The Spring Grass Is Just Starting to Grow — And It’s Vital for Our Cattle!

The Spring Grass Is Just Starting to Grow — And It’s Vital for Our Cattle!

Hey Norfolk Island! The spring grass is beginning to push through, and it’s more important than ever to let it grow. This fresh growth sustains our cattle through the dry summer months and the horrible onslaught of army grub season — when feed becomes scarce and every blade matters.

To all newcomers, lawn mowers, and those who might not know: The roadside grass isn’t just decoration — it’s a critical food source for our cows and their calves. These cattle are intentionally grazed on the roadsides — it’s a long-standing local practice, and yes, we pay for them to be there.

And there’s more: grazing cattle also help keep invasive weeds at bay. Their selective grazing disrupts weed growth, reduces seed spread, and improves soil health — all without chemicals. It’s a natural, sustainable way to care for our land while supporting local farming.

Plus, let’s not forget — our roadside cattle are a beloved sight for visitors! Tourists often tell us how much they enjoy seeing cows peacefully grazing along the roads. It’s part of Norfolk’s charm, a living connection to our island’s heritage, and a reminder that farming here is still very much alive.

Areas like Grassy Road tend to set the tone — once one section is mowed, others quickly follow. We kindly ask everyone to stop and reconsider before firing up the mower. Let’s give the grass a chance to grow and support our cattle through the season.

If mowing is absolutely necessary, please keep the blade as high as it will go — every centimetre counts. The taller the grass, the more feed available for our livestock.

That lush roadside growth is precious. Every blade helps nourish our island’s oldest surviving food industry and keeps our farming families going strong.

Let’s work together to protect it. The cattle thank you — and so do we!