The cost of life on the land can oscillate wildly between the rich years and the lean.
When it's bad, not only is income down but there are often extra payments for feed, agistment and other expenses.
It's no surprise that farmers do what they can to future-proof their properties against disaster.
If the wind blows across the land, well placed wind turbines can ensure a drought busting income stream to help in the hard times.
Note: Original story was published in 666 ABC Canberra