Some Humour with a Message...

These last few months have seen YouTube give rise to some absolutely terrific Farming Related Parody Songs, so I thought today that I would share them in my blog post.

 But before I do so I thought it would be important to comment on the great work these guys (and many others out there) are doing. By creating and producing the clever videos they are promoting in such a great way agricultural industries and the vital role they have in society. In both these videos they have worked really well on breaking any preconceived misconceptions that consumers have about agriculture and educated them in a fun and humorous way at the same time.
By producing these song parodies these young producers are being great 'agvocates' for their industry helping consumers understand what goes into their product in a fun way at the same time. By engaging with consumers in this way producers are breaking down these preconcieved misconceptions about the industry and promoting it at the same time. As you will see in the videos these groups love their industry, they love working in their industry and are very passionate about educating the public.
Hat's off to these guys for their efforts and I hope to see more videos like this to come!

So enough from me, and on with the show! Here are just two of the many videos out there that have caught my eye:

The Peterson Farm Bros.

I'm Farming & I Grow It

With well over 1 000 000 views this video has certainly taken YouTube by storm. Gaining success not just in America but across the world these gentleman have certainly got a hit on their hands! Going viral in a matter of days and leading to numerous appearances on US television, here is I'm Farming & I Grow It:

You can keep up to date with these guys on their Facebook (here) & YouTube Channels (here) for more news and insights into the production process.

Lil Fred

Farm It Maybe?

This one just popped up in my newsfeed this morning courtesy of some mates from college, the FFA and a few other Ag Industries that I follow on Facebook.

Lil Fred who is only 9yrs old, puts together and stars in these video's together with the help of his brother Justin (18yrs old). Well written and an absolute crack up, sure to be one of the next viral sensations, here is Farm It Maybe?:

Again you can follow Lil Fred on his own YouTube Channel (here) for new and upcoming projects!

Wet Winter....

This season has seen a large amount of rain fall for the Winter months this year. This has meant that the gumboots and the drizabone have come in handy a lot this season.

Just today I tipped over 24mm out of the rain gauge, this rain that has fallen in the past 24hrs.

This weather whilst it is great coming into the Spring & Summer seasons is great for buffering our pasture supplies is wreaking havoc with our work schedules and plans and also the temperatures.

So for now I am keeping a close eye on the weather to see when we have some clear days planned....

If it's any consolation for us this week revised climate prediction have indicated the strong liklihood of an el Nino event occuring.
This events results in a drying summer for the Southern Hemisphere and indicates at possible strong rainfall conditions for the Northern Hemisphere.
Check out the QLD Government Long Paddock Website (http://www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/) for up to date information.

Why I Like Cows (II) ....

Once again the news has degenerated to the point that I am over all of the celebrity gossip, horrible TV Shows and latest released novels and songs, that I have again decided that it all would be better if it were about cows.....

Here's a few examples from the week that was and why it would be so much better if it were about cows......

1. The Shire (cue groan....)
Channel 10's hit (?) TV series the shire premiered this week and has to put it lightly left some viewers with a gripe or two about the show.
Personally I'm not the hugest fan of the show (personally I won't watch it when there is better content on TV). But this lead me to thinking, how much better would this show be if it was about cows:
    1. Cow's don't get botox or breast enhancements.
    2. Last time I checked cow's didn't go through massive break ups.
    3. The only pushy cows I know are jersey cows.

So looking at it half the storyline would be cut, and then all you'd have to do is replace the "Snooki" character with a Jersey cow named Mabel?
I could just imagine the opening titles:
"Welcome to the Shire - This week we see a power play between Mavis and Mabel for the head of the herd, who will win? Who will lose, lets look and see...."

* Sorry to anybody out there who owns Jersey Cattle, they are for the most part lovely, but there are some pretty pushy ones out there.

2. 50 Shades of Grey (sorry I just don't get what the big deal is...)
Lately all I seem to be hearing about is the book "50 Shades of Grey" and that it has gained itself somewhat of a large following and is being touted to be the next box office blockbuster.....
The only 50 Shades of Grey I've seen or ever had to worry about are Brahmans & Murray Greys:

If this book was about cows (or bulls) than the most riveting read would be their EBV values and other trait characteristics.

Sources: 

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cow_female_black_white.jpg

2. http://www.puregrassbeef.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/2008_bulls.226135456_std.jpg 

3. http://www.brahman.com.au/brahmanMedia.html

 

Headed Home!

Headed Home (nearly!) just gotta pack the Rav 4 and I'm all set.....

GPS is Programmed and I am just about ready to head once all the packing is all done.

UniHolidays are finally here and I am gearing up for a busy week at home, then heading back to Uni For a Week to look after High School Students and the next generation of Ag & Vet Students at UQ FEAST.

 

Check out UQ Gatton's Facebook & Twitter Feeds (links above) to keep up to date with the programs they are offering for Current Students, Future Students & Producers.

