FARM YARNS
Winter 2013
We would like to acknowledge generous support from the following organisations:
The Collingwood Children’s Farm are proud to acknowledge the Wurundjeri of the Kulin Federation as the traditional owners of the Abbotsford Precinct Heritage Farmlands, the land we respect, care for and farm on behalf of all Victorians. The Farm thanks all Wurundjeri Elders past and present, for their guardianship of these lands.
Farm Patron - Mrs Elizabeth Chernov, Government House
2012-13 Committee of Management Cheryl Cameron
Mikyla Hart
Netta McArthur (Pres.)
Helen Semmler (Sec.)
Lachlan Fitch
Pip Hay
Lily O’Neill
Greg Sparks (V.Pres.)
Richard Ginsburg (Treas.)
Jane Ogilvie
Lachlan Turner
Cr Stephen Jolly
Alex Walker (Farm Manager) Farm Yarns is a quarterly publication from the Collingwood Children’s Farm (CCF). The CCF, a not-for-profit, educational small-holding city farm was established in 1979 as a “country experience for city folk”. The Farm is sited on the Abbotsford Precinct Heritage Farmlands, the oldest continually farmed land in Victoria (since 1836). The CCF is guided by a Committee of Management, elected annually. Front Cover photo - 2012’s Winter Bonfire roars into life (image by Josh Beale) Rear Cover photo - Ivy the new Farm dog looking too cute (image by Bridget Bainbridge)
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Farm Manager
Alex Walker
Managers Report It seems that the blistering heat of Autumn (that really felt like an extended Summer) has finally yielded to refreshing cool days and the onset of Winter. Hooray. Our animals and visitors are certainly enjoying the change. Winter at the Farm is the place to come and see the changing of the seasons. Put on a coat and gumboots and bring the kids to walk around in the crisp Winter air. No dust, just green everywhere and a chance to maybe even find some mud and puddles to jump into. The next big Farm event is of course the annual Winter Bonfire on Saturday 22 June (see page 6 for full details). As per last year,
Above: The new skidsteer already earning its keep!
tickets will only be available online with a cap
lantern
on
and
drummers, fire twirlers, yummy food and
enjoyment. So remember to book your ticket(s)
warming mulled wine available. On our June
early on www.trybooking.com.au. There will
Family Day we will run a lantern making
be the usual crowd favourites such as the
workshop for children and adults.
numbers
for
everyone’s
safety
Below: Indian Runners digging for tasty treats in their Federation Pen yard
parade,
wandering
School
tours
performers,
and
hosted
birthday parties at the Farm continue to be popular. In May we participated in State Education
Week,
running
tours for Sunshine North, Spensley Street and Albion Primary Schools as well as Concord School and Coburg Teaching Unit. These tours were
all
DEECD.
sponsored School
by
tours are
totally booked out for rest of the term. Likewise, Hosted Birthday’s are now solidly booked out until May 2014.
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
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Over the past two years we have been working
the course of one day, cleaned, carded, spun
with Cultivating Communities and the City of
and then knitted into a beanie. Well-known
Yarra in redeveloping our Compost Area. We
Australian author Bill Gammage will also
now have new worm farms and set-up for
share a presentation based on his book, ‘The
making compost. Green waste for the compost
Biggest Estate on Earth’, detailing the farming
will come from local Abbotsford residents and
practices of Australia’s First Nation people. In
restaurants - thus lowering the amount going
his book Bill argues it was no accident that the
into landfill. It also means we will now have
early Europeans found vast swathes of ‘park-
more compost and worm castings for sale for
like’ grasslands across Australia, but the result
our Farm Members and the public.
