Pigs? You are kidding, right?
The Riverview site by the Tarlo River has been a small, family run farm and piggery since at least the 1940s, probably earlier. Good water access, excellent soil for growing crops in the river flat, and close to town Riverview is a unique location, perfect for agriculture.
Riverview In The 20th Century
Looking to run their own piggery, in 1963 Grahame and Doreen Duesbury purchased Riverview and their love of the lifestyle drove the piggery to new success.
During that time the piggery became an icon on the landscape. Right along the main road between Goulburn and Taralga as ut climbed from bridge over the the Tarlo River the piggery was a source of both pride in the community and amusement for all, especially the children going to school daily in Goulburn.
"OMG the smell!"
In time a new nursery was required.
Neither Sarah nor and I grew up on the land so we don't know what it must have been like. Talking to the Duesbury children decades later life was as tough as you imagine, but for some it was an idyllic care-free childhood. Life on the land last century brought it's own challenges and wonders.
The world was changing. In the early 1970s work was being done on a new bridge over the river 100m north (the current "flood proof bridge") with a new alignment of the road down Tarlo Gap and across the river. The bridge opened in 1974 and now the road was sealed. No longer would the world drive metres from the pig shed and pens.A new driveway was built and it was time for a new house - the current farm house.
By the mid-1980s when world events and a newly floated Aussie dollar saw the wholesale price of pork plummet and costs dramatically rise.So the Duesburys pivoted as all good farmers do. They switched to sheep - still a mainstay of the region.
The pivot wasn't enough. Many farmers in the Goulburn region struggled through those years. The kids moved on (as they do) and Grahame passed away. Slowly the buildings fell into disrepair.
Some people just love the land and the lifestyle no matter what is thrown at them. Sarah and I bought Riverview from Doreen, now in her 80s, in Oct 2019. From what I understand right up until settlement she was still going on her morning walk with her cows!
How can you not love that passion!
Riverview In The 21st Century
Given the history and location it is no surprise that when we took over we were encouraged enough to try our hand at revitalising the land and bringing agriculture back. So we cleared the river flat, planted 10 hectares of lucerne, fixed the fences and offered agistment to the neighbours.
We are proud to have farming back at Riverview. It is still tough even with modern machinery, fertilisers and science! But what is an old city boy to do, give up? No. I don't think so.
Come for a visit an see for yourself.
