Farmer Focus: Mating complete as focus turns to lamb finishing

It’s probably very foolish to start my first Farmer Focus article by stating everything is up to date.

We finished the second-cut red clover silage last week. All was baled as the silage pits are full to bursting.

Compost/FYM has been applied. Lucerne has been shut up for its third cut.

See also: Meet our new Farmer Focus writer: Simon Bainbridge

Bulls were removed from the yearling heifers after six weeks and the cows after eight. Their work is done.

The single May-born lambs were weaned three weeks ago, as the ewes need a rest. The remainder will be weaned next week, as the second-cut red clover silage is ready after only 10 days’ re-growth. Key to this is leaving a 7-8cm stubble.

Even though there was a lack of grass in May and June, all the stock is doing well. It’s funny how nature makes up for itself – during July we lost control of our grazing area and could have carried more stock. However, growth tailed off in early August.

Since going organic in 2009 we have concentrated on producing home-grown feed with clovers/HSG, lucerne, undersown wholecrop, brassicas and combinable oats being the rotation.

The only things bought in are minerals, salt and bedding straw.

We have concentrated on the genetics/health of the herd/flock to suit the farm. We run Hereford and Angus bulls crossing them for hybrid vigour to produce Black Baldies.

Both breeds will finish off grass/forage producing a consistent R/U and 3/4L between 18 and 24 months’ of age for our sole customer, Dovecote Park.

Bulls and tups are the only stock bought in, from farms of a known health status. All replacements are bred at home.

I’m involved with the NFU on the regional and national livestock boards and get myself fully entrenched in various debates.

I am currently worried about the lack of marketing/promotional activity by AHDB.

Lamb consumption is falling, along with hill farm incomes. We must promote ourselves positively, as providing sustainable, quality food is a winner for everyone.

Simon Bainbridge farm a 650ha upland organic farm in Northumberland, with 150 suckler cows and 1,500 breeding ewes alongside his wife Claire and his parents. Healthy, maternal livestock and quality feed is a priority