take a walk and survey the scene up close. I was astonished to find three of the paddocks were just trafficable but, with 25 to 30mm of rain forecast over the next few days starting in the next few hours, they wouldn’t be for long. A quick call to fertiliser supplier Robert had the urea and potash on in two hours.

Timing is everything in farming because we’re at the mercy of the very temperamental Mother Nature. That’s why we rely so heavily on the responsiveness of our suppliers; from the people who plant the seed just in time for a break in the weather (thanks Wayne) to the vets who rush to the aid of our cows in an emergency.

Thanks guys – you are appreciated.