Chris and Suzanne Dougall (and dog, Kid) survey their property from high on a hill. Their cattle ranch, or "station", is a pleasant home where young cattle go to grow up into big, strong, beef cattle.

Journal and photos by Nancy Olson

We had an early morning at the Realfs. This disciplined family wakes up early to prepare for work and school, and it felt good to be getting an early start. The whole house was awake by 0600, and I was treated to a delicious bowl of Milo cereal, which is a little bit like Coco Puffs crossed with Frosted Flakes. DEE-Licous! Over breakfast, we discussed the possibility of me going to meet friends of the Realfs, Chris and Suzanne Dougall. Suzanne is a transplanted Texan, and she, Chris, and kids Maddie and Sam live on and operate a cattle ranch (which, in Australia, are called cattle stations).

Torn between getting on the road and going to see the Dougalls and their ranch, I had to remind myself that I had plenty of time and only one opportunity to meet the Dougalls. Greg phoned Suzanne, and I received an invitation to go and see them.

I NEVER travel in any direction other than South, whenever I can help it, but I actually went about six kilometers back up the road and out of town to the north in order to pay a visit to the Dougall family. When I arrived, I was greeted on the long dirt driveway by Kid, a beautiful cattle dog with a friendly disposition.

Suzanne and I talked for a bit, and I explained to her a little bit about what I was doing in Miriam Vale, and then I met Chris and got to know the two of them a little bit. I also had the privilege of meeting their two terrific kids, big brother Sam and younger sister Maddie, before they left for school.

Later, Suzanne and Chris and I went on a 4X4 driving tour of their property. They have acres and acres of grazing paddocks full of cattle, most of which are a type of Brahman. We were on the hunt for some kangaroos, because I wanted to see them, and Kid had fun running around in front of us and scoping out shortcuts and places to swim. We saw quite a few roos, but they're difficult to snap photos of. Chris pointed out the differences in the cattle breeds, talked to me about his ranching practices (he works with the cattle's natural herd instincts, rather than against them, creating a happier animal, a better job, and a better product), and showed me the blue gum, iron bark, blood wood, and paper bark trees. I learned about the importance of bugs such as the dung beetle and dung fly, which help to fertilize the soil and break down the cattle excrement. We saw where the cattle graze and drink, and I learned the importance of rotating the paddocks to keep the nutrient content high in the grass. I also learned about the importance of checking the watering holes for dead kangaroos, which end up there as a result of dingo chases, and create a danger to the cattle who might drink in the decaying animal's bacteria.

I am going to arrange for an educational visit to the Dougall ranch with my team, and I hope school kids will be interested in learning more about Australia's beef producers and life on a real Australian cattle ranch (station). What do you think?

By the end of the day, the Dougalls and I were fast friends, and I was pleased to accept an invitation to stay the night. The guest room was fantastic, and I enjoyed an incredible steak with au gratin potatoes for dinner, prepared by the host with the most, Chris.

I am so glad I decided to go and meet the Dougall family. I feel certain they will be lifetime friends of mine--and not just because Suzanne is a Texan, like me. They are just amazing people. I have to thank Greg and Phillipa Realf for introducing us. Amazing people always have amazing friends. Thanks, Realfs.

Mileage: 6 km
Weather: Beautiful
End Location: Miriam Vale

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