New tups doing their business, says John Bainbridge

My new additions from the autumn tup sales are now in operation and with a bit of luck are doing the business. There’s been plenty of grass available to flush the ewes. I only hope we avoid an early bout of snow like that thrown at us last year.

A good number of feeding lambs are now inside. I have, however, debated whether to sell them as stores after reading prices in the press and comparing that to feed costs. It would certainly reduce the workload and eliminate the hassle of keeping them sound on their feet while inside.

I recently sold 15 store heifers and was pleased to average £140 up on last year. This now makes further room to start bringing in cattle, but with the mild weather I am rather cautious.

One reads that the threat of disease is one of the main factors that could affect prices in the livestock sector. With the recent revelations concerning the border checks of people entering this country, I only trust livestock controls are more stringent to help safeguard our industry.

We had our first visit from the usual shooting cartel and their entourage of 4x4s that enjoy testing their off-road abilities on some of my best grazing. From the number of shots fired it should have been a satisfying shoot, but having seen some of them in action I’m not too sure.