So BlazeAid's main focus is the boundary fences. Got to keep the cattle in. Got to keep them off the roads. But when the boundary fences are done it's time to consider getting the farm back to normal operations.
It's dairy country down here and the farmer tells me he needs to separate his herd, milkers and dry as well as other cows: all too technical for a city kid. So we are rebuilding some essential internal fences.
The downside is there are cows in the paddock we work in. They are curious animals and are attracted to the tractor that usually brings the fodder. So they traipse around following us. They lick and scratch their heads on the car, trailer and tractor. They are always where you next need to be. They are tame and sometimes need a nudge. And they poo and pee everywhere.
Putting up a new fence usually goes in this order. Run a sighting wire to align the new fence posts: a straight fence not only looks better but is stronger. Drop the posts down the line at even intervals. Back the tractor up to the post position. Stand the post up and drive it in. If there are cows in the paddock: check for poo, pee or snot on the post and be careful to avoid it when standing the post up. When the ram comes down on poo on the top of the post it goes everywhere: usually all over you and your face! Gumboots are essential as are gloves and a sharp eye.
Shares in the local laundromat would seem a very good idea.
