Behind the Scenes

Hello, I’m Dinah Jacob, the person behind Farmyard Wedding Waiters. I wanted to give you a little glimpse into life on the farm, so you can see just how much goes into preparing our animals for your wedding or event.

My mornings start with feeding Kate and William, our young Highland cows. Kate is 9 months old and William is just 4 months - he was only recently weaned off the bottle and is now transitioning to grain. Kate eats quickly and has a habit of stealing his food, so I separate them at feeding time. They both get a good brush to keep them looking their best.

Fun fact: Highland cows have double coats to keep them warm in freezing Scottish weather - which also means they feel the heat here in Australia!

Next, I visit our donkeys, Audrey and Angelica (with Thelma and Louise joining soon). They’re currently on a strict 'Jenny Craig paddock' diet, though I still spoil them with a carrot and a brush. Donkeys love a good roll in dust and mud - it actually helps insulate them from the heat.

Fun fact: Donkeys are desert animals and dislike rain and cold, which is why they have sheltered stables. They also have only a single coat, so they feel the cold more easily.

They’re incredibly friendly and love attention, often following you around all day. Despite their ears going back when you pat them, they’re just asking for a good scratch!

Fun fact: Donkeys need companionship. They bond closely and should always have a partner -whether another donkey or even another animal.

After that, I collect hay for Fergus, our bull, and his girlfriend Fiona - who make quite the pair.

And then… we do it all again in the afternoon.

Beyond daily feeding and care, there’s also regular health work - drenching, hoof trims, vaccinations - and ongoing training. We spend a lot of time desensitising the animals to prepare them for events. They’re still animals, so unexpected things can startle them, but we do everything we can to set them up for success.

Bathing and grooming before events is another big job. Timing it with the weather is key, as it takes a while to properly wash and dry them - before they inevitably try to roll straight back into the dirt!

And that’s just a glimpse behind the scenes… getting ready for events is a whole other story.

With love

Dinah Jacob

Farmyard Wedding Waiters