of careful and deliberate agricultural practices
We are always looking for new ways to make
Below: New bicycle racks outside Reception (images Bridget Bainbridge)
our visitor’s experience an enjoyable one, incorporating feedback when possible. This can bear positive fruit! For many years the Farm has not produced a paper map due to our concerns about energy use, paper waste and recycling. And whilst there are several large display maps, at Reception we would often be asked ‘do you have a map?’. Now everyone can take full advantage of their iPhone or Android device and download a map of the Farm to use during their visit. Speaking of improvements, for those visitors who choose to help save the planet, improve their health and save dollars by not using a car to visit us, we hope you are enjoying the new bicycle racks located outside Farm Reception. We would encourage all visitors to ride to the Farm whenever possible. Plans for the 175th Celebration of Farming on the Abbotsford Precinct Heritage Farmlands (APHF) are fleshing out our celebratory events week, starting 23 November 2013. So far we have a ‘Back to Beanie’ demonstration, in which a sheep’s fleece is shorn and then over
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
5
and land management over thousands of
of Honey Week Celebrations on Sunday
years. Should be a very informative talk.
28 April. Not only was the observation hive open as usual, but visitors could don a bee-suit
The Farm Cafe continues to go from strength
and get up close to the hives, taste a variety of
to strength. A glowing positive review in The
honeys, make beeswax candles, have a photo
Age (25 March 2013) resulted in the Cafe
taken as a bee or indulge in bee dancing—to
experiencing its busiest ever service the
list just a few of the fun activities.
following day. This outcome is a great credit to Tom, Pip and their hardworking new team.
The Farm is an active member of the Rare Breeds
Trust
of
Australia
(RBTA),
an
As farmers you have to think and plan things
organisation dedicated to protecting genetic
well in advance. Because we do our lambing
diversity in domesticated livestock at risk of
and kidding in Spring, it’s now time to put the
extinction due to changes in farming practices/
rams with the ewes and buck in with the does.
market demands. The RBTA, which has a long
Regular visitors may have noticed we have
association with the Farm, is celebrating its 20th
now split our goat and sheep flocks into
year of activity. We want to both congratulate
breeding herds. Lambrusco (our Shropshire
the RBTA and acknowledge their support in
ram) and Clarence (our English Leicester ram)
the construction of the Federation Pens at the
have stayed for this year’s joining. We have a
front of the Farm. The RBTA is also available
new goat buck, Inca, who is very happy to
online at www.rbta.org.
spend quality time with his new girlfriends. The School Holiday program of a ‘Be a Farmer for a Day’ will once again be available for the next term break. It is a very popular program, so don’t miss out. All available booking dates will go up on www.trybooking.com on the 31st of May. It’s important to acknowledge our staff when they move on and embrace new opportunities. So I would like to thank Leonie for her long contribution as both volunteer and employee at the Farm. Leonie started in the early 1990’s as a volunteer and became an employee in Above: Inca eating alongside his new lady friends
2002. She has taken many of the excellent photographs used in our Annual Reports and
The Collingwood Children’s Farm Apiary
Farm Yarns over the years. We wish her all the
group had a very successful ‘Bee Day’ as part
very best for the future.
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
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COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
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Bridget Bainbridge/ Nick Karavokiros
Team Leaders Team Leader Report
1
We are heading into Winter again, a little dryer than it was last year; with a few more animals on the Farm (and for a number of different reasons) we are starting to hit into the hay stacks to keep everyone well fed. The Farm these days is ever busy with programs, school tours, regular and new visitors. School Holiday Program The School Holidays have been and gone, and
with
them
the
School
2
Holiday
Program, ‘Be A Farmer For A Day’. This popular program is run along the same lines as the Young Farmers program, but open to anyone no matter which council area you live in. As always, we had a ball (as you can see from the photos). It’s nice to catch up with the regular participants, as well as meet new people taking part.
