Farm for the Future

"Imagine this farm ten years from now," said Suzy, spreading a big plan across the table. "What do we want it to look like?"

Little Thunder closed his eyes. "Green grass, full dams, lots of trees and happy animals."

"Then we need to plan," said Spike. "Every choice we make now changes the future."

They started with water. Spike pointed to the bare creek bank. "When it floods, the soil washes away. If we plant trees and grasses along the creek, their roots will hold the soil."

"And give shade to the cattle," added Little Thunder. "And homes for birds and wombats."

Next they looked at the paddocks. Some were dusty and tired. Suzy suggested moving the herd every few weeks. "If we rest each paddock, the grass grows back stronger."

Then Spike frowned. "What about drought years? There might be summers with almost no rain."

"Bigger tanks on the sheds," said Suzy. "We catch rain when it falls and save it for the dry times."

Little Thunder thought about the hot summer nights. "And we should clear dry leaves away from the house and sheds before the bushfire season. A firebreak keeps everyone safer."

Madrid the cow wandered over. "What about power for the pumps?"

"Solar panels on the dairy roof," said Spike. "Sunshine is free."

They added each idea to the plan, one by one. Water, soil, trees, animals, safety and energy, all connected like a giant web.

"It looks like a lot of work," said Little Thunder.

Suzy smiled. "It is. But we'll do it one season at a time. And in ten years, we'll look back and be proud."