14/07/2026
💙 CHECK IN TUESDAY 💙
“Will we ever get over it?”
It’s a question that crosses my mind more often than I’d like to admit when I think about losing the farm.
People often say, “You need to let it go,” but the truth is, it’s not that simple. Every decision that was made years ago still affects my family and me every single day.
It’s the financial hardship. It’s having to settle for less. It’s people taking advantage of your desperation. It’s finding yourself in situations that are bloody uncomfortable because there simply isn’t another option. It’s living in a house held together with car jacks and hoping tomorrow might be a little easier than today.
The hardest part is that grief doesn’t just come from losing people. Sometimes, it comes from losing a place, a purpose, a future and an identity that has been built over generations. For farming families, the land is never just dirt and fences—it holds memories, dreams, hard work and sacrifice.
People ask why I can’t let it go.
The answer is simple: because the consequences of those decisions still show up every single day.
Please know that I feel succession itself is not a bad thing.
In fact, when it’s done well, it can protect families, businesses and legacies for generations to come. Transparency is key. Don’t be frightened to ask the hard questions, no matter how uncomfortable they may feel. Understand what is being proposed, seek independent advice and make sure everyone has a seat at the table.
And if honest questions are continually avoided or ignored, you may have your answer about whether your best interests are truly being considered.
So, how do I get through each day?
Truthfully, some days are easier than others, but every day is hard.
Over time, I’ve learnt a few things:
💙Take life one gate at a time. Looking too far ahead can feel overwhelming.
💙 Celebrate the small wins- a repaired fence, rain on the roof or simply making it through another day.
💙Allow yourself to grieve what you’ve lost.
💙Lean on your mates and let them lean on you.
💙Find comfort in the simple things: a sunrise, a cuppa, the dogs at your feet or checking stock.
💙Remember that starting again doesn’t mean you failed—it means you had the courage to keep going.
💙Give yourself grace. You’re carrying more than most people realise.
And while you’re navigating your own battles, please keep an eye on your mates too. Farming families are incredibly resilient, but sometimes the strongest people go quiet.
If someone who is usually at the sale yards, answering messages or dropping in for a chat suddenly disappears, take notice. Pick up the phone, stop at the gate or invite them over for a cuppa.
You don’t need to have all the answers. Sometimes, the greatest gift you can give someone is a kind listening ear and the reassurance that they don’t have to carry it all alone.
Will I ever get over it? I honestly don’t know.
What I do know is that every morning, despite the heartbreak, disappointment and exhaustion, we get up and keep going. Farmers are good at surviving droughts, floods and failed seasons, but some of the toughest battles happen quietly behind closed doors.
So, if you’re carrying something heavy today, please know you’re not alone. Keep talking. Keep asking questions. Keep showing up.
And above all else, keep checking on your mates and opening the gates.
I believe in you.
Cheers your mate, Katie 💙xx
