Top 7 best things about growing up on a farm
GROWING up on a farm is a much different experience than those had by our city cousins.
The Rural Weekly has taken to Facebook to ask our readers what they thought were the best things about growing up on a farm.
1. FREEDOM
LET’S start with the big one. There’s no denying the feeling of freedom you have when growing up on a farm. When your boundary is ‘not to go past the road gate’ life is good when you have endless miles to run and play.
Facebook user Heather Clark agreed that freedom was something special.
“Playing outside and not having to look over your shoulder. We never had a worry in the world,” she commented.
2. LEARNING TO DRIVE
WHILE those who grow up in the suburbs don’t get behind the wheel until they turn 16, farm kids learn to drive at an early age. When it comes to getting their licence, farm kids drive rings around the city kids.
Facebook user Kate Capp said she had to learn to drive the ute at a young age, so if anything happened on the farm she could get help.
3. PODDY CALVES
ANYONE who grew up on a livestock property knows what it’s like to become the proud parent of a poddy calf or lamb.
Having a pet that ends up being 800 kilos and still gallops flat out to the fence when it’s called is pretty cool. Definitely a perk of being on the land.
4. IMAGINATION
WITH no cinemas, shops or arcades, and a dodgy internet connection, farm kids have to learn how to entertain themselves.
Facebook user Suzanne Hateley said learning to entertain herself was one of the best things about growing up on a farm.
“No iPads, Xboxes, or technology crap. Just fresh air and fun,” she said.
Facebook user Grace Peskett agreed.
“The stuff you can get up to is endless! There’s never a dull day on the property,” she said.
5. COMMUNITY SPIRIT
THERE is nothing quite like the kindness of country folks.
Everyone might know your business, but they will be quick to lend a hand if you ever needed it/get bogged/break down/leave something in town/have cattle out. Nat Simmons and Roz Lemon from Facebook both agreed there’s nothing quite like the connection of a country community.
6. SWIMMING
ON A hot day after a hard day helping out on the farm, there is nothing better than cooling off in the creek or the dam.
Unlike the local swimming pool, you can bring your horse or your dog to cool off too!
7. HUNTING AND FISHING
IF YOU grew up on a property it’s likely you learnt to hunt or fish.
Facebook user Paula Lee said she learnt to hunt rabbit using ferrets and would hunt wood duck for dinner!