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SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM FUN Feeding Maybell the pig It’s hard slog keeping chooks! Very busy human Zac waiting to be saddled up (images Bridget Bainbridge)
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Young Farmers Program
purchased a skidsteer (also called a bobcat)
Meanwhile, the Young Farmers Program kids
machine to turn the compost, thus reducing
have been busy, amongst other things making
the human time required to do this by hand
new signs for all the chook pens (pictured in
and improving the quality of the finished
all their artistic glory above). There are so
product.
many chook pens now we are giving each one
important project, have a look at : http://
a brightly-painted letter plaque to combat
www.cultivatingcommunity.org.au/food-
general confusion amongst the staff. We are
waste-composting/yarra-food-waste-
half-way through the alphabet!
composting-projects/ .
Community Composting
Donkey Day
We have a new skidsteer (or bobcat if you
Held on a lovely and sunny first Sunday in
will)! With this we recently made a big step
May, this annual event was the usual success.
forwards in getting the Compost Hub up on its
The Donkey Society raised over $1,500 for
feet. A joint project between Cultivating
their efforts of donkey and donkey cart rides,
Communities, City of Yarra and ourselves, the
Farm visitors had a great time spending
aim was to set up the composting facility to
quality time with such a lovely group of
easily incorporate green waste from local cafes
donkeys and their owners. Many thanks to the
and households. This will not only save food
Donkey Society members for their effort and
waste from going into landfill, but provide
hard work bringing their donkeys, carts,
local community gardens (as well as the Farm)
helpers, information and good humour.
For
more
information
on
this
with good quality compost. Everyone wins! ANZAC Day Many of you will have seen the new
At the Farm ANZAC Day is the day when the
composting facilities being built: the walled
Waler horses make their bi-annual pilgrimage
concrete slab next to the pigs, and the
to the Farm, complete with masses of
expanded Dumping Area with taps and Water
information about the part these amazing
Garden beside it. And finally the last piece of
animals played in past wars serving with the
the jigsaw has arrived. The Farm and
Australian army. This year was no exception
Cultivating
and those lucky enough to chat with Angela
Communties
have
jointly
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
9
Tiede on the day will have come away with a
arranged a thoroughly modern parenting-type
sense of the significance of the contribution
arrangement with each piglet deciding which
these horses made to the War effort.
mother it would best like to spend time with. That said, Myrtle seems to be carrying a lot of
As well as having a variety of Waler horses
the feeding duties!
visit, Mega has returned to the Farm for the winter months to help out, which is very good news for the legions of Mega’s friends and admirers (plus Zak is in love all over again!). Piglets-a-go-go Our two Berkshire half-sisters, Maybell and Myrtle outdid each other with two large litters delivered a day apart. Now just over six weeks old, the piglets are running everywhere, especially
as
Maybell
and
Myrtle
have
Above: Little piglets snoozing and snuggling. Below: Bridget having a great time on the new skidsteer
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
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COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
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Recent Farm Weddings
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
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Plant News
Toni Phillips
1 3
2 1 2 3
FOUND IN THE GARDEN Biggest Stick Insect found outside Queensland Hobledonk Very busy human (images Toni Phillips)
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
13
Plants for Animals—Wormwood
simmering 125 grams of wormwood leaves in
Wormwood (all of the Artemesia species) has
1-1.5 litres of water for thirty minutes, stir,
insecticidal properties and so for poultry it is
strain, then add one teaspoon of pure soap and
very useful bedding, being both soft and
leave to cool.
comfortable and it does not allow any mites or bugs to breed or survive.
Be careful as the wormwood spray can leach into nearby soil, interfering and stunting the
Wormwood has traditionally been used for
growth of other plants. Only use it on
both humans and animals as a treatment for
established ornamentals and not on small
worm infections with historic references in
plants, seedlings or edible plants. Use it to
ancient Egypt dating back to 1600 BC. In
spray directly onto target insects or use dried
humans it has also been used for digestive
wormwood cuttings spread onto the soil.
problems such as loss of appetite or upset stomach, to treat fever and increase sexual
In
appetite. Wormwood is so strong it is not safe
wormwood sprigs alongside carrots and
to
onions will mask their scent, confusing insects,
use
during
pregnancy,
either
when
breastfeeding or applied to the skin.
