If there’s one word to sum up the experience of living rurally and making an income from farming, it’s ‘unpredictable’. You can plan and prepare, do everything perfectly right, and still you’re at the mercy of mother nature. Even the best laid plans can go to waste in a heartbeat.
Northern Rivers pecan grower and beekeeper, Scott Clark, knows this experience all too well. The pecan growing business is one of long-term commitment. It’s only after around eight years of preparation that production can commence, and usually 12-15 years before full production is achieved, depending on environmental conditions and other variables.
The flood disaster that swept through New South Wales and Queensland in 2022 was one of the worst flooding events in Australian history, with an estimated cost in excess of $4.8 billion.
The aftermath was unlike anything Scott and his family had ever witnessed, with flood debris covering his 5,000 orchard trees, and more than half of his 250 beehives destroyed.
“It was three metres above anything we had ever had before. We probably had five tonne of pecan nut we lost, we lost half our beehives. So basically, we had our ability to earn wiped out,” Scott said.
With many farmers, growers, and beekeepers in the region completely devastated, and recovery efforts estimated to run into the years, rebuilding seemed an insurmountable task.
But thanks to the generosity of Rural Aid supporters, and with the help of Rural Aid Farm Army volunteers, Scott was able to make significant strides towards restoring his farm.
In 2023, a support team of half a dozen spent a week on Scott’s property, clearing away much of the orchard debris, fighting back the weeds that had overwhelmed the nursery, and cleaning and repairing hives that had been damaged and rendered inoperable.
“They’re not real big jobs, but to have that out of the way is very helpful. It’s a load off our minds, we really can’t thank Rural Aid enough,” Scott said.
But as is often the case with farming, the story doesn’t end there. Inevitably, the next challenge is just around the corner.
The resumption of Scott’s operation has never been more vital, not just for his own livelihood, but for all of our wellbeing too. With Australian beekeepers currently facing a burgeoning Varroa Mite incursion, the survival of our bees is emerging as a critical issue facing the industry today.
One third of the food on our plates here in Australia is dependent on honeybee pollination, so the viability of farms like Scott’s is essential.
Rural Aid volunteer, Barbie De Witt, said her experience volunteering on Scott’s property gave her a better understanding of and appreciation for what farmers go through.
“I have learnt so much about how tough it is to be a farmer. When you live in the city you are oblivious to the hardships,” she said.
Rural Aid is committed to standing with farmers like Scott, who not only provide for our nation, but also embody the resilience and perseverance that define the Australian agricultural landscape. Their journey through all the ups and downs of farm life is a testament to the enduring spirit of rural communities and the importance of supporting them through all seasons.
