FARM YARNS Summer 2014
farmland
Since 1838
We would like to acknowledge generous support from the following organisations:
Ph: 9681 8121
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
2014-15 Committee of Management Cheryl Cameron
Jennifer Black
Netta McArthur
Helen Semmler
Kirsty Williamson
Catalina Sinclair
Jessica Gillespe
Lily O’Neill
Richard Ginsburg
Jane Ogilvie
Lachlan Turner
Cr Misha Coleman
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 1835). The CCF is guided by a Committee of Management, elected annually. Front Cover photo - Medley of Summer activity, plants and animals at the Farm (images Andrew Phillips, Sam Imbrogno) Rear Cover photo - Peacock exhibiting in full-fan glory (image Toni Phillips)
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Farm Manager
Alex Walker
Managers Report This Summer looks to be shaping up to be an especially warm and dry one. We have already had a series of earlier-than-expected hot days, which reminds me that as climate change continues to alter weather patterns we must be vigilant to care for the Abbotsford Precinct Heritage Farmlands (APHF) in a manner that is sustainable for the long-term. Respect and care for the land, our animals and the local ecosytem is critical to the future of the Farm. This important task of care and respect is carried out and supported by a multitude of individuals and groups. The hard-working Farm staff who expertly manage all the day-today goings-on. Or the many volunteers without whom the Farm simply couldn’t operate. Our Committee of Management (CoM) who generously volunteer their time,
Above: Staff member Mia reflects the culture of animal care at the Farm (image Sam Imbrogno)
skills and effort towards the governance of the Farm. As the Farm recently held its Annual
host discussions with the Farm’s major
General Meeting, new CoM members will
stakeholders. From there we will be informing
begin their contribution, and former members
our members and regular Farm visitors of
are generously stepping down. It has been a
concept proposals. So if you would like to
pleasure to work with Mikyla Hart, Greg
contribute to this important process, please
Spark and Lachlan Fitch. I would like to
feel free to contact me. Meeting notices will be
welcome Catalina Sinclair, Jennifer Black and
sent to members, so watch your emails.
Kirsty Williamson. For either a hard or soft copy of the 2013-14 Annual Report, please
As a self-supporting not-for-profit, the Farm
contact me or Farm Reception.
has to provide for all its own operating expenses; there is our small entry contribution,
As part of their work in ensuring our long-
Farmers Market and Solstice Bonfire events.
term
Johnson
We have also embraced running corporate
Landscapes have commenced the information-
events and Farm weddings (especially as
gathering phase of their planning concepts.
many of these occur outside regular Farm
Interviews have now been held with both the
hours) which have continued to increase in
CoM and Farm staff. The next phase will be to
popularity. In fact we have just commenced
sustainability,
Phillip
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
4
Above: Having a quiet nap with mum. Also a great opportunity for Farm visitors to observe animal growth cycles.
what will be the busiest event season ever
materials and observation notes for Farm staff
(even busier than last year!). So if the Farm is
and CoM. And both confirmed that the Farm is
occasionally a bit hectic over the next six
“one of the best in the world”. Next year the
weeks or an area briefly utilised by a single
EFCF will be celebrating its 25th year since
visitor group, I hope the positive benefits of
forming in 1990; consequently their annual
supporting the Farm financially will offset any
AGM will run in an extended format in
temporary inconvenience experienced.
Stuttgart, Germany. Don’t forget that if you are travelling to Europe (and now parts of the
Our two staff members have safely returned
USA), the Farm is part of an international
from the European Federation of City Farms
family of city farms that you can visit.
(EFCF) 2014 Conference in Wales, and both report how useful, interesting and informative
Our immediate neighbour the Abbotsford
the experience was. Bridget and Julia have
Convent Foundation (ACF) recently celebrated
now
its 10th year of operation. On behalf of the
prepared
a
variety
of
educational
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
5
Farm I would like to wish the ACF a warm
on SBS—more on that later) got me thinking
congratulations on its efforts to utilise the
about the many benefits that the Farm
buildings of the former Good Shepherd
provides. Some are obvious, others not so
Convent to benefit the Victorian community.
much. One obvious area it contributes to is
In the truest sense, both the Farm and ACF
positive mental health and wellbeing by
owe their success to the support we receive
simply having farm animals to see and interact
from the local and wider community. They
with. But have you ever considered the
will always remain its true “owners�, and at
physical health benefits? The SBS show I
the Farm we are proud to be guided by their
watched explored the rise and rise of various
needs and wishes. After all, it was the local
allergies in developed Western society.
