Ode to Australian Agriculture

Although the 2020 Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) has been cancelled, the RNA Future Directions Committee wanted to find a way to pay tribute to our Australian farmers.

Ode to Agriculture is a poem written by FDC member Lauren Roellgen, saying thank you to all agricultural producers who continue to keep our country moving.

Please click here to see the FDC members and Australian producers bring the poem to life.

 

Ode to Agriculture

By Lauren Roellgen

You're stuck at home in iso, the world feels like it's done.

The news feels overwhelming, staying home's no longer fun.

But if there's one thing we can tell you, to put your mind to rest.

It's that out here in the country, our farmers are doing their best.

To grow food to feed the nation, no mouths must go unfed.

And there must be no rumbling bellies, when we all go to bed.

The beef from Kununurra, will ensure you get your steaks.

The farmers in the wheatbelt, making sure you'll bake your cakes.

From the orchards up in Bundy, you'll get your nuts already cracked.

The Goulburn Valley's got more fruit and veg, than we could ever snack.

While the dairies in Tasmania, will keep your glasses filled.

The vineyards in Clare Valley, make Riesling for you to chill.

While the shopping is a scramble, you'll never miss an egg.

Thanks to our poultry farmers, for hot chooks you'll never beg.

Our fishermen keep fishing, catching salmon, oysters and barra.

The variety is endless, from the Fitzroy to the Yarra.

Not only will we feed you, you'll also be well-dressed.

For our cotton and our wool, are known to be the best.

Its been a tough year, we know, but at the other end.

We know we'll come together, and reunite with friends.

And share food in celebration, as we Aussies love to do.

Knowing that Australian farmers, helped us see this through.

 

Thank you to those who helped the FDC recite Lauren's poem:

  • Steven Pocock - Agistment Manager at Consolidated Pastoral Company - Katherine, Northern Territory
  • Elsie and Hannah Traynor - wheat farmers at 'Burragillo' - Bullarah, New South Wales
  • Josh, Sophie and Jason Steinhardt and Luke Gerry - macadamia growers for Macadamias Australia - Bundaberg, Queensland
  • Rocky Varapodio and family - pome and stone fruit growers at Oakmoor Orchards - Ardmona, Victoria
  • Lochie Dornauf - dairy farmer at Dornauf Dairies - Deloraine, Tasmania
  • Hughie Michael - Viticulturalist at Pikes Wines - Clare Valley, South Australia
  • Heather Venton - egg producer at Harvey's Hatchery - Mackay, Queensland
  • Katrina Hobbs - poultry farmer for Inglewood Poultry Farms - Inglewood, Queensland
  • Albertus Hankekom - barramundi farmer - Cone Bay, Western Australia
  • Andrea Crothers - news reporter - Melbourne, Victoria
  • Will Roberts - grazier at 'Victoria Downs' - Morven, Queensland