Last week was a definite improvement in all directions. The virus new case numbers are falling, and the sun and wind have dealt with lots of the mud. The lambs are thriving, and we have the first goat kids all taking milk from the feeder and their mothers are milking well. The warm weather this weekend gave me the opportunity to work in the garden. I have planted out seedlings, sorted out the strawberries and weeded the medicinal garden.
Yarra glen was surrounded by flood water as it all drained down away from our place down the valley. It did not get into any houses as far as I know but there was a terrific storm that knocked power out for many people and let untreated water down the line, so everyone was advised to boil their water. For once, we were OK. The power stayed on and we do not have any mains water to worry about. Three people died after being hit by falling trees, but we were pretty much alright there too, and the trees stayed upright.
Things are not improving as climate change increases in pressure year by year. People are starting to worry about the fire season and the NT has had a week of catastrophic conditions and many fires to fight. We have been feeling sympathy for the people in America affected by the hurricane when they are already having a virus catastrophe.
Despite all this, when the sun shines it is just lovely staying at home and working on the farm. We are extending the buck pen so that we can do the feed and water without having to climb a steep muddy bank. So far, we have moved the old fence and brought some extra fence posts. The area looks better already.
The chooks are sure Spring has arrived and are laying large numbers of eggs. The trees are all starting to grow leaves and the broccoli are now ready to start eating. The swedes and turnips are just about large enough too and the snow peas are climbing up their frame. I am looking forward to having tomatoes and zucchini again and am working out where everything needs to be planted to keep a crop rotation going.
The course I have been studying on regenerative Agriculture is interesting and gives me a different way to look at what I am doing. I have worked more on soil health and photosynthesising ground cover. The idea is to capture carbon in the soils as you increase the biological activity. Apparently, most of the plants bulk comes from photosynthesis and only 5-9% from the soil, but the soil provides the micro-nutrients that are also needed. The big drive is for direct drilling rather than tilling and also for using cover crops. Species grown to attract insects and birds help with pest control and biodiversity is good. Now all I have to do is put this in action!
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