Rob Houghton’s family have farmed Leeton fields for the better part of a century.

The experience and dedication to the shire is one that has served the community in good stead.

He remembers a simple and fun filled childhood, free from the technology and fast paced lifestyle of today’s youth.

Using ingenuity and creativity, if fun wasn’t around he’d make some.

Being one of eight children in the Houghton home, life was never dull.

“We didn’t have air conditioning,” Mr Houghton said.

“Swimming in the channel was one of our favourite childhood past times.

“It was a great way to cool off and it was good recreation.”

Looking up to his parents and siblings, he knew from a young age that he wanted to be a farmer when he grew up.

Growing up Mr Houghton felt everyone around him set a good example for him and he took everything in, fascinated with the farm.

He’s told he was following in his father’s footsteps on the farm, fascinated with the activity, while he was still in nappies.

“I loved being on the farm and following Dad around from a very early age,” he said.

As farming is second nature for Mr Houghton, it’s in his blood and so too is Leeton.

“Everyone’s working together to do their bit,” he said.

“It’s extremely satisfying and rewarding to know that you’re a part of a community that really cares.”

Mr Houghton loves the caring community aspect that city life lacks and as many before him have mentioned, he believes the people are what make Leeton unique.

“We have a caring, capable community,” he said.

“And we have that in truck loads.

“You drive in to the town and you see a sign that says ‘we welcome immigrants, migrants and asylum seekers’ and it lets people know what we’re about.

“But it’s more than just a sign, it’s what we’re about.

“We’re not afraid to bring people in.

“They’re a part of our community, a part of what we have here and it’s very special.”