Ron Snep: Keeping a dream afloat without water
Science, microbiology, psychiatric nursing and bus driving were all in a day’s work for Ron Snep.
That is until 25 years ago when this urban refugee and lover of wine established Welshmans Reef Vineyard - just near Newstead and a stone’s throw from Lake Cairn Curran. “My wife, Julia, and I grew up in Melbourne and had the dream that a lot of people in the city have, which is to go to the country and make a living from the land.”
The Sneps had no idea about farming when they bought the property. “Our vineyard was the first in the area for 100 years so there was no background to call upon - we had to learn things the hard way” says Ron. But after a few years they had built up a successful vineyard and transitioned to growing organically.
As Ron has watched water availability trickle away over the past decade, he’s witnessed a shrinking farming population. But he’s also seeing a greater appreciation of the value of water and farmers better integrating conservation practices. Ron admits that if his vines hadn’t been planted when they were, Welshmans Reef Vineyard may have had to join the exodus.
The farm has a small, two megalitre water right and in the past they’ve purchased supplementary water. In recent years though, the drought worsened and water availability further decreased. Ron thinks that this marks a permanent shift, but is confident his vineyard will remain viable. “The last two years we’ve not irrigated at all and, on the whole, the vines are doing well. I imagine they’re old enough with their roots down deep enough. With a bit of luck, they’ll pull through.”
