Collingwood Childrens Farm Summer 2014

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

6

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.

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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

nine

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

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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

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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

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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.

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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!

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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

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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

FARMLAND SINCE 1838

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

1

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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5

6

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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.

COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM

25

1

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