Colours of hope:
Cathcart Rd, Longwarry may not be a high traffic area, but anyone driving that route will appreciate the colourful vista of one property. Eric and Michelle van Tiel hope their coloured silage bales will raise the conversation for cancer research organisations.
Cathcart Rd, Longwarry may not be a high traffic area, but anyone driving that route will appreciate the colourful vista of one property.
Silage bales are a common sight across West Gippsland at this time of year – it is something we take for granted across the countryside.
Michelle van Tiel loves “anything pink” so when she spotted pink silage wrap, she asked her husband Eric, “why can’t we have pink bales.”
When Eric inquired with his contractor, he discovered not only could they have pink silage wrap, but it would support breast cancer.
It is the second year Eric and Michelle have adorned their farm with the coloured bales.
And they are pleased the colourful display also benefits three important cancer fundraisers – pink for the McGrath Foundation, blue for the Australian Prostate Centre and yellow for the Children’s Cancer Foundation.
“Every time we buy a roll of silage wrap, a donation goes to cancer organisations.
“Last year my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer so it was appropriate timing and this year my father has had treatment for bowel cancer,” Eric said.
While the purchase of each roll of silage wrap from Tama converts to a donation to the three organisations, Michelle said it also was about creating awareness.
She said it was about raising the conversation for people driving past and making people aware of the work being done in cancer research.
The property is never low in silage production so there is plenty of opportunity to promote the coloured bales.
Last year they managed three cuts. This year’s first cut of 35 acres has produced 350 silage bales, with another 20 acres to do in the next month.
Each year, Eric and Michelle also try to support a Need for Feed fundraiser to assist farmers. So, they said, transporting the coloured bales up the highway was another way of creating awareness about cancer research.
“There’s always somewhere that needs feed so I’m happy to donate through Need to Feed,” Eric said.
Eric and Michelle have been on the Cathcart Rd property for eight years.
The property includes a 370,000 bird poultry operation which they manage and 250 acres which they lease from the owner.
They provide agistment for up to 300 head of cattle, managing and overseeing young stock.