When you think of an Australian farmer, it’s safe to bet that a rugged bloke wearing a worn-in button-up and a wide-brimmed hat with his trusted canine companion at his side, comes to mind. Work dogs are a staple of the rural way of life. They do their job each day and work without complaint. They give companionship and are fiercely loyal to their families. Moreso, they’re invaluable because the work they do is better than what several men could achieve.

Farm dogs have different purposes from herding, to guarding and even removing pests from the property. Here are our picks for the most iconic and beloved dog breeds to have on your property:

1. Border Collie

The world’s smartest dog is an easy pick for the number one position. Herding comes as an instinct for these dogs and they will patrol livestock from as young as pups.

If you want to train a dog quickly, then none will beat the Border Collie. This breed is capable of learning a new command with as few as 5 repetitions. Once a command is learned, they can obey it on the first try with a 95% success rate. The only dogs to compete with this command retention are German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers. 

Collies can run from sunrise to sunset with no fatigue as they were originally bred to herd sheep, but they have proven to be proficient at handling larger herd animals like cattle. 

The only thing that matches a collie’s intelligence is it’s sheer loyalty to its owner. They form a strong dependence on their carer and make for brilliant life partners.

2. Australian Cattle Dog (Heeler)

They may not be as bright as Border Collies, but the loyal Heeler’s stockier build and taller average height give the iconic blue-coloured work dogs an advantage when it comes to dealing with larger livestock. 

Just like Collies, these dogs were bred for farm work, and they have an intuitive talent at herding. 

Heelers were bred by mixing collies with native dingoes. It’s hard to think of working dogs without the blue-furred cattle dogs coming to mind. 

A true Australian-made work breed.

3. Kelpie

Another of Australia’s own working dogs! The Kelpie is a favourite across the country for its work ethic and determination. A good Kelpie is said to be worth several men, especially when herding in mountainous areas or open plateaus. 

The medium-sized dog can endure the blistering heat of the Australian outback and freezing temperatures found at high altitudes. A well trained Kelpie won’t rely on instructions from its owner, it knows when to go ahead of a stockman and funnel a herd in the right direction. 

They are loyal and easy to maintain, making them one of the top picks for Aussie farmers.

4. Jack Russell Terrier/ Rat Terrier

Life on a large property means you’ll likely have your fair share of pests. For people on a property who don’t farm or for farmers who want an inexpensive pet, a terrier is a perfect way to protect crops and structures from rodents. 

A smaller dog means it needs less food. If you’re a farmer who wants to protect your crops from pests but doesn’t see the need for a herding dog one of these two terrier breeds could be the solution, and one that doesn’t hurt your wallet as much as a bigger breed. Not to mention both are incredibly affectionate and intelligent breeds. 

The Jack Russell Terrier is considered one of the best ratters and its original purpose was to hunt foxes, so chasing small animals like rabbits and mice is instinct. Standing at less than 30cm the Russel can squeeze into small nooks where larger dogs would have no chance. 

As the name suggests, Rat Terriers are perfect at chasing down rodents. The small breed is incredibly easy to train and learns commands quickly. They are less yappy than Jack Russells and more comfortable living in smaller spaces. 

5. Anatolian Shepherd

These massive and protective dogs are a fantastic way to guard your herd or property when you’re not there. The Anatolian Shepherd forges a protective bond with their herds and their families, but are cautious of outsiders. 

Compared to other popular livestock guardians, like the Great Pyrenees, the Anatolian Shepherd manages the Australian heat well. This breed’s coat is weather-resistant and keeps them comfortable no matter the temperature. Some prefer the short coat versions because they handle heat better and require less maintenance.

Drought is one of the toughest hardships rural workers face year-after-year. Greater south-east Queensland communities are suffering from some of the lowest rainfall amounts ever recorded. But the Drought Support Expo is looking to educate drought-affected people on how to find support.

The Lockyer Valley Council is putting the spotlight on the drought and the devastating impact it has on rural landholders. The Lockyer Valley Drought Expo invites drought-affected rural landowners, farmers, stockmen, farmworkers, farm suppliers and anyone else in the agriculture industry who are in a similar situation, to go through how to make it through the current and future droughts safely. 

Feel like you’re in a slump during the drought? Well, this could be the perfect place to find what support is available for you and forge close mateships with others in the same position. The expo will cover drought support options, presentations on climate outlook and discuss the importance of looking after your mates and neighbours during hardship. The agriculture industry is the backbone of Queensland, so it’s important to make sure everyone gets through the current drought safely. 

The Lockyer Valley and surrounding regions have endured severe rainfall deficiencies for the past six months. Some areas in the West Moreton area have received the lowest recorded amount of rainfall ever, and rural workers are suffering. 

