farming

When will it stop raining? We are desperate to get out onto the fields and plant the crops for the 2020 growing season, however it is just too wet.

A lot has happened since I last wrote my column. Our lambing season has been and gone and was quite successful this year. The spring weather has been kind to us with dry and mild temperatures, meaning we have been able to turn the lambs and ewes out quickly to enjoy the grass.

Happy New Year, I hope you all had a relaxing and enjoyable Christmas and this grey weather has not halted any New Year resolutions. 

As the hay is in and we embark on another harvest, I get to spend a lot of time on a tractor or combine, which as most people know is where I am happiest, and where I do a lot of my thinking.

Whilst farming is often more a way of life than just a job, and one which many would never dream of giving up, more and more arable and pastoral farmland owners are supplementing their income through diversification – expanding horizons both the on farm, and in their careers. 

It’s harvest time! We have had an incredibly dry spring and summer which has meant that the crops are really far forward. Some people are reporting that this is the earliest they have started harvesting in many years.

After two months, I can safely say that our lambing season is officially over. Thankfully the weather has been kind to us and we have been able to turn the ewes and lambs out into the fields quite quickly. The grass is also growing well so there is plenty of food for them all.

In the last few weeks we have managed to construct a poly tunnel in the farm garden. We purchased it online for a real bargain and it was swiftly delivered in flat pack style.

We have passed the Spring equinox and can start to enjoy light mornings and longer light in the evening. I am sure that it is a delight for most as you always seem to get more done during the daylight hours don’t you? 

On a blustery Friday night in June, supporters of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution attended a fundraising Summer party at Whatton house near Loughborough by kind permission of Lord and Lady Crawshaw.