Episode 4 - Legumes To The Rescue

Poor Wally Wheat. I've never seen him so depressed! He and his mates are usually jumping about in the silo at this time of year - dying to get out, to grow and be the 'stars of the farm'. Being down on his protein last year has done him no good at all.

It's a pity he's taken it so badly. Even though he's a pain sometimes - bragging about how Downsanup Downs revolves around him - he's still our friend and we want our confident, sure of himself Wally back again.

Actually, I think I know the answer to Wally's protein problem! He should go into a rotation with us legumes. We can help him because of the nodules on our roots - you know, those funny knobs which contain special, friendly bacteria. Our bacteria take nitrogen from the air and convert it into protein. Most of us legumes have these rhizobia and so we can help Wally out. When we've finished our turn in the paddock, there's more nitrogen in the soil and so Wally can make more protein. Putting that nitrogen in the ground is a very important job and I know just the legumes to do it.

"Hey, Wally. I've got friends who can cheer you up! Larry Lupin and Chelsea Chickpea. Chelsea's absolutely gorgeous. When you meet her, you'll forget all your troubles - and the best part is she can really help you with your protein levels."

"Huh! What good's a girl going to be to me?" huffed Wally. "I've had such a bad year, no girl's going to want to look at me, let alone do anything to help me. Anyway nothing could possibly cheer me up, not even your gorgeous Chelsea Chickpea!"

I left Wally to his miseries and ran as fast as I could to get Chelsea. She wasn't too far away, pouring over a book with Freddy Faba! They were already discussing the best ways to fix nitrogen, and to help cheer up Wally - his depression was getting to everyone on the farm.

"Come and meet Wally," I said to Chelsea. You're bound to make him feel better. And Freddy, bring along that book you and Chelsea were looking through. Knowing you, you've figured out something good!"

Have you ever seen a wheat's eye pop out of its head?! Well that's what Wally's did when he saw Chelsea for the first time.

What a delicious chickpea she really is. That glum look has lifted from Wally's face and he's actually smiling. Now all Chelsea needs to do is to explain how she can help him. Look's like he'll have fun finding out! What's it all about? Now that's another story...