Steph Coombes (2015-)
Episode 54. Steph Coombes – It takes a village
Welcome to the final Central Station podcast for 2020! As per usual, you’re listening to me, Steph Coombes, who is the host of this podcast and who also manages all of the Central Station platforms. Today’s episode has been inspired by Lucy Daley, who featured on Episode 52. When asked what message would she put […]
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Love your (cows) guts
Mustering, fencing, checking waters and dropping lick. These are standard tasks on any cattle station in Australia. The first three are fairly self explanatory, but the last one..? Not so much! How can I describe ‘lick’? It’s something that pastoralists spend tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands (or millions) of dollars on. It […]
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Has anyone got a copy (Part Three)
Written by Steph Coombes – Central Station editor I’m known to my friends for my shocking lack of direction. And, in my old age I’ve come to learn to laugh at myself and the silly things I’ve done, rather than shrink away in embarrassment as I used to do. So, I’ve decided to share a […]
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Has anyone got a copy (Part Two)
Written by Steph Coombes – Central Station editor I’m known to my friends for my shocking lack of direction. And, in my old age I’ve come to learn to laugh at myself and the silly things I’ve done, rather than shrink away in embarrassment as I used to do. So, I’ve decided to share a […]
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Has anyone got a copy? (Part One)
Written by Steph Coombes – Central Station editor I’m known to my friends for my shocking lack of direction. And, in my old age I’ve come to learn to laugh at myself and the silly things I’ve done, rather than shrink away in embarrassment as I used to do. So, I’ve decided to share a […]
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180km just to check the mail
Written by Stephanie Coombes – editor It’s often the most simple things in our day that we take for granted – hot water at the turn of a tap, wifi that loads a YouTube video almost instantly, a quick trip to Woolies to satisfy that craving, and a short walk down the driveway to collect […]
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Nurofen for cows
Written by Stephanie Coombes – editor *Note: this article has been written so anyone, regardless of their background, can understand. Whilst I am not a veterinarian, I consulted with a number of practicing and policy veterinarians, as well as technicians from pharmaceutical companies during the research for this article. For a great technical summary on […]
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The last windmill
Written by Steph Coombes – Editor, Central Station. Can you think of anything more iconic to outback Australia than the old windmill? Standing tall and strong in an open field – I bet you can imagine that sound of metal creaking as the blades rotate around and around, ever so slowly. Invented in America the […]
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The Pastoralist Pregnancy Pact
Written by Steph Coombes – Editor, Central Station. You might remember a story in the media from about 10 years ago. 18 teenage girls from the same high school in Massachusetts, USA, became pregnant at the same time. The story goes that they planned their pregnancies after making a “pregnancy pact”. They wanted their kids […]
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What to pack when moving to a cattle station
Written by Steph Coombes – Editor, Central Station So, you made the leap and applied for your first job on a cattle station. Then you made it through the interview and landed the job – yasss! Now it’s time to start packing, and you might be feeling a little anxious. Chances are, if you forget […]
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Things you should know before applying for a station job
Written by Steph Coombes, Central Station Editor So, you’ve decided to take the leap and head “up north” for a year of cattle work, dusty days, and memories that will last a lifetime. You’re about to be one of tens of thousands of people who have walked onto a cattle station, chasing adventure and opportunity. […]
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In my blood and under my skin
Written by Steph Coombes, Central Station editor I love this sunburnt country. Having lived all over Australia, as well as in Canada and the United States, and having had the privilege to travel to a dozen or so countries has only strengthened my love for Australia. However, while I love Australia – I do not […]
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The wet season that never came
Written by Steph Coombes, Central Station editor Drought isn’t a new concept to Australian farmers. Much of the east coast has been in drought for the last 7 years, or even longer. However, over here in northern WA we’ve been pretty bloody lucky. There’s been a few dry times, but nothing as prolonged and gut […]
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Just keep breedin’ (The story behind our parody video)
