Chris lives on his canola, barley and sheep farm in Cootamundra, tucked in the South West slopes region of NSW.
A born and bred farmer, early life was spent on the family sheep property in Quorn, and as a youngster Chris says he preferred being on the farm over going to school any day of the week!
Working alongside his Dad, brother and a team of four part time workers, Chris says this season is shaping up nicely.
“We haven’t had to buy feed for the sheep since back in Autumn, so it’s been pretty good so far.”
The lifestyle and sense of achievement his work brings is the most satisfying part of being a farmer for Chris.
“I love being able to achieve the best possible production outcomes I can out of the land. You put all the hard work in, whether it be lambing or crops, and just maximising what we can produce is what I am always striving to do.”
Dealing with the drought is the most challenging.
“And failed crops – but here I try and get some positives and find another way, like cut them for hay or put some sheep on them,” adds Chris.
What are Chris’s go-to sources for farm related intel to improve his business?
Chris says he is a big fan of using the Agriwebb App.
“It’s a farm management app – and really good for advice. They have online info for just about every issue you can have on the farm. You can use it for your livestock, or paddocks – it really helps make informed decisions.”
Chris adds that his local agronomist is also a massive support in providing the intel needed to make the tough decisions with the farm.
“He’s definitely a go-to, we work really closely on big decisions together, like on cutting crops for hay and so forth. It’s really good to have that support.”
What is Chris’s favourite way to spend the day on the farm?
Weekends with the family on the property is something Chris looks forward to all week!
“Most Sundays really, we have the family over and have a BBQ in the paddock. The kids can run free, it’s just so relaxing,” he says.
What words of wisdom would Chris give to someone just starting out in farming?
Chris says if he had one piece of advice it would be to stay positive, even in the toughest of times.
“You gotta find the positives in everything – don’t focus on the negatives whatever you do. If you do that, you’ll more than likely go nowhere fast.”
And what can Chris rely on his mates for in the grain industry?
“Always a beer and a chat!” he says.
“Just have a few beers and talk about everything with the boys. They’re always there for a chat – and we try and find the positives in everything together.”
