Farm Diary

A few of the dairy farmers in the area have turned cows out, and we are all up to date with fertilizer on silage and grazing fields. Maize preparations are very much on target, and should all be completed within two weeks or so; a very good effort considering the delays caused by third parties and the inevitable beurocracy.

More young heifers are now out grazing, but all the cows are still in. Milk production is going very well, and our every other day pickup has come to an end, as two days production will no longer fit in the big articulated tanker.

Adrian and the lads are still vaccinating cows, replacing lost ear tags and generally making sure that all the health status and records are complete and accurate; no mean feat with over a thousand animals.

Young calves and barren cows are selling well, and we have come a long way from the post BSE days when our barren cows were worth very little and calves were worth even less. They make up an important part of our overall income, and help to cushion the declining milk price.

The concrete towers are complete and the Yorkshire lads have gone home; just as well really since they discovered Crawley night clubs and women! Its too much when a night out doesn't get you back in time for work in the morning, and a day off is needed to get back to full fitness.

For full feature see West Sussex Gazette April 1