From Cobargo, May 2025

The fog has been extremely heavy through this year’s autumn period requiring a lot more care when driving but it also gives a dampening effect when it settles on the pastures and plants. It’s not all bad and the colours autumn brings are simply breathtaking.

The 2025 World Jersey conference tour selected the farm of local dairy farmers Aaron and Emma Salway for guests from New Zealand, Germany, America, Canada and Jersey Island to visit. During the visit Aaron spoke of his family’s history of breeding and showing Jersey cows since 1878. He spoke proudly of owning the family farm and of their enjoyment of breeding very fine, high production Jersey cows. The driver for their continued farming practice were their two boys, Jack and Riley. Both boys are very keen on farming with Jack now working on the home farm alongside Mum and Dad.

The passion for the breed was fully evident with a magnificent display of past and present awards and ribbons. Aaron acknowledged Emma for her amazing support as well as her ability in the dairy and her care of the cows. Aaron spoke of five mentors he had in his life who encouraged him to keep trying to achieve goals. He spoke fondly of his dad Robert who always told him, ‘Never give up, just keep trying.’ The guests were delighted with the quality of the cows and the beautiful green pastures.

Janelle Salway (Aaron’s mum) was delighted when she won the Supreme Saddle Pony Exhibit at the Sydney Royal Show with her home-bred filly Wilgos Miss Grace Kelly. Lexi Cowdroy (Janelle’s granddaughter) was also in the winning circle – she won Champion Tiny Tot Rider at the Grand Nationals. A very successful family.

Local cowboy Cooper Woods contested the Extreme Bronc riding event at the Man from Snowy River Festival and rode beautifully to make it to the top eight competitors.

Tye Bratby, grandson of the late iconic local bushman Ross Rixon, entered a writing competition at the festival with the category being ‘Man or Myth’ and he won the junior section. He wrote proudly, ‘… that you can see my Pop is a hard worker by his tough skin, old clothes and big hat’. The Wandellow Hall committee was absolutely delighted to have local identity Dave Williams give the commemorative address at their recent Anzac service.

June Tarlinton

Photos Top: Lexi Cowdroy, who won the Tiny Tot Rider competition at the Grand Nationals, with her Mum and pony; Left: Tye Bratby’s prize-winning entry featuring his Grandpop Ross Rixon.