Arabic version: إخوة هوملستاد يحافظون على حرفة أدوات وضع العلامات التقليدية

Tom and Paul Hummelstad are carrying on a century-old tradition of making ear-marking pliers, a vital tool for farmers in Australia. According to ABC News, the brothers believe they are the only manufacturers of these tools in the country, a trade passed down from their father, Harry, and his father before him.

The ear-marking pliers are essential for marking cattle and sheep, allowing farmers to distinguish their livestock easily. Tom explains that the tool leaves a mark in the ear, enabling farmers to see the identification clearly. The brothers have a four-month waiting list for repairs and new orders, underscoring the demand for their craftsmanship.

In addition to ear-marking pliers, the Hummelstad family also produces cattle and horse brands, a skill that has attracted a diverse clientele, including celebrities. However, they have turned down requests for unusual branding, such as one from a nightclub that wanted to brand humans.

Despite the rise of electronic tagging for livestock in Australia, the brothers assert that traditional ear marking remains popular among farmers. They emphasize the importance of performing the marking swiftly and cleanly to ensure the animals recover quickly. The Hummelstad brothers continue to operate their business from a pair of sheds in Gumbaynggirr Country, in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, maintaining a legacy that has thrived for over a hundred years.