HAPPY NEW YEAR to all customers and friends

 

We all hope 2023 is better than 2022! Government shutdowns and vaccination rules in response to the Covid 19 pandemic were worse than the virus itself. Ongoing problems created by State and Federal Governments are likely to last longer than the effects of Covid – but hopefully politicians and fat-cat bureaucrats will resist the urge to continue their ‘control’ of us in their desire to see how far they can push us before we rebel and say”NO More”.In Victoria, so many people have behaved like sheep, following directives without questioning the absurdity.

On the farm it will take some time to return to sanity as government actions have wiped out many of our long term customers. We live in hope that the sheeples will wake up!

Ukraine war kills over 4 million hens

 The war in Ukraine has taken a toll of over four million hens as well as its human casualties. Owners of the egg production plant at Chorobaivske say that in early 2022, the farm was cut off from the power supply, which disrupted feeding lines, egg collection and shipment facilities, as well as the shuttle service for farm workers.The facility was the major egg producer in the country and supplied most of europe.

The company revealed that 4.4 million birds eventually died from thirst and hunger.

“We managed to give away to the local population some of the eggs and birds from the farm amid heavy shelling in the early days of the invasion, but most of the flock starved to death." a company spokesman said.

Baling finished just before Christmas

 

Son Bryan managed to cut, rake and bale a couple of paddocks to give us over 200 small square bales (now safely stored in the hayshed.) Some light showers threatened to delay the process but Bryan managed to finish the job after sorting out problems with the knotters on his ancient New Holland 275 baler. In the past we have used our even older NH 66 ( now retired). It's always a rush at this time of year to get finished before we hit the conditions which bring out  arsonist firebugs. They are around every year, determined to enjoy lighting fires like the one at Grantville last year which came close to the farm.Authorities waited for the blaze to be big enough to attract media attention so they could bring in fire bombing planes.

Excellent tray-baked fried rice

Mix a tablespoon of sesame oil, fried rice paste(dried shrimp, fish sauce and chillie flakes, garlic and soy sauce) in a large bowl.

Add chopped chicken and prawns. Season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Stir in boiled rice. Combine well.

Spread rice mixture evenly onto prepared tray. Bake at 220°C for 20 minutes Add frozen vegetables to rice. Toss to combine. Make 6 indents in the rice. Break an egg into each indent and return to the oven for 15 minutes, Sprinkle with chopped spring onions for garnish.

 

Barro Group cuts down more native trees

 

Clearing native vegetation in Bass Coast Shire has plumbed new depths.As a result of Council apathy, concrete giant, Barro Group has been emboldened to cut down more mature trees including on our covenanted land adjoining their proposed sand extraction site. We have reported the trespass and damage. It will be interesting to see what action is now taken. One thing is certain - the Council doesn't care and can't be bothered.

Have a great Christmas!

 From Anne and Phil at Freeranger Eggs.