Meet Asher: Protector of the Flock

By Kaye Reilly – Farm Stay Host • Homesteader • Food Preserver

Asher - Protector of the Flock

Most visitors know Asher as the friendly border collie who greets them with a wagging tail and a hopeful look that suggests she might be available for pats, walks, and general supervision duties.

What many don't realise is that beneath that friendly exterior lies a highly capable farm dog.

Recently, Asher reminded us exactly why she takes her self-appointed role as Farm Manager so seriously.

A Visitor from Above

Life on a farm comes with plenty of surprises.

One morning, while the chickens and ducks were happily going about their business, a large shadow passed over the property.

Looking up, we spotted one of Australia's most magnificent birds— two wedge-tailed eagles soaring overhead.

These incredible birds are a breathtaking sight and an important part of our natural environment. Seeing one so close is always a reminder of how special it is to live surrounded by nature.

However, these visitors appeared to have more than sightseeing on their minds.

Their attention seemed firmly focused on our flock.

Asher Was Already On It

Before anyone else had fully processed what was happening, Asher had.

The moment she noticed the eagle circling overhead, her entire demeanour changed.

Gone was the relaxed farm dog.

In her place stood a focused and determined protector.

With eyes fixed skyward, Asher moved quickly into position, alerting the flock and making her presence known.

The eagles reconsidered their plans.

After a few passes over the property, they decided there were easier opportunities elsewhere and moved on.

The chickens carried on scratching.

The ducks resumed their important work of making mud where there wasn't any.

And Asher returned to supervising the farm as though she'd simply completed another item on her morning checklist.

Not All Visitors Are Welcome

While the wedge-tailed eagles were respected visitors from the wild, other regular arrivals received

a much cooler reception.

The local ibis population—known affectionately throughout Australia as "bin chickens"—have developed an unfortunate habit of appearing uninvited.

Unlike our chickens, ducks, and other valued residents, the ibis seem determined to treat every freshly turned garden bed as a personal buffet.

They arrive in groups.

They investigate everything.

They leave chaos behind them.

Naturally, Asher has opinions about this.

Strong opinions.

Whenever the distinctive silhouette of an ibis appears overhead, Asher is quick to remind them that Noughts & Crosses is not currently accepting applications for additional bird residents.

The Balance of Farm Life

One of the things we love most about life on our small lifestyle property is sharing the land with wildlife.

Wedge-tailed eagles, kangaroos, native birds, and countless other creatures are all part of what makes this place special.

Living alongside nature means respecting its rhythms while also protecting the animals in our care.

It's a balance that plays out every day.

And thankfully, we have Asher helping us maintain it.

More Than Just a Farm Dog

Gentle Protector of the Young

Visitors often fall in love with Asher because she's friendly, gentle, and always keen to be involved in whatever is happening.

But moments like these reveal another side to her character.

She's observant.

She's intelligent.

She's fiercely loyal.

And when her flock needs protecting, she's ready.

Whether she's greeting guests, supervising gardening projects, checking on the chickens, or discouraging unwanted visitors from the sky, Asher approaches every task with the same enthusiasm.

After all, someone has to keep the farm running smoothly.

And according to Asher, that someone is definitely her.

Come Meet Asher

Sunrise Walk to the Chickens

When you stay at Noughts & Crosses Farm Stay, you'll quickly discover that the animals are just as much a part of the experience as the gardens, sunsets, and peaceful surroundings.

You might see Asher patrolling the property.

You might hear Milly announcing your arrival.

You might find Oreo inspecting your belongings.

And if you're very lucky, you might even spot a wedge-tailed eagle soaring high above the paddocks—at a respectful distance, of course.

Meet the Team

🐾 Asher – Farm Manager & Protector of the Flock

🚨 Milly – Chief of Security

🐈‍⬛ Oreo – Property Owner

🐈 Xena – Senior Management