Should be lots of fun but still a bit busy, but hey that's farm life for you!

This Month's Banner Explained: June

This months banner was a bit of a challenge to put together as I haven't been out photographing much lately.
June for me is pretty much dedicated to all things study for what we call SwatVac (Check out SwatVac related tweets here #SwatVac).
Image #1: I have developed a bit of a penchant for heights lately after being invited on a rock climbing trip.
Image #2: FarmFest 2012 (you can read about it here) - these are the goodies I picked up.
Image #3: Study Time - My e-notes
Image #4: Masquerade Ball - End of semester dinner was masquerade themed.
Image #5:  Motivation - This little book keeps me going, it's always full of helpful sayings, occasionally I will                   tweet them (here)
Images #6 & #7: Study, Study, Study, Study......

Hope this sheds some light, well getter get back to it and stop this procrastination, c'ya on the flipside!

FarmFest 2012

Something BLUE,
                  Something GREEN,
                                    Something RED;

A colour for everyone! FarmFest 2012 certainly proved that.
For those that don't know FarmFest is an Agricultural Field day held on the Darling Downs in QLD, it is said to be one of the biggest in Queensland and Australia.

It showcases the latest and greatest agricultural products across a wide range of sectors including farming, spraying, animal health & handling systems, and much much more. They come in a wide range of sizes from the smallest trade tool right up to a 50m+ Spray Coupe.

FarmFest is a mecca for the Rural Sector: It gives us the chance to come together and look at some of the newest and often cutting edge technology to enable producers to better and more efficiently produce their end product.
The FarmFest field day runs over three days enabling farmers to come from near and wide to see some of the latest and greatest products.
 It also gives us the opportunities to score so good freebies from the reps and make that Christmas wish list a bit longer!
Products are often demonstrated in a "test-drive" area. Equipment in operation included the mamoth spray coupes (see the one on the right), tractors, ploughs, mulchers, ATV's, bikes, the list goes on!
As well as product demonstrations there is a wide range of animal exhibits from stud beef cattle, dairy goats, and even the more traditional horsepower option of clydesdales. these animals all compete in specific classes and are judged taking home some serious prizes.


All the major manufacturers are represented with what seems to be a rainbow of colors to chose from. But from my observations you were either a Blue, Green or Red person (check out the images below).

 Both Case IH (Red) and New Holland (Blue) had some kit that I have classified in the realm of "big boys toys"
One of the more interesting "toys" that I saw this year was a new one Claas (Gleaner I think). This looks to me like the new hybrid of the farming world. This critter is somewhat similar to a Prius: in that it is a hybrid.

It features front track articulated steering technology, with wide tread tires on the rear. And it makes the transformers look like, well; kids toys.

In a sign of the times and the fact that more and more farmers these days are embracing technology this year featured an iPhone app which made life and navigation of the site a complete breeze.
Over 70, 000 people will have passed through the gates to visit of 2,500 individual rural companies. The site itself is massive which is where the i-gadget came in handy. You have access to the map and exhibitors list so you can plan your day.
I spent two days at the site this year and got to see some cool tech and speak to some very knowledgeable people. For me field days like this provide great insight into the industry enabling me to see a lot of the new and upcoming tech as well as get the low-down on products currently available in the market place.



 Just some of the swag of goodies (below) and literature that I picked up, that I now get to go through:

For more information check out the FarmFest Website (here), and who knows maybe I'll see you at FarmFest 2013!

My Gumboots...

A few weeks ago I was encouraged to enter a competition through my University to enter a photo of a pair of shoes and a story about how they are reflective of your life experiences.
I decided to enter a nice photograph (is that an oxymoron?) of my gumboots and entered it in the competition. I think that my gumboots are a really good representation of farming life. Every boot/gumboot or hat out there could probably tell a story. Every stain, rip, scuff or mark has a story.
Why don't you grab a photo of your today and do a few short lines on their story and how their story represents your story/journey.....

Here is my entry that I have sent off:

"My Gumboots have been everywhere! They always ride in the back of my Rav and have been through flood, torrential downpours and more mud and manure than I can recount. They are tough & hard wearing, and never receive special attention, except for a gurnying when I have finished with them for the day. Says a lot for their resilience in many respects….. They put up with a lot of crap (literally in many cases) and are always on hand (or should I say foot) when I need them. From checking a flooded crossing, to working in the dairy or to preg testing a cow these boots are always my go to boot. When you are pushing through the hard and often unpleasant times in life there is nothing better than a pair of gumboots! "

 

 I have been lucky enough to be selected as a finalist in the competition and now have to deliver a short speech. Any hints or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

To check out more of the entries click on the image below to go to the UQ Gatton Facebook Page:

*More entries are located under the Photos Tab, then Diversity Week Competition Tab