in
your
vegetable
particular
patch,
Carrot
Rust
placing
Fly.
dried
Dried
wormwood will not have the same growthWormwood is used in the drinks Vermouth and Absinthe (which was previously banned in
France
at
the
inhibiting effects as the fresh plant. Below: Jenny Whipp making sure bedbugs don’t bite the chickens (image Toni Phillips)
instigation of a certain Mr Pernod, oddly the same
man
that
introduced the drink Pernod
in
the
year
absinthe was banned). Using a sachet made of wormwood leaves will help control moths. In the garden, used in a spray form it can also be
effective
against
aphids, caterpillars, flea beetles and moths. This is
easily
made
by
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
14
Toni Phillips
Community Gardens News Meet the plotter—Danella Connors You have probably all seen Danella sometime
from parents but as Danella noticed, it was
at the Farm, she is often there providing
often left to the same dedicated parents most
support to all sorts of Farm activities.
of the time and so she revved up the rest.
Rebekkah, Danella’s daughter first got her mother involved when she was in the Young Farmers Program (YFP) in 2004. Danella became very active in providing support for the program, to the point where she
revamped
parent
involvement
by
contacting all the parents and getting a committed roster for operating the Pancake Stall at the Farmers Market and BBQ on Family Days. These events always had help
Above: Danella as usual busy on the Pancake Stall in 2004 (image courtesy Toni Phillips)
Next Danella started Down at the Farm, a childcare
farm
experience
for
young
children. She also got a garden plot. Now she is revving up the Plot Working Bees just like she did for the YFP. And if the last Working Bee with its high number of people and enthusiasm is any indication, she is doing just as great a job with it as her previous contributions. It seems that she has single-handedly and with great determination set out to form a community
out
of
the
Community
Gardens, and it is happening with more plotters rallying behind her as whenever she sends out the call. Thank you Danella for all you have done for really involving people in life of the Farm. You remind me of the saying “if you don’t do it, who will?” I know … Danella will.
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
15
Danella Connors
Garden Plotters Arise ... There’s been a quiet steady conversation
care you show for your little garden.
taking place in the Community Gardens about
Honour your agreements for having a plot.
re-invigorating
building
Is your garden tended? Are the paths clear?
community. As the word’s been spreading, the
Are you giving back to the Farm and doing
plotters have been finding their own organic
your share of volunteer help at working
way to take ownership or their responsibilities
bees or functions? Do you need help?
the
plots
and
for the plots. It’s fresh and bringing joy and the gardens are slowly taking on a more cared for
Reach out and ask a neighbouring plotter …
face which is wonderful to see.
or anyone else in the garden, there are people who are only too happy to share
Those of us with a plot are caretakers of one of
what they know or to give a little time to
Melbourne’s oldest community gardens on
see a plot is loved and cared for. In time you
land that has provided food for people from
can pay that kindness and support forward
the Wurundjeri tribe right up to today. The
… it helps to grow cooperation as well as
garden plots are an integral part of Farm’s
the plants.
history and it’s essential to care for them
Join the Google group. This is an online
knowing that good food growing is a vital
space
issue all around the planet right now … people
information
are hungry for the experience and knowledge
conversations held that are positive and
as well as good food … just spend five minutes
solutions-focused. Please contact Danella
near
the
Connors for this or any other information at
conversations that float by! We are a face for
danellaconnors@aapt.net.au or call on her
this in the larger community … so let’s show
mobile 0410 667 954.
our best.
Read what’s posted on the front gate. At
the
garden
gate
and
hear
for
the
garden
is
being
plotters shared
where and
this stage, this is our noticeboard. Things Do you have a plot at the farm and are you
posted are kept current and are simple
involved? Our endeavour is to build a culture
ways to engage and inform you.
of cooperation, appreciation, support and care.