and wider community that fought tooth-andnail to save both the convent buildings and
A very pertinent point was made regarding
Farm from inappropriate development.
studies that consistently show children who interact with and have exposure to domestic
Because there is simply no more farmland to
farm animals have greatly reduced instances of
be found in inner-city Melbourne to replace
allergies. These studies are across different
any loss of the unique open spaces that are the
continents and all sorts of communities. And
heritage farmland paddocks the community
so for the over 100,000 newborns, infants,
cares for so deeply. So how can you play an
Below: Pretty snow-white orchard blossom
important part in protecting the Farm? Well the ACF has recently asked for the public to provide feedback on its future operational plans. So if you would like to see the Farm not be harmed by losing paddocks and have all the unique local heritage farmland preserved in perpetuity, please feel free to send constructive feedback to Maggie Maguire, ACF CEO at mmaguire@abbotsfordconvent.com.au.
As
the
community has instructed it, the Farm will proudly continue to fight for the right to farm and care for these irreplaceable paddocks; as we have always proudly done, for 35 years now. Your strong voice and instruction to the ACF is critical in helping this happen. Musing about any possible reduction in programs that the Farm currently offers due to losing farmland (and a recent television show
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
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children and young adults who visit the Farm
full duck-hood. However at the moment they
annually, there is surely a direct health benefit
look a bit like awkward teenagers as their
that could support their immune systems and
adult plumage has not yet fully come through
perhaps help them live allergy-free lives. So
their baby duck-down.
when you visit the Farm, make sure everyone pats as many animals as possible (well, just not
The Farm will be open daily throughout the
the pigs please)!
Christmas and New Years holiday period. Over the years there have been an increasing
Watching our animals grow and develop from
number of families choosing to celebrate
younger
very
Christmas at the Farm. So if you are
educational, especially for younger children.
wondering where to enjoy this important day,
For example, our Spring lambs and goat kids
why not consider coming here? Bring an extra
are now much larger and children can observe
slice of pudding for the free-range hens!
the various physical changes taking place over
Irrespective of where (or even whether) you
time. Understanding the cycles of nature first-
celebrate Christmas, I would like to wish all
hand. Speaking of which, our ten Muscovy
our vistors, neighbours and friends a safe and
Duck ducklings are rapidly heading towards
happy holiday season.
into
older
ages
is
also
Below: Should I stay or should I jump now? One of our Muscovy Duckling’s first swimming lesson dilemma.
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
7
Bridget Bainbridge/ Nick Karavokiros
Team Leaders Bridget and Julia have just returned from the 2014 European Federation of City Farms Conference (EFCF) in Swansea, Wales. As well as experiencing English city farms, Bridget was able to visit other city farms and heritage parks (with farm animals) in Denmark and Sweden. Julia has written a comprehensive report on her UK observations on pages 13-17 of Farm Yarns for everyone to enjoy. For those of us with an interest in the Nordic countries, Bridget will be writing about her experiences for the next Farm Yarns. Håll ögonen öppna! Children who regularly visit the Farm get to see how animals develop and grow. Because like them, they don’t stay babies forever. A great example of this observational learning available at the Farm is the fact we now have three (yes, three) generations of our own “farm cows” residing here. Currently we have Daphne, Nettle (Biddy II’s calf) and Blossom (Daphne’s calf). Biddy II has popped back to
Above: No puppy should look this cute! Cici getting pats from everyone, as well a brush from Yardley’s tail.
combined with an old incubator and fertility in
her dairy herd just near Shepparton.
some older roosters seems to be the issues Biddy I has returned to us only one month in
most affecting our success rate (currently less
calf, and so schedule her birthing for sometime
than 20%). This lack of reproductive breed
in July 2015 (just like humans, cows gestate for
vigour also reflects a wider issue which affects
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all rare breeds poultry across Australia.
months).
