Ancient Pastoral Partnerships

An age old sight in the Australian countryside in current days

proves the sustainable link between man and animal, that of

the relationship farmers have had for centuries with sheep.

These grazing animals birth their young in mid winter and

these lambs can be seen in fields in plentitude.  The pastures

of Winter are lush and green, providing sustenance for the

new life they support.  Cypress and native Gum trees have been used

as windbreaks for just as long, and the animals use these for

shade and shelter.  (The link on Gums has some amazing vintage

viewing from 1949 in black and white from the Shell Australia Archive.

It is well worth viewing these three, very short, films.)

It is often said Australia was formed on the

“sheep’s back”, and the wool from sheep of many breeds is exported

worldwide, to this day.

(copyright Monika Roleff 2008.)