The recent hard lambing and calving season has tested the resilience of our farmers and rural communities and many have endured long hours, unpredictable weather and the stresses of ensuring the health of their livestock.
These challenges remind us of the dedication and hard work that underpin our agricultural sector and, even more, our community.
This September has been particularly wet — the most consistently wet it’s been in many years — which has posed additional challenges for those managing pastures and livestock. Watching the rain pour down, we’ve seen muddy fields complicate care for young animals and hinder preparations for the growth that spring promises. Yet, as we know, this too shall pass, and brighter days lie ahead.
As we hope for a dry October, gardeners and farmers alike look forward to clearer skies that will allow us to get back to the land. For those of us with gardens, this means sowing seeds, planting bulbs and preparing for the vibrant blooms that will soon grace our landscapes.
There’s something profoundly satisfying about nurturing our own gardens — a privilege we sometimes overlook compared to those living in concrete jungles.
So, what are you planting this spring? Are you a fruit fanatic, growing strawberries and blueberries, or do you prefer vegetables like lettuces and spinach?
Whatever you are growing, be sure to pop your head over the fence and share tips, seeds and stories with your neighbours. As we dig into the soil this spring, let’s celebrate the resilience of our farming community, embrace the joy of gardening and nurture the hope that a dry October will bring fruitful results for us all.
