John Bainbridge is silaging in waterproofs
Silage making in one’s wellies and waterproofs unfortunately appears to be the norm for this year. It has given me a small headache as I keep deliberating whether to cut or not.
I usually find myself on the wrong beat with regards to weather forecasts, as some days are better than predicted and others prove a lot worse. Even the Great Yorkshire show has been beaten by the weather for the first time.
Some overgrown pastures have been topped using a flail mower I share with a relative. This should also ensure some sweet regrowth when I come to spain lambs, as aftermaths could be in short supply.
It’s good to hear that Natural England wants to take the views of hill farmers into account. It’s better late than never, and I still think hill farms will have a significant role to play in lamb and beef production.
Yet again my brand new Landrover has let me down. This was due to the same “design fault” the dealership had apparently sorted out last time. After another visit to them, I was left with the remark “let’s see how it goes”. These words may not be so reassuring when I’m towing a full load of lambs on a main road.
Sheila and I had a weekend away planned for the end of July, but it looks like that may have to be put on hold. It’s the same as Murray winning Wimbledon – hopeful but doubtful.
John Bainbridge farms 600ha (1,483 acres) of rented MoD hill land near Richmond, North Yorkshire, along with 21ha (52 acres) of family-owned land with his sons Lance and Reuben. His 1,400 sheep, plus followers, along with 70 suckler cows, are the main farm enterprise.
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