Having
been
part
of
a
commercial dairy herd for a few years since she left the Farm as a calf, Daphne is taking a
The fact is that bio-security measures have not
bit of adjustment to hand-milking. The Farm
allowed any new non-commercial pure breed
staff are making sure she will be consistently
genetic poultry material into the country since
comfortable with this technique before she
1948. Across Australia this has undoubtedly
becomes our new public milking cow.
protected the commercial poultry industry but non-commercial rare breeds are suffering after
We would like to be saying our 2014-15
over
50 years of inbreeding. Sadly
hatching season is in full swing ... but we can’t.
expensive 10-year effort to legally import a
Problems of an early temperature spike
variety of non-commercial poultry lines failed
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
an
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Above: A timeless and classical Australian image. Travis carefully shears our Shropshire ewe (image Sam Imbrogno)
in 2013 due to a small amount of negative test
our combined Saturday/Sunday gymkhana,
results. So we will continue to look for some
which was a very successful return of this
replacement roosters, keep tweaking the old
much-loved event. The Young Farmers all did
incubator and hopefully have a better hatching
an excellent job of preparing their horses, both
season from now onwards.
for the formal part of the judging/eventing and for the more fun fancy-dress parade. Harry
The Young Farmers Program (YFP) is about to
made a particularly pretty bride!
conclude for the year. We would like to thank all the kids for their participation, and support
As the YFP finishes up soon, some of our
of parents who assisted with volunteering.
horses are already heading off to their regular
Olivia Knowles has covered the kid’s many
holiday destinations. Mega has gone to spend
positive horse achievements with a fine article
time with other Waler horses under Angela
on pages 20-21. And to our very new Young
Tilde’s care. Gradually the other horses will
Farmers, a warm welcome. Recently we held
pack their bags, trot into the horse float and
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
9
head off to a variety of locations. Most will be
combing, carding and cleaning. What might be
spending their break in Christmas Hills with
knitted or made from the results ... well watch
Bridget, having fun with free run of large open
this space.
paddocks. A few stalwarts will remain to do a small amount of event and birthday pony
Our lovely neighbours the Good Shepherd
rides. As there is no Family Day in December
Sisters recently celebrated St Francis of Assisi
or January, pony rides for farm visitors won’t
by having a “Blessing of the animals” in the
happen again until Sunday 1st February 2015.
Good Shepherd Chapel (if you didn’t know, St Francis is the patron saint of animals). Sister
Last Farm Yarns we wrote about the lack of
Rose blessed everyone’s pets with Holy Water
piglets. Well that’s all changed for the better
in a profound recognition of the important role
with a healthy litter of eight lovely Berkshire
that all animals play in our daily lives (and a
bundles of fun delivered by Myrtle just over
reminder of our responsibility to care for their
four weeks ago. In typical newborn piglet
needs). And whilst we couldn’t send a lamb,
behaviour they spent the first week or so
kid or calf, we did send a few guinea pigs as
staying close to mum, however they have now
Farm representatives.
taken to exploring their new world and running about with enthusiastic energy. It
Below: So many colours to enjoy in the Nursery Garden
must be exhausting feeding eight mouths all at once; and so sometimes Myrtle has taken to occasionally sitting in her wallow and saying “milk’s off kids”. Who would blame her? Our English Leicesters and Shropshire sheep are feeling much lighter having had their wool shorn recently. Many are enjoying this rare short-back-and-sides window by taking to scratching themselves on anything they can find (we think it’s because they can feel it directly on their skin). Thanks to Travis for his deft and smooth shearing
skills,
and
to
Nick
W
who
rousabouted (if that’s a word). The wool has been turned into kneeling pads for garden volunteers (utilising both positive qualities of the natural fibre and recycling feed bags), as well as a small amount being taken by Julia for
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
10
with Cici. They are great company for each other. Keep an eye out for them both being walked about the Farm. Domestic farm animals drink large amounts of fresh water daily. Even more when the weather heats up or if they are carrying extra weight burdens such as wool, or when pregnant. As the Summer heat has arrived a bit early, the Farm staff go into extravigilant mode with regards to making sure all our animals have access to plenty of fresh, clean and cool water as Above: Hedgehog and Ginger enjoying their B&B (image Julia Smallwood)
well as shade. So if you are visiting on
Speaking of our guinea pigs, if regular visitors
a hot day and wonder “where are all the
notice that your favourite guineas (and we all
animals?”, well they are simply smarter than
have them) don’t seem to be here, it’s because
us and taking opportunity of the shade
they are spending a bit of R&R time at Julia’s
provided by our shelter belts. They might still
house. Julia has reported they are all reacting
enjoy a pat, but probably don’t want to be
differently to experiencing a temporary new
made to get up and trot around in the heat.
home. Some shy ones have all of a sudden become very adventurous and inquisitive,
Despite the heat, the Nursery Garden is
whilst others have become a bit more Zen and
looking very pretty with lots of blossom and
have taken to sitting in quiet contemplation of
flowers to visually delight staff and visitors.
their new surroundings. All groups will get to
Well done to Toni and her gardening
enjoy a holiday regardless!
volunteers for making sure this part of the Farm is looking so attractive.
