Meet Gracemere Family
Last newsletter we introduced all the animals that call Gracemere Farmstead home and then we thought- hey maybe you don’t even know us that well!!
So, today we are going to introduce the faces behind Gracemere Farmstead plus give you some interesting insights and news from the last month.
First up is Stephen, a schoolteacher for 30+ years, he has taken on the farm from a far different background. It has been challenging to say the least. As he says, he does the jobs no-one else wants to do. Rising early to “do the meat chickens” + milk the cows he can be found marvelling at the sunrise and educating himself by listening to an audible book as he works around the farm.He is responsible for all things ‘edutainment’ and the most likely person you will speak to if you ring. He loves a chat!
Next is Melanie, the organizer and planner of the farm. She is always thinking of different processes and things we can do on the farm to keep moving forward in our “grand plan” and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. She helps keep everyone on track with many spreadsheets and lists and is always there to provide advice, problem solve or just offer encouragement when something is wrong.
Bethany is our go to, all rounder, moving cows daily, fencing (a constant job) and all things technological (including this newsletter- Hi- I’m amazing by the way!!)…. Website, spreadsheets, social media the list goes on. Bethany has a Cert IV in Permaculture and a Cert IV in Small Business and is currently studying a Cert IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping. In her spare time she can be found working at McDonalds (a contrast of values I know) and at a local service station. She LOVES to read as well.
Chloe, 16, aka the chicken whisperer and all-round animal lover has two chicken caravans full of laying chickens. She is responsible for all things “eggs”. Actually Chloe is hard working, eager to please and loves to tackle the many practical challenges of everyday farm life. Rounding up the cows on her trusty Jess (a thoroughbred horse) she can be seen often on horseback all around the 100 acres. She has quite the way with Kuji (Tahlia’s horse) who can get quite naughty and who often needs Chloe to get him back in line before Tahlia rides again. Chloe loves to cook and is responsible for most of the culinary delights prepared at Gracemere. Chloe doesn’t believe her bio is complete without introducing her pets, Smokey and Molly, her cats and Banjo her dog. Animal lover indeed!
Tahlia, 14, the baby and arguably the most dramatic member. She is adept at keeping the most difficult and recalcitrant person or animal at bay ensuring they are in the right place even when they have other ideas. Extremely creative, her latest project is building a treehouse complete with windows, a lockable door, flying fox and a trapdoor. Tahlia loves all animal including her “son” Cocoa the calf, now 1year old, but still wanting daily scratches and hugs. She is also very defensive about her favourites(animals) disliking when other family members call her favourite goat Flopsy stinky (a common characteristic of adult male goats to attract the ladies). Tahlia is chief brooder operator and takes great care in ensuring the meat chicks have a warm safe space for their first 3 weeks of life.