Come on a garden tour. We’ve organised
There are simple ways to engage and
some visits to other community gardens.
contribute:
The 12th of May is Rushall Gardens in North Fitzroy, we’ve been invited to meet the
First is to love your garden and care for it
plotters and share morning tea with them.
with deep appreciation. We have perhaps
And June 2nd is Mater Street, corner Mater
the
all
and Wellington Streets, Collingwood; we’ve
Melbourne’s community gardens and by far
been invited to meet their plotters and share
the most generous sized plots. Give thanks
a barbecue lunch. Plans are afoot for further
for the privilege and give back through the
visits later in the year: Veg Out, Poets
most
stunning
landscape
of
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
16
Garden, Wurundjeri Garden Hawthorn and
Any one of the above will add to our growing
Heronswood.
community
movement. Can you take time this week to
gardens, some educational … all will have
give something to the farm culture that will
things to show us and help us develop a
improve things for all? Tend your own garden,
shared sense of perspective and pride in
help a neighbour, share ten minutes with
what we have the good fortune to share.
another plotter clearing a fenceline.
Some
are
Come to our monthly social gatherings. Once a month, an afternoon is being held
Put in fifteen minutes on the hill … every little
for plotters to come together to talk about
bit makes a difference to the whole … imagine
this emerging culture of cooperation. There
seventy plotters doing a bit and how that
is no agenda, work or meeting.
would build to affect the whole … for the garden, the Farm and the community at large
We simply gather, share food and a drink
who find solace and comfort in the green
(BYO everything including chairs or rug to
spaces of the Farm.
sit on) … and talk to each other about how we can better what’s happening in the gardens. The two held so far have been a
Below: Tomatoes are often associated with love and passion. From little things, big things grow!
great start. Folk have gathered who didn’t know each other at first; it was warm, friendly and supportive. Our second one, in the rain gave rise to a deep, caring and productive conversation. Please join us, for some fun and relaxation … let your voice be heard or enjoy listening to the thoughts of others. Fun is essential to the afternoon’s success. Keep an eye out for plans for future working bees. With Toni, we are going to set
them
up
so
that
they
become
educational and related to plot care and garden growth. So far we are looking at composting, companion planting and edible weeds as possible things to cover. Suggestions are welcome and a plan will be drawn up and shared with all.
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
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RIVERBANK PLANTING DAY SUNDAY JULY 28 10am-3pm
Come and help us plant out the riverbank below the garden plots and Barn. In time the new plants will grow and shade out the weeds, look beautiful, provide habitat for native fauna and clean up the water going into the river at the same time! Bring sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing. Be aware that the site is steep in places and has unfenced river access. We will supply all plants and tools, stakes, watering cans etc.
Come along, get involved and be a part of revitalising this beautiful place.