Our very cute Dogs for Kids with Disabilities
Below: Yardley seeing what Cici tastes like
(DKD) puppy Cici has transformed from a tiny munchkin into a bit of a cuddly butterball with a recent growth spurt. She has taken to giving everyone a big loving tackle at leg-height when she first sees them, which is very cute but the extra puppy pounds means we have to brace ourselves. Our other DKD dog, Yardley, is more relaxed and spends plenty of quality nap-time in between enjoying fun and hijinks
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
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1 3
2
4 1 2 3 4
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
PHOTOS Advertising for guinea pig B&B Close-up of Travis’ expert technique Harry made a pretty bride for the gymkhana fancy dress parade It’s a Super-Brandio, eh! (image 1 Julia Smallwood, images 2-4 Sam Imbrogno)
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Garden News Thank you to everyone who has worked hard to make the gardens beautiful and productive all year. A special thanks goes to the animals for clearing up all the plants that aren’t wonderful in the compost.
Toni Phillips GARDEN PHOTOS (images Toni Phillips) Even visitors (Abby) love to help by feeding the prunnings to the goats 2-3 Goats and guinea pigs love roses, though only of course if they have not been bought from the shops or sprayed with chemicals 4 Stephanie Kramer collects plenty of wild food every week to keep the chickens happy 1
1 2
3 4
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
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Farmers abroad ... Wales, England
Julia Smallwood
During September Bridget and I attended the
focus. The success of this project showed that
2014 European Federation of City Farms
the community wanted a centre to be able to
Conference in Swansea, Wales. Although the
share cultural activities with the increasingly
main conference accommodation was at an
diverse population. In 2013 they were given a
outdoor education site, we were billeted a few
seven-year lease to develop a community
miles away in a quaint cottage with eleven
Below: Vetch Veg wildflower meadow
Norwegians! Each day we visited a different “program” (what they call city farms in Europe) in the district, and were served delicious local produce for lunch and learnt about the importance of these places to the local people. The Swansea Community Farm is the only city farm in Wales. The main focus of the 3.5 acres is sustainability and food growing. Nature conservation is also important and there is a natural forest as part of the property. The café was built by volunteers and serves
garden with a focus on food growing, sharing
healthy,
Accredited
gardening and food ideas and encouraging a
hospitality courses are offered through the
sense of belonging. The lunch we had was
café. They also conduct programs for youth
cooked and served by local volunteers from
and children, volunteers and school groups.
several different cultures. Flags of different
The small number of animals they have are
countries mark the plots, which grow many
rare and rare-Welsh breeds. There is a strict no
plants not normally found in Wales! An
-eating policy except in the designated picnic
impressive teapot collection over an arch is a
area … no marauding chickens in sight!
reminder of the original artistic use of the site.
Vetch
affordable
Veg
collaboration
is
a
between
food.
community the
garden
residents
of
Down to Earth was a very different program. Established in 2005 on an overgrown field, its
Sandfields and an artist, Owen Griffiths. It is
focus is
to support marginalised youth
situated on the historic former ground of
through learning ways of sustainable land-use
Vetch Football Field, between HM Swansea
and old established building techniques in an
Prison and an impressive wildflower meadow.
atmosphere of equality and social justice. Each
The area is not an affluent one. The original
group
concept for the site was developed as part of
development of the site, benefitting from what
the Cultural Olympiad in 2012 to showcase
went before and leaving something for the
local arts and crafts, and give the community a
next group: a very effective approach. Only
that
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
participates
adds
to
the
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traditional and sustainable building methods,
use of the London underground I found my
such as mud-brick and cobb, are used and
way to two small farms in the East End of
buildings have sod roofs for insulation. Their
London. Plus I was able to visit city farms in
solar panels produce 5000kwh per year and an
Bristol, Bath and Heathrow as well as the Rare
impressive composting system deals with any
Breeds Centre in Ashford, Kent.
waste from the garden or pigs! The knowledge gained is now being used to teach others to
Stepney Green City Farm is located next to a
develop similar positive-learning spaces for
football arena on council land that was
their communities.
originally used by “hippies” until it became an official city farm in the mid-1970’s. This area of east London is mainly low-socio economic, with a mix of immigrant communities and a newer group of apartment dwellers as the area develops. The emphasis is on growing good food
and
involving
community
groups.
