R.U.M. feeds new oats

Sheep and cropping are the dominant themes when the Thompson brothers talk shop on their property 'Eden Valley', at Morven near Clucairn, NSW.

But, as the picture shows, it could be junior brothers in the family airing their opinions.

14 year old Kayden and Brently, 10, take a serious interest in the farms management and were quick to supply the facts for our story.

"We pre-sowed the oats with R.U.M. at 5L/ha, and a knockdown herbicide", said Kayden.

"And then Dad put on some Goldphos at 90lb/acre", chimed in Brently.

The oats, "Caralupp", a cross between Echidna and Mortlock, is a new variety developed for milling by Uncle Toby's, which means that quality is important. "We won't put on urea because we think it stresses the crop too much. In fact, we won't use it on anything... we just put R.U.M. on it all", Eric said.

"Last year, all the crops around here were frost damaged but we escaped it, and we think that it was because we had more vigour in the plants."

Pressed to estimate the crop's yield, the two young lads choruses "30 bags... easy."

And they were spot on!

Early summer rain resulted in vigorous regrowth which is supporting 300 ewes and lambs. "They've done fantastically well", Eric said.

"We won't be hand-feeding them, that's for sure."

Above: The Thompson family, Eric, Brian and Bently with their crop of Uncle Tobys oats on their Culcaire, NSW property 'Eden Valley'.