Some do it to make a statement, some while harvesting and most do it just to keep the grass down but the temptation for farmers to cut a little signal into their land when out on the tractor often crosses their mind.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
For Chepstowe grazier Chris Bruty, it was all about putting a smile on the faces of people who pass by his property when he started to mow a stick figure into the side of Mount Emu.
The 500-metre high mountain, prominent to Ballarat's south west is located on the Bruty's family farm, 40 kilometres from the city.
"A few years ago when my son was playing in the grand final for Skipton, I wrote 'Go Emus' using hay when I was feeding out," he said.
"Sometimes I'll write something on the side like 'Mount Emu' if I don't have much time."
The family has owned the property for more than 100 years, making it four generations of the Bruty family who have farmed on the property.
"It took me about 30 minutes to do and he stands 80 metres tall," Mr Bruty said.
Mr Bruty's whimsical and slightly primitive figure is a far cry from the motivation that has derived some other farm art.
Farmers have occasionally used prominent hillsides in the region to highlight their grievances, most notably a message last sent by Newlyn farmers they were not happy with the powerlines project that proposes crossing