Postcards home

Over the last few years, I’ve witnessed this similar situation on country roads more frequently as the drought set in. On this particular day I encountered this farmer, Dave, who was watching over his herd of cattle as they grazed on the roadside. “Seems some of these drivers can’t read,” he said, commenting on the speed of some passing drivers who failed to acknowledge the temporary warning signs placed at both ends of the herd.

Due to the increasing prices of hay, the Cargo farmer has resorted to bringing his stock out onto the roadside to feed on the dry forage. As we were chatting, we heard the loud screech of tyres and quickly turned to see a car narrowly miss running over Dave’s dog, Joe.

As he was rounding the herd up to return to the family property, I could see the extent of the drought’s effect on the animals: some of the cattle were clearly emaciated, the outline of their bones impressing through to their hides.