Country Valley’s John Fairley could not stop smiling as he showed overjoyed children around his Picton farm.
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A group of about 20 locals and visitors went on one of the first Adopt a Cow farm tours on Monday, June 11.
Mr Fairley invited people who donated $135 to the initiative onto his farm to learn more about milk production and farm life.
The farmer, in order to survive the drought, asked people via his Facebook page to donate money to help pay for feed for his 130 cows until spring.
His Facebook followers were invited to adopt a cow or calf. In return they received a photo, adoption certificate and cow naming rights.
More than 1000 have adopted a cow since the post was published in May.
Mr Fairley was overwhelmed by the generosity and now has enough money to feed his cows until spring.
The sixth generation farmer said farm tours had been booked every Saturday until September as well as all days in the school holidays.
“On the farm tour we go on a tractor ride or the ‘people moo-ver’ as it has now been called,” Mr Fairley said.
“Then we go into the dairy and learn about how cows are milked.
“We then feed the calves.
“We finish the tour with milkshakes and everyone gets a sample of the products we make.”
Mr Fairley was pleased to answer questions from curious children and adults.
“Everyone so far has enjoyed the experience,” he said. “People just don’t get to see a farm very often or at all.
“The kids are having a ball and the adults want to know how we do things on the farm.
People from as far as Blaxland and Kogragh as well locals went on the tour.
Mr Fairley said some of the visitors were lucky enough to spot their adopted cow.
Corrine Blight and Mitchell Grant from Campbelltown said they had been regular buyers of Country Valley milk. When they heard about the plight of local farmers, they wanted to pitch in.
“The tour was so much fun,” Ms Blight said. “It was the best day ever.”
“We loved the milkshakes, milking the calves and interacting with Mr Fairley,” Mr Grant said.
Wollondilly’s Cleo Stqintin and Mooneen Clarke took their daughters Ella and Sydney on the farm because they want them to experience a different lifestyle.
“The farm tour was great because it was so hands on,” Ms Stqintin said. “The kids also learnt a lot.
“We wanted to donate to help out Mr Fairley.”
Those who donated more than $135 can contact Mr Fairley to book a farm tour. Contact: johnfairley@countryvalley.com.au, 4677 2223
