The Bureau of Meteorology had been warning of a rain deficient autumn, which had me concerned, so this has been somewhat unexpected.

Our ewes don’t start lambing until May 14, so we have taken the opportunity to de-stock the vast majority of paddocks and supplementary feed stock in containment areas and paddocks that are still to be cropped or sown for hay. 

The ewes in containment are being given hay on demand as well as grain every second day.

This is helping a large germination of clovers and grasses to establish themselves prior to grazing. 

Ewes will most likely be released only several days prior to lambing.

By then the paddock feed will likely support the majority of mobs with very little supplementary grain required.

Prior to the rain I scratched in balansa clover seed into some paddocks designated for hay production, which has already leapt out of the ground.

The early germination in paddocks to be cropped will give us the opportunity to spray a knock down, which will aid in weed control.

Ewes previously on agistment north of Horsham have returned home and most of the lambs have been sold.

Those that remain will also be sold during May as the agistment stubbles are eaten out and re-cropped. 

The red meat sector is certainly firing along with not just lamb at record levels but also beef and mutton. 

Wool has even taken an overdue leap, which will lift confidence in that sector.

No doubt, as farmers, we will be dealt some challenges as the year progresses but at this stage there are plenty of reasons to be positive.   

I haven’t done any spotlighting for fox control but intend to have several extensive shoots over the coming weeks. 

With many stock in containment areas it will give us the rare opportunity to drive around the property without having to open a gate every few minutes.

Our Condah property is flourishing with more than 150 millimetres recorded since mid-March. 

We are still fattening lambs on the best clover paddocks and have joined ewes on the remainder. 

The early start down there has meant that stock haven’t required any supplementary feeding.  

This winter we have two kids playing junior table tennis and four playing junior or senior badminton, including myself, 

We are all looking forward to it.

We attended the Anzac Day services last week where Ben helped lay a wreath for Horsham West Primary School. 

It is great to honour those who have fought for our country. 

One of my grandfathers served in the First World War and the other in the Second World War. 

It’s hard to imagine the hell they must have endured.