No rest for Harriet during the holidays
I regret that I have, as Mum would say, brought my “gallivanting” to a halt. Well for now anyway.
December was spent at home with my family and friends, although I must admit that I made a quick trip up to Carlisle for the Limousin Red Ladies and Weaned Calves show and sale. I showed calves in the Young Breeders competition, or more accurately, I was carted around the ring by a dis-obedient bull calf. With the name Tom’s Choice Feisty, I should have guessed.
But the main purpose of my trip was to accompany my friend who was judging the competition. I think giving young breeders the opportunity to take on the responsibility of judging at a show is a fantastic way of learning and building confidence. In this way, the society can ensure they have quality judges for the future.
Back at home, Christmas was far from easy-going this year. The big day itself was pleasant, thanks in no small part to my mum’s home cooking – which I have certainly missed. I was also lucky enough to receive some wonderful presents. I was given a gilet by my sister; embroidered with our Limousin, Blue and Beltex prefixes. I also got a mug from my friend; printed with a picture from Kilkenny and the slogan “Farmers Weekly Girl”.
However, we all had to work flat out to ensure all the animals had enough feed, bedding and running water, which is easier said than done with about 500 cattle, 80 sheep and five horses. I have to thank Neil, an agricultural student, for relieving my workload substantially while I revised for my exams. He was part of the Cattlemen’s Academy, which was sponsored by Asda and ABP, and unluckily had to work with Dad for the whole week.
December’s freezing temperatures not only gave us problems on the farm, but also in the house. Every single radiator burst, which left me a little worried about what we’d find when we returned to our student house in Newport. Luckily, we did think to leave the heating on for a couple of hours each day. Harper Adams have obviously thought about it too, as they recently sent an email to inform students that they will have to arrange B&B accommodation if this problem occurs, due to a shortage of accommodation on campus.
A couple of my friends were unfortunate enough to crash their cars in the snow – one on their own driveway, and other while travelling at just 5mph. Luckily I was the one helping to tow them out instead of behind the wheel.
My best friend has recently returned from Australia and I think she may have brought a (slightly) warmer spell of weather back with her. But even now the snow has thawed, I still wouldn’t turn my nose up at spending the winter in the hot Aussie climate.
But all of these problems failed to dampen the spirit of Young Farmers, as the parties carried on regardless. They always know how to have a good time and I particularly enjoyed spending Christmas Eve with my club, Eccleshall YFC. As well as the obligatory visit from Santa, we tried our hand at carol singing. Perhaps we should spend our next meeting practising as our audiences were paying us to leave.
My second term at Harper starts on Monday, signalling a return to the books. Which reminds me, I really need to get a shift on with that animal production assignment.
19-year-old Harriet Wilson is studying for a BSc in Agri-food Marketing with Business Studies at Harper Adams. Back home she manages her own herd of British Blue cattle on the family’s 260-acre farm in Haughton, Staffordshire. As well as halter-training cattle to exhibit at regional and national shows, Harriet is an active member of Staffordshire Young Farmers.
COLHW
