Farming and food......the next generation!

Yesterday was all about being with our 3 year old grand daughter, Claire. The amazing amount of energy children have at this age is unbelievable. We spent the morning playing in a wading pool then inside for morning tea - how much food can a 3 year old eat!! Then it was time for jigsaws, reading and being "Mister Maker". Craft is one of Claire's favourite past times and she can spend ages making and creating.
It wasn't long after lunch that DH Farmer mentioned it was time to milk the cows. Well that was it! Claire was up and out the back door telling Grandad to "hurry up"! Apparently we were spending the afternoon at the dairy milking cows.

Claire learning to milk.

Please realise that Claire is completely safe milking the cow above. The cow is very quiet, use to children and noise, and Grandad has his arms as a safety barrier just in case. Rubber boots are a must for the dairy as well! A gentle pat on the cow's rump is a must after putting the cups on!

It reminds me of when my own children were little and the way they spent their afternoons. Nothing teaches the next generation of farmers better than including them always from a very young age in your day to day life and routine on the farm. Whilst many young people in rural areas are moving off farm and looking for occupations that "pay better" and make for a so called "easier life" we are proud that both our sons are working on farms and beef properties. After completing Year 12 they both attended Tocal Agricultural College and have never been without rural work. In time, the hope is that they will return to the home farm and run it as their own and continue to hand on to the next generation. They will be the 4th generation to do this and who knows - maybe Claire will be the 5th! She is off to a great start!
As farmers, we take great pride in growing and producing safe and high quality food for people to eat! Whether it be milk or beef we know that what we produce on our farm meets these safe, high quality standards that people in our country have come to expect and like to consume. Without our next generation of farmers these foods will not be "Grown in Australia".  Putting it simply that is why we have to encourage young farmers in this country and that is exactly what we are trying to do and feel like we are succeeding to do on our farm!
Take care.....
Carol