First-cut silage turned out to be a good crop even with
the lack of heat and cold winds. The rain meant it was a stop-start
affair, but luckily we got it all lifted before we had a whole
day's rain. The regrowth for second cut looks good and thankfully
the decision to hold off buying fertiliser until the week it was
required paid off, with prices half what they were
previously.
Ewes have all been clipped and lambs given their first dose of
wormer and trace elements. The lambs are growing well despite the
lack of sunshine, but as they put on weight and approach marketing
day, the price continues to fall.
All bulling heifers had their first spray of fly repellent to
prevent mastitis, although, so far, we have no cases.
Last month, more than 110 farmers from four discussion groups
visited our farms. Having visitors is an enjoyable experience and I
always learn something. This time it was how to control the
thousands of docks that decided to raise their heads just days
before our visitors turned up.
The pig price continues to edge upwards, although the main
processor has reduced its weekly through-put in a move to suppress
prices. The main worry recently is that other European countries
have seen a reduction in price; this along with the weakening euro
will start to put pressure on prices.
Normally I would have bought feed barley on a forward contract
by now, but I resisted this year hoping that with the huge acreage
of spring barley and harvest pressure, I will be able to source
enough at a price that will allow the pig unit a good margin,
compensating for the high price of soya meal.
