June opened with well below average rainfall and very cold temperatures. Records were under threat with 21 nights dropping below -5°C and a very cold and icy low of -10.8°C recorded at 7 am on 21 June. Fortunately, July and August brought milder days and well above average rainfall, and this has left paddocks very wet underfoot.
Our new SKA mobile layer sheds, commissioned in April, are already proving their worth. They have boosted efficiency and provided resilience against these weather extremes. For the first time in winter, egg production has increased, a positive trend that we expect to continue well into spring.
In late July, we purchased a new batch of day-old chicks, which are thriving with body weights already above standard.
Calving is well underway with no significant issues to date. The untimely loss of our paddock feed reserves to feral animals has caused the cows to lose slightly more condition than planned. However, they are milking well, and the calves are strong and looking very sappy.
We are also pleased to introduce Jason Maloney, who has joined Mulloon Creek Natural Farms as Farm Manager at the Home Farm. With more than 25 years’ experience in regenerative and biological farming, Jason brings expertise in formulating and brewing biological teas and related products. Jason is a fantastic addition to our team.