Written by Steph Coombes, Central Station editor If you’re reading this, chances are that you’ve seen a parody video called “Breedin’” set to the song “Breathin’” by pop princess Ariana Grande. If not, hold your horses, and watch the video first by clicking here. The song, sung from a cow’s point of view, makes mention […]
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In conclusion (Agriculture vs the Public – Part 11)
Written by Steph Coombes, Central Station editor In 2015 and 2016 I attended Kansas State University, studying a Master of Science in Agricultural Education and Communication. As a part of my degree, I was required to undertake a research thesis. It wasn’t difficult for me to choose a research topic. I’ve been a passionate […]
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My two cents (Agriculture vs the Public – Part 10)
Written by Steph Coombes, Central Station editor In 2015 and 2016 I attended Kansas State University, studying a Master of Science in Agricultural Education and Communication. As a part of my degree, I was required to undertake a research thesis. It wasn’t difficult for me to choose a research topic. I’ve been a passionate “agvocate” […]
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The results are in! (Agriculture vs the Public – Part 9)
Written by Steph Coombes, Central Station editor In 2015 and 2016 I attended Kansas State University, studying a Master of Science in Agricultural Education and Communication. As a part of my degree, I was required to undertake a research thesis. It wasn’t difficult for me to choose a research topic. I’ve been a passionate “agvocate” […]
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Watch what you say (Agriculture vs the Public – Part 8)
Written by Steph Coombes, Central Station editor In 2015 and 2016 I attended Kansas State University, studying a Master of Science in Agricultural Education and Communication. As a part of my degree, I was required to undertake a research thesis. It wasn’t difficult for me to choose a research topic. I’ve been a passionate “agvocate” […]
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The Minister for War and Finance
Written by Steph Coombes, Central Station editor I had a boss once who had spent a fair part of his career working in the Defence Force and was still heavily involved in the Army Reserves. He’d often mention how he had to go and pick up the Minister for War and Finance or go meet […]
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“Social license” – more than a buzz word? (Agriculture vs the Public – Part 7)
Written by Steph Coombes, Central Station editor In 2015 and 2016 I attended Kansas State University, studying a Master of Science in Agricultural Education and Communication. As a part of my degree, I was required to undertake a research thesis. It wasn’t difficult for me to choose a research topic. I’ve been a passionate “agvocate” […]
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Public behaviors relating to farm animal welfare (Agriculture vs the public – Part 6)
Written by Steph Coombes, Central Station editor In 2015 and 2016 I attended Kansas State University, studying a Master of Science in Agricultural Education and Communication. As a part of my degree, I was required to undertake a research thesis. It wasn’t difficult for me to choose a research topic. I’ve been a passionate “agvocate” […]
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Public expectations of farm animal welfare (Agriculture vs the Public – Part 5)
Written by Steph Coombes, Central Station editor In 2015 and 2016 I attended Kansas State University, studying a Master of Science in Agricultural Education and Communication. As a part of my degree, I was required to undertake a research thesis. It wasn’t difficult for me to choose a research topic. I’ve been a passionate […]
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Factors influencing perceptions of farm animal welfare (Agriculture vs the Public – Part 4)
Written by Steph Coombes, Central Station editor In 2015 and 2016 I attended Kansas State University, studying a Master of Science in Agricultural Education and Communication. As a part of my degree, I was required to undertake a research thesis. It wasn’t difficult for me to choose a research topic. I’ve been a passionate […]
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The public’s concern with animal production (Agriculture vs the Public – Part 3)
Written by Steph Coombes, Central Station editor In 2015 and 2016 I attended Kansas State University, studying a Master of Science in Agricultural Education and Communication. As a part of my degree, I was required to undertake a research thesis. It wasn’t difficult for me to choose a research topic. I’ve been a passionate “agvocate” […]
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The evolution of animal agriculture (Agriculture vs the Public – Part 2)
Written by Steph Coombes, Central Station editor In 2015 and 2016 I attended Kansas State University, studying a Master of Science in Agricultural Education and Communication. As a part of my degree, I was required to undertake a research thesis. It wasn’t difficult for me to choose a research topic. I’ve been a passionate “agvocate” […]
