The drought is common knowledge these days.  Though it has been a problem for so many people living on the land for years.  I think the reason the vast majority of us, didn’t know that this problem was so widespread is that farmers as a general rule, are very stoic and don’t like to ask for help.

As an average city dweller and mum, I had donated money to various drought related charities and thought nothing more of it.  That was until my mum went to a fundraiser and came back with a story from an interview with a farmer.  The story was as follows: the farmer was an 8o years old woman with 2 disabled sons.  She only had one arm, no water and no feed for the animals.  They were watching the bales of hay drive past, going further inland.

I like most people I have chatted to, thought that the support was going to every farmer.  But the reality is that isn’t the case.  I think there might be a flaw in the system, being that the farmers won’t ask for help.  So unless someone knows that there is a need, they can’t provide any assistance.

This is was when I came up with the idea, that it would be wonderful for myself and the kids, during the September holidays to go and give some farmers a hand.  Well, I found out that volunteering isn’t as easy as I originally expected.  Initially we were going mandarin picking, for a couple of days before the farmer decided she would be ok.

Eventually, many phone calls later.  We found some gorgeous farmers that were happy to have a hand.  It was the best experience for all of us.  I learnt so many things, I didn’t already know.  My children, got to milk cows, feed calves, play with barn cats and clean up the garden.

More importantly, they learnt that life isn’t always easy and that farmers work extremely hard.  Starting very early in the day and not stopping until after the job is done.  That people’s livelihood can be affected by the whims of mother nature.

I highly recommend doing to same with your family.  We have made some gorgeous new friends and plan to go back to their farm later in the year.