August – usually cold, wet, and miserable – was just cold this year. While the eastern seaboard has been drenched with record-breaking rain, we’ve stayed stubbornly dry. That is, until yesterday, when we were blessed with 20mm of much-needed rain. The paddocks have turned green almost overnight and are poised to really respond once the weather warms up.

Feeding the cattle each morning has become one of our favourite routines – especially for Sapphire. It’s also given us the chance to welcome our new calves to the Rock Farm. More than once, we’ve found ourselves running late for work because we didn’t want to drag ourselves away.

Of course, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Checking the herd twice a day still leaves long stretches where things can go wrong. Sadly, for Dozer (Daughter of Zoe), we came home from work on Friday afternoon to find her exhausted and struggling with her first calf. After catching her in the paddock with a makeshift lasso and laying her down, I was able to clear the calf’s legs and head. What should have been a simple heave to deliver the rest of the calf turned into a drawn-out struggle. Despite our best efforts, and some desperate attempts at CPR, the calf passed away shortly after birth. Dozer, Jo and I were all left exhausted.

Thankfully, Dozer was up and about the following morning and has since made a full recovery. The rest of the calves have arrived safely, without drama. They’re now a mob of cheeky little boys and girls, and to them, Sapphire is just another big calf. Watching them play is an absolute delight.

Jo and I have also settled into our Monday-to-Friday rhythm. After feeding the cows, we often carpool to work – still a novelty for us. I do feel a little more disconnected from the community while we’re both working full-time, but I know it’s only temporary.

Our weekends are dedicated to the slow but steady renovation project. A special shout-out goes to John and Bradley from J&B Building Supplies, who deliver everything we need straight to the house. Their service is a lifesaver when you live out of town. Not only that, but they’ve also helped me find the best way forward on a few tricky issues. I couldn’t recommend them more highly.

As we head into spring, our focus will shift to keeping pastures healthy, managing the growing calves, and making steady progress on the renovations. The recent rain has given us a good start, and with a bit of sunshine, the paddocks should really come to life. There’s plenty of work ahead, but it’s the kind of work that keeps us grounded and grateful to be here on the Rock Farm.