In this part of the world, the second week in July is historically the coldest week of the year for air temperature. The soil temperature continues to cool until the first week in August before it starts to warm, encouraging pasture growth. There is some variance, of course, but overall, it is a good time of year to bunker down in front of the fire and plan out the next few months. Sapphire agrees, especially when the wind and sleet are coming in sideways.

The paddocks are looking typical for winter. Short green grass and some standing dry matter makes for slim pickings for the cattle. Despite reducing our numbers heavily, we have chosen to supplement the cattle’s feed with the odd bale of hay.

The older cows remember the sound of the tractor well and were very happy to see me, despite them all being in good condition. They will need every ounce of condition once they calve and start producing milk.

We have spent a fair amount of time inside this winter planning, dreaming, measuring, and pacing out a long-overdue renovation of the house. The Rock Farm homestead was built in the 1970s and is in almost original condition. We have done a few things to the house to make it warmer since we moved in (insulation in the roof, a new fireplace, and some new windows), but the majority of the house is very much as it was when it was completed (we think – our local council has a distinct absence of records relating to our home). We are enjoying planning what it might become.

Despite the impending renovation, those who know us well know we have a long list of projects already on the go. The latest one is the construction of a new patio above our BBQ area, to be followed (one day) by a homemade pizza oven and new BBQ. It has been a whole family affair, with a fantastic day’s work from my brother, which saw us get the rafters up, and Jo and the still-at-home helper lending a hand getting the purlins and fascia ready for the new sheets.

But everything stops on that special day when the first calf arrives! Two calves arrived on their due date, and another one arrived the next afternoon. I can now see us finding many more excuses to go and sit with these beautiful animals.

With lots of things happening on the Rock Farm, it is great to take a moment every now and then to reflect on what we have accomplished. Sometimes Nature creates those moments for you.

When the wind stops and the sun comes out, there is nothing like watching the sun sink below the horizon and seeing the stars appear in the night sky. The cold, clear air allows us to witness the magnificent glory of the stars, reminding me of how fortunate we are to be here.