I am 33 years old. Seven years ago, my partner and I sold up our contracting business and handed back lease land and relocated our lives to the Western Australian Wheatbelt .
Jono’s passion is grain farming. He lives and breathes it. He inspires me everyday with his dedication to improving himself and the farm he manages for Lawson Grains. We have three little boys, 5.5, 3.5 and 1.5.
Seeding the Western Australian Wheatbelt
Checking the lupins
Our oldest, Harry, was diagnosed when he was a year old with craniosynostosis and other brain abnormalities. He has suffered a stroke, among other things, and his conditions are sadly inoperable and incurable.
When I grow up, I want to be…
Soon after our second son, Alexander, was born, I was diagnosed with a rare endocrine cancer. This was challenging and during treatment, I found out I was pregnant with our youngest, Max.
Little boys with BIG dreams.
Last October, Alexander was also diagnosed with craniosynostosis. We are currently awaiting surgery as, thankfully, he is able to be operated on.
The crazy life with three boys!
Last March, we relocated farms further in the wheat belt to set up another farm for Lawson Grains. It had been all hands on deck and long hours out in by all. I do all the office work, work health and safety, as well as, day-to-day tasks of trips to town to get things needed. During the busy times, I cook for our seeding and harvest crews. I also take care of our three little men full-time. Our philosophy is that we want our staff to enjoy themselves and to have an experience that they will take with them…not just earn a dollar.
1. Be ready to go at the drop of a hat...sometimes without a lunchbox.
2. Has removed the word impossible from her vocabulary!
3. Can hold a baby, take care of a toddler and drive a tractor or combine all at the same time.
4. Must be able to cook for a crew - large or small.
5. Must be able to read minds.
6. Must be able to banter with a parts man until he realizes you DO know what you're talking about.
7. Must be the entertainment director for those rainy days.
8. Be a wife, mom, friend, helper, cook, problem solver, taxi driver or extra crew hand at all times.
9. Can handle the call that makes you react, "You need what? When?" Dropping everything you're doing to make it happen.
10. At the end of the day say, "I really do love this life".