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
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Ivy’s Report
Ivy the dog In
the m rm. a F e e h t t job is w dog a e n e h t t o gro m w that ’m Ivy, I a I e ! it e a r u e q h t t fit s no Hi s it t u b t is rong e, g until it Yes its m o ? d c g a o o d lk n a w fiden -w has a ne t (as the to puppy , d g e o id d c e e The Farm d c s n h a a t h is a s m s r e a a s uid an he F lo to be a g ined as d simple. T a e r t in t e s b e d . e o d t t x il o n peri e ch gh n ce og for a ever, I am old enou d w e o c n H a t ). is o s d s s A g k o m i D is d t u s a Guide nd o be an A t s g id in o K g r o f a g o n D dog. I am i d mals are calle he’s S is . h r t e t ll n a u H ise rural is Katie n ho organ a r w c e g p a u u n o a o Y st r kets. heir m The g c t o d p n r a T e s h h t a is wi in abilitie ebsite s treats ll a w h with Dis n ir e e t h f t o y d n r n o e m a v e e e a r n mo up w really nic re is eve d out e in h f t r m e d t o n a af s.c for l py, just isabilitie p look up d u h ook p it y w s in t kid a r o s f a s g w o I d afte www. e when
m ture of cute pic me... Katie got
my life, f o r a e y t irs for the f y a d o back to g y r o e t v e e im m t r it will be at the Fa t (if I a e n h e b t l h ’l r T I e . , t r f o e a S t og, and next Eas D il t r n e u p and help u ly S r h e e t b f a roug o k t o e trained hild to lo b c n o up to it. t w o ie ’m y I t m n Ka t o e k g c I , , but I re y exams) b m jo ll ody’s pet a ig b s b e s y m a t o p t s e r e p b I get to school up. t’s a s o m t a o x g e y o to grow t m on’t get d on’t pass d t s I u j if I d d, An st as goo o lm a is which hat’s all. t rm , s id k y t the Fa a s with m e r u t en When I s of adv t . lo ly k g ic in u v q I am ha aps very e h g a yummy in t n r e a g le s e and am I sometim , t be well h ig o r t s g g in in n h r a get t o I’m le S . t a e r snacky t quickly! behaved COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
r a with a from far m family .
One da big a d a y This a p of m just
19
Here are some p hotos of my very
eantim e my w up into g he althy dog, who ts of w it h d f arm and tuff. F ood is set of all my favour . I en ite th joy it well more ing than Th sleep king ing. is is Sa a ch m. ild Il ov autism e h
a min g
ay I h ad adven a ture . is photo me t aken befor e I
favourite things
on the Farm:
t mes ou This co e nder th u m o r f . a horse tail of f! at stuf e r g ’s t I or n chew a c u o Y t. roll in i
This is sque aky duck. H e is fun to jum p on and make squea k. Now I’m getting a bit older thoug h I’m wonderi ng if I don’t actually pre fer rawhide chews..
im
.
g. I d thin a e d sa se. This i n the o g n i hew up. like c them h g u o Ic Then
ing When I get big I’m go in my to put one of these mouth!
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
20
Emma Koefed
New Arrivals, Old Breeds Recently two of our rare breed Berkshire sows, Maybell and Myrtle, had piglet litters. The thirteen piglets are incredibly active and happily share themselves with both mums. At the moment they are small enough
to
slip
through
the
gates
separating their mum’s sties. The sows are sisters and are not concerned about which piglets they feed. Berkshire sows are excellent mothers. They are really calm animals and produce plenty of milk, so the piglets grow quickly. They can average eight to ten piglets at a time.
Above: Berkshire Pig, William Shiels (1832-38). Only the white socks and tassle tail remain in today’s animal. (image http://pinnaclefarm.net/)
near extinction of the breed in the middle of the 20th century in England. This was
Berkshire pigs (pronounced Bark-shur), are
due to the increase in intensive farming of
a rare breed of pig that originated from
breeds that grew faster, had larger litters
Berkshire, a county of Southern England.
and leaner meat. The popularity of free
They are Britain’s oldest recorded pig
range pork and consumer driven demand
breed,
by
for quality meat has meant that the
Cromwell’s troops during the English
Berkshire pig has had resurgence. The
Civil War in the mid-17th century. At that
slower growth habit of the Berkshire
time, the breed was a tawny red colour
makes it an exceptionally tender, quality
with
were
meat with high marbling. It is highly
pendulous, the body long and thick with
prized in Japan where it is called kurobuta
short legs.
(kuro – black, buta – pig).
The breed has changed considerably to
One
what
the
Berkshire pigs is that they are very well
introduction of Chinese or East Asian
suited to being outdoors, in fact they hate
blood to the breed in the early 19th
being confined so are ideal to free range.
century. The modern Berkshire is a
White or pink pigs that are used in the
descendent from those kept by the Royal
pork industry, on the other hand, are
family since the 18th century. A decline in
easily sunburnt and must usually be kept
numbers being farmed resulted in the
indoors.
having
black
been
spots.
recognise
discovered
The
today,
ears
due
to
of
the
advantages
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
of
keeping
21
2 1 3
4
1 2 3 4 5
PHOTOS Sheep doing a great job of mowing the Stables Paddock before the Farmers Market Donkey Day—always great fun with smiles for everyone! Pendulous aubergine from the garden just waiting to be turned into Moussaka Donkey Day in full swing Putting the donkey before the cart?
