Cover Feature: Jasmine Stewart

The gates are swung and 1600 head of Brahman cattle trot into NO.13 yards, with the help of two bikes, seven horses and one helicopter. The team spirits were high as the cattle flowed through the yards. Watching on knowing this would be our last ‘yard up’ for the 2023 season it was a bittersweet moment.

Minutes later the gates were closed with all the cattle secure. The chopper began to head home and horses were being watered I knew this was a now or never opportunity to get the image I had been dreaming of for months. “Yep I got the chopper he is on his way where do you want us” Within minutes the horses were standing shoulder to shoulder with the two bikes on either side. The chopper came down and I just clicked the camera away.

With every click my heart sung knowing that this was THE shot. This was THE photo that the 2023 mustering team will look at and be flooded with memories the photo that parents will frame and our little team will treasure. Little did I know Australia would also fall in love with it.

To me this image is simple, its just us. Its just the Flora Valley crew doing what they do. It was 40 degrees the sun was hot and the dust was thick, everyone had just worked a long day. They were hot, sweaty, tired and sick of getting their photo taken. After the first few months I have them all broken into the model life.

To the 2023 Flora Valley Crew, your work this year has been unbelievable. You have worked long hard days with no complaint. Always showing up with a smile and getting every job done. Your work is truly appreciated and valued. Written with love Jaz xox

Instagram: jaz.stewart.photography | Faceboook: Jaz Stewart photography

👉  This story excerpt is from Issue #18 of Kickin Up Dust magazine: December 2023.