Our property has been in the Jorgensen family since the mid sixty’s and has grown from 400ha when my husband and I took over to over 1800ha today which we farm with our son.The mean rainfall is around 430mm with over 690mm recorded for 2022. Generally, the soils are self-mulching Wimmera clays. In addition to cropping we run 450 head of fine wool merino’s and breed Clydesdale horses.
My passion for farming started at a young age on my parents dairy and market garden property south of Melbourne. I started work on the farm at 13, I loved the cows and would milk twice a day, pick potatoes and do various other jobs.My parents tried to discourage me from farming as they wanted an easier life for me as a secretary or the likes. As fate would have it, I married my husband and moved to Rupanyup where I have worked on the farm, raised children and become the business administrator for our farm.
My family have been supportive of me taking on roles with various grain industry organisations. I originally went to VFF meetings just to learn about what others were doing on their farms, it turned out I ended up becoming the branch secretary and one of two women to join the district council where I had great support from men in the group. I am also the Treasurer for Partners in Ag which helps farmers and their partners with getting the skills they need for their farm business. And I’ve been a member of GrainGrowers since a meeting in Warracknabeal back around two thousand.
I believe industry groups are very important, as a collective it is easier to spread the load and get the right research and professionalism to pitch a submission than to try to go it alone. Gone are the days when you can just have a chat with a local authority to have issues resolved. Observing my son, it is often hard for the next generation to commit regular involvement with industry groups. Their generation tends to work longer hours due to the equipment they have available and can run all night if needs be. They also need to make time for their families too.
Reflecting back on the farm, last season’s yields overall were good with the exception of a lentil paddock which got too wet and some storm damaged canola. Traditionally we have had strong lentil production. Most years we sow Barley, Lentils, Wheat, Spelt and Canola using Vetch as green manure or hay. We will sow the same again this year but may add Faba beans to the mix.
Over the past 6 weeks, the soils have dried out and started to crack. We are getting prepared for the season ahead and the coming weeks will be busy with weed control and lambing in April. We hope to start sowing towards the end of April. For 2023 we are looking forward to good crops and good prices but farming is a challenge and you should expect one of three outcomes - good, mediocre and poor. Mother nature and markets can quickly change the playing field.
My words of wisdom for anyone looking to go into farming is to follow your passion and give it a go. Love your land and ensure your heart is in it.