The Lockyer Valley Mayor, Councillor Tanya Milligan said the expo would equip suffering agricultural workers with critical information on how to find relief during the drought. 

“This drought is continuing to tighten its hold, and this is an opportunity for local rural landholders of all sizes, especially those with drought-affected stock or farms, to come together and connect with drought support options available to them,” she said. 

“The importance of mental health and wellbeing during an ongoing drought can’t be overlooked and checking in with your mental health, and that of your neighbours, really is so important.”

Mary O’Brien from “Are you bogged mate?” is the event’s keynote speaker. Mary understands and lives with the pressure of drought and is making a positive difference across the country with her support program. 

Date: Wednesday, 4 November 2020 

Time: 8.45am – 2.30pm 

Where: Gatton Shire Hall, 52 North Street, Gatton 

Cost: Free 

Other: Gift vouchers available for local produce stores and other prizes will be up for grabs on the day. 

Find Out More: https://www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/our-region/drought-support/Pages/Drought%20Support%20Expo.aspx

Many parts of Australia are impacted by a harsh cyclone season from November to April every year. Failure to prepare before a cyclone has caused injury and even cost people their lives, so it’s crucial that, if you live in an area that’s prone to cyclones, you know which safety measures you should be putting in place. When it comes to water management during cyclone season, there’s a lot to consider. Read our cyclone water management guide below:

Before a Cyclone

There are many cyclone water management measures and other safety systems you can take in the lead up to Australian storm season and in the minutes and hours before a cyclone hits to ensure that you, your family, your home and your pets are protected and have access to water. Read about some of the most important ones below: 

Have a Water Storage Tank

Suppose you live in an area of Australia that is susceptible to cyclones. In that case, it’s a good idea to have a water storage tank on your property in case your water supply is cut off or damaged for an extended period. A water storage tank is often the best backup you can have during emergencies. If you’re getting ready for cyclone season and don’t have a water tank on your property, head to our website and have a look at our huge range of poly tanks.

Get your Tank Prepped

If your water tank is above ground, make sure it’s properly secured to prevent it from either being damaged or causing damage during a cyclone. It’s also crucial that you have a mosquito net installed over or around your water tank. Make sure these screens don’t have any holes and that your flap valves are in place to prevent mosquitoes and other pests from getting into your water tank. 

Have Emergency Water at the Ready

You should always keep ample bottled water in your home during cyclone season since you might not have time to get to the shop and buy some. Besides that, when an official cyclone warning has been announced, it’s crucial that you start preparing a temporary water supply by filling up clean buckets, emergency containers and your bathtub if you have one. You should have enough water for up to 3 days of drinking, cooking and washing. It’s estimated that, on average, each person requires 20 litres per day. Also if you have pets or animals, don’t forget to take their water consumption into account. You may also want to freeze water for an alternative form of refrigeration in the case of a power cut.

Switch off your Home

After a warning has been given and before the cyclone arrives, you’ll need to turn electricity, gas, water and unplug all of your electrical appliances. Cyclones often cause power surges and pipes to burst or leak, so taking these precautions will help to ensure that your home isn’t damaged by flooding or fire.

After a Cyclone

After a cyclone has passed, it’s vital that you still take precautions and don’t venture out to inspect your tank or property before it’s 100% safe. Research has shown that the aftermath of a cyclone is just as deadly and dangerous as the storm itself. Read below about how you can manage your water supply after a cyclone has passed:

Check Your Tank

When the cyclone has passed, you’ll need to check your water storage tank and make sure that it hasn’t been flooded or damaged since this can cause contamination. If the water has been mildly contaminated, you can disinfect it and continue to use the water as usual. If your tank water has been severely contaminated during the cyclone, then you’ll need to drain the water and clean the tank.

Check for Mosquitoes

Increased rainfall and flooding can create the perfect conditions for mosquito breeding, so mosquito numbers usually spike during a cyclone. This breeding can take place in your water storage tank so, as soon as it’s safe to do so, check your mosquito screens and flap valves. If you find that any damage has been done to your screens or valves, make the necessary repairs as soon as possible to prevent your water tank from becoming contaminated. 

Boil your Tap Water

When the cyclone has passed, and you want to begin using your main water supply again for drinking, washing and cooking, you’ll have to boil or purify the water until informed by the authorities that the water has been declared as safe. Often mains water and water treatment plants are impacted or shut down by cyclones.

At Global Tanks, we have over 30 years of experience in providing our customers with water management solutions. If you have any questions about our range of tanks, our custom rotomoulding services or just need some advice, get in touch with one of our expert team members today!