Garden plots cost £35 a year, and many are shared between several families. The number of animals is small as the site is not large. There are pigs, goats, rabbits chooks and sheep as well as hundreds of pigeons! There is a Above: Down to Earth’s impressive and effective solar panel array, keeping them self-sufficient
small café which uses produce from the farm. They have a large herb garden and host a
The conference was a great opportunity to find
weekly
out how others see their role in their
blacksmiths shop, woodwork shed and pottery
community. The strong emphasis in Europe is
workshop which give demonstrations and
on growing food for ourselves in a sustainable
some classes. Funding comes from the council
way to ensure we have food well into the
mostly, as well as fund raising activities and
future. The English farms seem to work on
lotteries. There are numerous signs warning
singular, yearly projects rather than just being
people to wash their hands after touching
a working farm like ours. The common ground
animals, although that is most likely through a
is that we all value community involvement,
fence only, as direct contact is not an available
education,
option (unlike here at the Farm).
sustainable
land
and
animal
Farmers
Market.
On
site
is
a
husbandry practices. Surrey Docks Farm is also in the east of Being in England also gave me the opportunity
London, right on the Thames River. In a
to visit a few other city farms to see what, if
previous life it was the quarantine station for
anything, we shared in common. Making full
fever victims coming in on sailing ships. They
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
15
Above: Café area of Stepney City Farm. Note no marauding chickens stealing visitor sandwiches!
have an interesting historical trail telling the
adults with a disability. The main activity is
story. It is in a low socio-economic area but the
the horse riding program but there are also
population is slowly changing. They have a
vegetable gardens, pigs and chickens. A recent
café staffed mainly by disability clients and a
addition has been a small café built by the
produce shop. Again the emphasis is on
clients and used as a social gathering place.
growing food and community involvement.
Apart from a manager, the farm is run by
The animal yards are mainly concrete. The
volunteers.
duck pond is great and well fenced for visitor
fundraising efforts, plus National Lottery
safety. Their livestock included ducks, hens,
allocations. Unfortunately they are currently
bees, goats, sheep, ferrets and one rabbit.
looking at having to move location due to a
Funding
is
by
grants
and
proposed expansion of Heathrow airport. Heathrow Special Needs Farm is on land owned by the airport, and you can almost
Saint Werburghs, Bristol, is a small property
touch the planes going overhead. Its focus is
in a low socio-economic area which is slowly
providing social and work experiences for
becoming more affluent as houses are bought
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
16
up and renovated. It is very much focused on
Ashford Rare Breeds Centre is a 100-acre site
food growing, with local people having plots
in Kent that specializes in rare breeds, many of
or ethnic community groups sharing a plot.
whom are huge pigs who live and bred in very
The number of animals was small but included
classy indoor pens. It was the only property I
pigs, chickens, goats, sheep and rabbits as well
visited that charges an entry fee to the public.
as re-housed battery hens. The goats had a
It is run by the Canterbury Oast Trust that is
great platform construction allowing them to
responsible for a number of disability services
have the best view on the farm! It is a popular
in the wider area. Clients have access and also
place for local families with young children.
do work placements that they pay a fee for. Mainstream
volunteers
and
work placement students play an important part in running the farm and a large gift shop. There are indoor and outdoor animal enclosures, reptile and insect
displays,
a
butterfly
garden tunnel and an indoor children’s area. The large barn houses chickens, guinea pigs and rabbits. Interactions are at set times with animals on straw bales and strictly patting only, no picking up … which Above: The goats at St Werbughs City Farm have the best view!
saves a lot of accidents for animals. The farm also has a
Bath City Farm is a 32-acre hilltop property
Falconry Show and runs classes to teach the art
overlooking the city of Bath. It was the closest
of falconry. Their signage was excellent, giving
farm to ours in its set-up. They have extensive
individual profiles for most animals.
signage about their animals, and give details of feeding costs to encourage sponsorship of
Overall it was very interesting to see the
different animals. The paths are steep but
similarities and the differences in the English
stepped. There is an excellent weekly disability
farms and what we do here. However at our
program where clients from one residential
core we all have the same aims: to give
unit come to work, pick produce and cook
children the opportunity to learn about their
lunch from this. There is a medicinal herb
environment, see animals that often are
garden, nature trail café (only open two days
outside their normal experience, and as city
per week) and an adventure climbing area.
children to appreciate where food comes from.
