It’s hot, it’s humid and the flies are sticky. It is a typical Queensland Summer. Monsoonal influences are ramping up in the North and we expect most of our annual rainfall to fall in the next few months.

Our rolling 12 month rainfall to date is sitting at 892mm which is a little below our average of 1050mm. Not too bad compared to some of our friends further North, South & West.

All the same, our income is derived from growing grass and to grow grass we need rain.

That is why Rob and most of his grazier mates are familiar with at least seven different weather websites which they scan each  morning looking for a promising forecast.

It is also why we feel a sense of excitement and anticipation when clouds start to build and the thunder rolls in.

And after listening to rain on the roof overnight, we are all keen to inspect the creeks come morning.

Because even though we are so fortunate to have a swimming pool in our yard, there is absolutely nothing like exploring and splashing and playing in a creek.

As these hot, humid days and stormy nights herald the beginning of our grass growing season we begin to move the cattle into fresh pasture more frequently to stimulate grass growth and provide the best feed to the cattle.

The insects have hatched and while the dung beetles are busily burying manure the buffalo fly are still thick.

It means there is rarely a volunteer to ride at the lead of the mob as this is where the fly are the thickest. The horses detest the fly as do the little riders. Nothing quite as annoying as a swarm of flies in your hair, your ears and covering the back of your shirt, especially when the heat leaves you almost breathless.

Of course all our troubles are washed away with the next scud on the horizon.

Rain really is liquid gold in our industry.

Can your hear the grass growing?

 

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