I’ll get my head out of the clouds (just for a minute) and explore some of the not so pleasant practicalities of farm life living.
Killing animals for food
We may be able to avoid this one by sending the animal away to the local abattoir for processing. Another option is to get a local to come and do it humanely, and to enlist a local butcher to divide up the animal, donating some of the animal to them as payment.
As much as I love the idea of being self sufficient and producing our own meat, I could never bring myself to cut of a chickens head. I guess it’s a part of my city upbringing, I’ve never been exposed to anything like that. Meat comes ready and packed in nice neat pretty foam trays – far from the reality of where the meat actually came from.
Pests
Flies. Crop eating insects. Birds attacking fruit. Mice and rats. Feral dogs and cats. Feral pigs. Foxes. Roos and rabbits. Snakes. Parasites on and in animals. I’m sure there will be much more discussion on how we deal with pests while maintaining an eco friendly set up.
Sunburn, thunderstorms, strong winds, fires and floods
You are at the mercy of the weather when you work outdoors, as are the crops and stock. We will need a comprehensive flood and fire plan too. Hopefully we’ll be sensible enough to stay away from flood prone areas.
Sick or unwell stock or having an animal break a leg or become entangled in wire
Matt will need his rifle license. We will also need to get to know the local veterinarian, and have a well stocked animal first aid kit, and a stable or a quiet place where the animal can recover.
Lack of services
It is very likely that mail will not be delivered and garbage and recycling bins will not be collected. Time set aside to collect mail from town and take the rubbish away will need to be scheduled on a weekly basis.
Farming accidents
I hope and pray that we never have to deal with an emergency, and we will need to be competent at handling equipment and stock.
Sacrifices
I got divorced from my first husband in 2011. My sons live with me, visiting their father every fortnight on the weekends. When we make our move out to the country, the boys will live with their father. This is their choice. My older son will have just finished high school and my younger son has started in year seven (2017). He is keen to go to the local high school where all his friends are, and my older son will likely have a job/apprenticeship or will be going to Tafe to further his education.
I have prepared the boys for our move. I have always told them that one day I’d be moving to the country, and I left it open for them to decide whether they wanted to come or not, because they have the option of living with their father. The option will always be there too, if they change their minds. They will come and visit and experience life on the farm every school holidays, along with Matt’s daughter, who is looking forward to getting her own pony.
I will miss them, but I know they will be happiest staying back.