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
17
I would like to thank the Farm and CoM for this great experience - the opportunity to learn this important knowledge first-hand and bring it back for the Farm to benefit from.
BATH CITY FARM PHOTOS 1 Kune Kune (“Fat Fat�) pig having a quiet rest 2 Lovely entry sign at the front of the farm 3 Glorious view from the farm towards the town (all images Julia Smallwood)
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
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Community Gardens
Toni Phillips
Above: Summer in the plots and everything is growing beautifully (image Toni Phillips)
Many plots are indeed looking productive with lots of food growing. But a few plots still aren’t being used effectively. Please remember that a plot needs to be used! There is a long waiting list of keen people who would love to enjoy a space to grow their own food. However some plots are so lush and with carpet on their paths (for example in the photo opposite) they have become a haven for our river neighbours the tiger snakes. In Summer it is especially important to be able to see where you are walking without unwanted surprises. Plus carpet on paths is also a trip hazard!
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
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Meet the Plotter - Norma Marshall Norma loves her plot that she has had for the last four years. She says that you can’t grow everything she eats but she loves all the chicory, kale, broad beans artichokes and leafy greens that really need to be fresh. There is also much delight in spending time in the plot with her little grand-daughter Elodie. Even a two-and-a-half year old loves to dig, plant, nurture, harvest and best of all eat; she also loves to pick the parsley they have grown together and make it into bunches and give to her friends. Right, below: Norma and her productive plot (image Toni Phillips)
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
20
Young Farmers 2014
Olivia Knowles
2014 was the Chinese Year of the Horse, and it
blending together and helping each other in
has definitely felt that way working with the
the stables, always in such a warm and
Young Farmers in our little riding school. It
positive way. Everyone is always on hand to
has been so exciting to see everyone develop
help each other bridle a horse, groom or
their own abilities, and in turn how much our
tighten a girth, that sometimes I think I’m no
horses have thrived as a result of the Young
longer needed!
Farmers dedication to their horsemanship. It is wonderful to see that every horse has at least
With Zac and Charlie on holiday, we’ve had
one person in the program who thinks the
an equine power team of seven to keep things
world of them, and how well the horses work
running smoothly whilst the veterans are
for those who love them most.
away, and fortunately for us all, they have all been able to shine in their own unique way.
Out of everything, I am most proud of how
Ollie, the new guy, is settling in well and
both Saturday and Sunday groups have
making new friends. His talents in the field of
adopted the idea that horsemanship is a
show jumping are making him increasingly
partnership based on love and trust, and that
popular. Brandy continues to potter along
horses have needs of their own also. It is so
nicely, and is developing a strong motherly
wonderful to see Young Farmers both notice
instinct when it comes to looking after less
and take pride in how their favourite horse has
experienced riders.
improved in its training. Below: Tumby expertly passing over the jump (image Olivia Knowles)
I have seen many Young Farmers take the time to go back into their horse’s stall to give them one extra hug goodbye, sneak them an extra carrot and some who are lovely enough to even make their horse toys for their stall or buy them a new saddle blanket. The stables radiate love, and it is obvious the horses love to come in to see their riders on the weekend (one only needs to ask Brandy, who often comes cantering up to the gate upon our arrival). I am also really proud to see Young Farmers of different
ages
and
experience
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARMLAND SINCE 1838 FARM
21
Tumby
has been
going
brilliantly this year, he has been keeping his weight on and is feeling great, as can be seen whenever he is ridden. Mega, like Tumby, is
feeling
spritely knocks
much
this out
more
year, all
of
and her
lessons like it’s child’s play. Our little Tyson has been kn ocke d founder
ar oun d this
year,
by but
continues to try his little heart out for all of his riders. Harry, after a series of setbacks throughout the
Above, inset: Young Farmers make friends with all the animals (images Olivia Knowles)
year is now gearing up to be our dynamo
had
the
most
wonderful
time
working
pony, and is taking on anything his riders
alongside them to develop their horsemanship.
