This month has been quieter and we have all managed to
have a day or two away. Sam and I went to Jersey and visited Gerald
Durrell's Zoo of endangered species. I'm pleased to report the
lesser-spotted dairy farmer hasn't got an enclosure
yet.
We also managed to tidy the tractor shed ready for the YFC
annual disco. They know how to party, unfortunately I'm not getting
any better at throwing away junk and this year I have put it on
pallets so I can take it out easier next year.
Bulls are due to come out of the cow fields before we get into
the summer calvers. Dry cows are happy tidying up stale fields, but
are not keen on the thistles or docks that are growing as well as
the grass is. We will be altering the pre-calving group's diet this
year hoping we will reduce the number of retained afterbirths.
Our shed budget has once again been stretched because of the
increased size of the slurry pit. We are constantly cursing the NVZ
rules, but I am sure, in time, both us and the farm will see the
benefit.
Our policy of trying not to borrow any equipment has also been
stretched. With barley to spray and conditions ideal I borrowed a
hydraulic ram to temporarily replace a broken one. Now with the
second ram broken, the first one still not repaired, a third taken
from our trailer and strong winds, I am beginning to regret my
actions.
Next week we will be TB testing again. As always, we will be
hoping for the all-clear, particularly now with less Guernsey herds
about and replacement stock fetching good prices.