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Agriculture vs the Public (Part 1)
Written by Stephanie Coombes, Central Station editor In 2015 and 2016 I attended Kansas State University, studying a Master of Science in Agricultural Education and Communication. As a part of my degree, I was required to undertake a research thesis. It wasn’t difficult for me to choose a research topic. I’ve been a passionate “agvocate” […]
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Woulda, coulda, shoulda
Written by Steph Coombes, Central Station editor If I had a dollar for each time someone has said something to me along the lines of “That’s so cool, I wish I could do that”, I’d probably be able to afford to buy myself a station … or at the very least a new Landcruiser (ok, […]
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Bringing Buckeyes to a smoko near you
Written by Steph Coombes, Central Station editor Smoko – the most savoured meal of the day. It’s that burst of calories you need to tide you over from the breakfast you scoffed down at sparrows, until the soggy sandwich in your saddle bag comes out well after lunchtime. Cakes, cookies, slices, sausage rolls – I’m […]
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I’ve got your back
Written by Steph Coombes, Central Station editor Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably seen the video that was posted on the Central Station Facebook page in April. Set to the Sunny Cowgirls song “I’ve got your back”, it featured people from across Australia holding signs of support for anyone going through a […]
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Will the real cattle station please stand up
Written by Steph Coombes, Central Station editor Over a two-week period in July & August 2018, I went on an epic road trip, visiting 18 cattle stations across the Pilbara region of Western Australia. One girl, a Prado, and 6000km of (mostly) open road through God’s country (the Pilbara really is the best kept secret […]
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Not better, not worse, just different
Written by Steph Coombes, Central Station editor. They say, “comparison is the thief of joy”. Nothing good comes from comparing your life to others; even when you find a situation where you come out on top, you’ll inevitably be able to find another one where you come in second best. Even though I’m here writing […]
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I still call Australia home
Written by Steph Coombes, Central Station editor In December 2017, I moved home to Australia after three seemingly-long years in the United States. I say “seemingly” because at the time it felt like forever, but now it often feels like nothing more than a distant memory, a dream that I woke from far too early. […]
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A timely reminder
Written by Steph Coombes – Editor, Central Station. As the editor of this website, I get to (ok, technically I have to) read every blog before it’s published; it’s like being the only person at the world premier of a movie every week. Every now and then I’ll send a blog on to my co-manager, […]
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Cattle Stations and Couture Millinery
Editor’s Note: Felicity Brown is a dear member of the Central Station family and wider northern beef industry community. Central Station’s editor Steph was delighted to travel to NYC recently to attend Felicity’s first solo show at New York Fashion Week. Imagine big blue open skies and red dirt for as far as the eye […]
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Central Station and Yougawalla Pastoral Company Blast off for 2015
Host: Yougawalla Pastoral Co. Written by Jane Sale – Manager, Yougawalla Pastoral Co. The Sale family are ready for take off. It’s 2015 and Central Station is coming to you for its third year. Thanks to you, we have a huge following and interest in what the people of the Northern Beef Industry are up […]
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Working at Weaner Camp
Host: Newcastle Waters Station Written by Steph Coombes. Weaner camp. Sounds a bit weird doesn’t it, and I can only imagine what people would think if they weren’t involved in the cattle industry . . . ! On cattle stations, when there are a large number of cattle and/or people, the cattle work is divided […]
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Life’s a bore
Host: Newcastle Waters Written by Steph Coombes. What comes to mind when you think of cattle stations? Jackeroos and Jillaroos covered in sweat and dust, mustering thousands of cattle on horseback? The crackle of a two-way radio as the helicopter buzzes in the sky? The sizzle of a branding iron and the noise of cattle […]
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The numbers of Newcastle Waters
Host: Newcastle Waters Station Written by Steph Coombes. Welcome to our week on Central Station! For those of you who haven’t read our station profile (go read it now!) Newcastle Waters (NCW) is one of the Consolidated Pastoral Company (CPC) stations located in the West Barkly region of the Northern Territory. NCW itself is around […]