throw at him. And Mickie the donkey is now a regular in the
“Once you have seen quality
riding lessons, following me around and
horsemanship and are exposed to the
occasionally slotting himself into the ride, following along at the walk. He has also
things you can do to help a horse be gentle
started practicing how to take people on pony
and dependable, then why wouldn’t you
rides, and with a bit more effort, should be
do those things? No matter what your
able to do so very soon on a regular basis.
horses age, you are going to try to offer
There has been so much the riding school has
him the best that you can. If you adjust
achieved this year, and there is a lot left to go
what you are doing, he will adjust too;
on our list. I am already excited to see what
horses have an amazing capacity to make
everyone will be like by the time I am writing
changes. There is always hope. ”
for Farm Yarns again in December 2015. I hope all of the Young Farmers take pride in what they have accomplished this year, as I have
– Buck Brannaman, natural horseman trainer
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22
YOUNG FARMER PHOTOS 1 Mega and Tumby being adored 2 Brandy hard at work 3 Another animal friend! (all images Olivia Knowles)
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COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
21
Snakes alive!
Andrew Phillips
Due to an early Summer there has been an
Stay calm at all times
increase in the movement of our resident
Do not approach, attack or otherwise
native snakes at the Farm. Their presence is a
provoke the snake
sign of a healthy ecosystem, as it reflects a
Stop immediately, slowly back away while
positive prey biomass that supports these
keeping an eye on the snake and its location
important reptiles. And it’s to be expected that
Find a Farm staff member immediately and
they’re here, as we live in their environment,
advise them of the time and location of your
not the other way around!
sighting. They will take appropriate actions for visitor safety.
There are usually two types of snakes that reside in the local area, Tiger (Notechis scutatus)
As snakes sense pressure through ground
and Eastern Brown snakes (Pseudonaja textilis).
vibration, their usual response is to move
Both are poisonous and therefore must always
away from the direction of the vibrations. The
be treated with respect and given space. They
Farm is part of a larger, natural ecosystem - so
are also a protected species and must not be
having an increased awareness of reptiles
harmed in any way.
during a visit in hot weather is the best safety response. So remember to wear appropriate
So if you come across a snake anywhere on the
footwear, keep to the paths and walkways;
Farm, simply:
and keep out of any long grass.
Below, inset: The sort of snakes you might see in the Australian environment (all images Sam Imbrogno)
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
24
Sentient, not silly
Andrew Phillips
One of the privileges of working as a staff member at the Farm is to develop, over time, an
understanding
of
natural
animal
behaviours. To appreciate their individual quirks, desires and needs. Because they do express these innate behaviours in a variety of ways. For example, the ability to feel pleasure and respond to a positive experience. Worldrenowned
authors
such
as
animal
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behaviouralist Dr Temple Grandin and moral philosopher Peter Singer have both discussed this topic in great detail. The series of pictures in this article illustrate the ability to seek, respond to and request a pleasurable, positive experience. In this case it refers to our sheep, and having a good scratch.
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Because with recently having their wool shorn, not only are they a few kilograms lighter, but their skin can now directly feel pressure—such as from scratching. As a human being, if you’ve ever had that itch you just need to scratch … you know exactly the satisfaction I’m talking about. And remember, sheep don’t have arms, hands or can’t tell us where that is. But they can show us. If we care to look. Sequence one (page 24, 1-9) shows one of our older English Leicester (EL) ewe first enjoying a scratch on bluestone, then deciding to switch to a wooden post. Then deciding which she liked the best and sticking to that! The second sequence (see the opposite page) is of our award-winning EL ewe, Clover (or #9). When I was sitting in the paddock, Clover trotted over towards me and seemed to want something. It was a scratch! Her obvious pleasure reaction explains everything.
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2 What is sentience? Sentience is the ability to feel, perceive, or experience subjectively. Eighteenth-century philosophers used the concept to distinguish the ability to think (reason) from the ability to feel (sentience). In modern Western philosophy, sentience is the ability to experience sensations (known in philosophy of mind as "qualia"). In Eastern philosophy, sentience is a metaphysical quality of all things that requires respect and care. The concept is central to the philosophy of animal rights, because sentience is necessary for the ability to suffer, and thus is held to confer certain rights. (All page 25 images Chloe Patrick)
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4 FARMLAND SINCE 1838
FARM YARNS Next edition due out 1st day of Autumn
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 December and 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: $18 Family $9 Adult $5 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