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
5
22
Donkey Tails
Olivia Knowles
Recently I have taken on the challenge of
hugs, which rest assured are well worth the
bringing Mickey our donkey out of his shell a
wait. Having some more regular work has
bit more. Whilst he still remains a very serious,
given Mickey a lot more confidence being out
no-nonsense kinda guy, he has been coming
on his own also, who no longer depends on his
along in leaps and bounds. We have been
pony friends as much, and is now not taking
getting to know each other a bit more by going
any guff from bossy ponies like Brandy.
for walks around the farm and down the bike track,
giving
Mickey
something
more
Last Sunday was also a special treat for
interesting to do with his time and the
Mickey, with this month’s family day being
opportunity to sample the many different
Donkey Day. Mickey was reunited with some
patches of grass along the way (although
of his old owners, who he was clearly happy to
dandelion leaves seem to be a personal
see and also had plenty of time to catch up on
favourite of Mickey’s).
the goss with his donkey friends. It was really nice to see him so happy and the visiting
Through this Mickey is becoming a lot more
donkeys were also very keen to make a new
confident with the many surprises living on a
donkey friend (some being a little too talkative
farm in the city has to throw at him, such as
for Mickey’s liking though!).
bikes, cars, tractors and dogs but he still isn’t what you would call a ‘people person’ per say
Mickey’s old owners were happy with how
- as he still doesn’t appreciate pats around his
Mick has been coming along, and told me that
face and ears!
he used to be good friends with goats and sheep on his own farm. Unfortunately our
On our travels together, Mickey likes to pop in
farm goats and sheep don’t share Mick’s
and say hello to the other horses, Tumby,
enthusiasm to be friends!
Tyson and Ted in particular being very fond of him. We have also together done a little bit of
Mickey and I have our first riding lesson
work at re-schooling him for riding, by
together coming up; to develop some pointers
practicing both our steering and getting
on things to work on together which will give
Mickey used to having people on his back
us plenty to build on with our progress so far.
again. So far, there have been no violent
Mickey constantly amazes me with how
reactions from Mick, but he still seems to think
intelligent and perceptive he is. He is by no
me climbing on to his back is a very strange
means easy to get to know, but I’m certainly
thing for me to be asking of him.
glad that we are gradually becoming very good friends. I’m hoping by the next time I’m
He always seems to be quite pleased with
writing something for Farm Yarns that we will
himself afterwards however, and this is often
have had plenty more adventures together to
the time when I get the much-coveted Mickey
tell you all about.
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
FARM YARNS Next edition due out 1st day of Spring
Collingwood Children’s Farm PO Box 80 Abbotsford 3067
PLACE STAMP HERE
Farmland since 1838
Farm phone: 9417 5806 Email: reception@farm.org.au Website: www.farm.org.au
Family Fun Days First Sunday of the month (no Family Fun Day in January)
Also enjoy hay rides and pony rides (when available), and other farm activities all for price of standard entry.
Farmer’s Market
Where to find us St Heliers Street, Abbotsford Melways Ref 44 G5 Open every day of the year Entry: $16 Family $8 Adult $4 Child
The concept of a supported held the second Saturday of volunteer program is unique to every month for beautiful our farm. Originally it was fresh,as quality produce. Proknown the Disability gram, but we prefer to focus on abilities rather than the lack of them … just like the renamed RDA riding program! You may ask why the program exists and what are the benefits of it to the participants and the farm. In the case of special school students, both in class groups