As we get used to this weird locked-down world, I can’t help feeling fortunate that in our industry we can at least get outside and do something legitimately useful.

It is not difficult at all to remain two metres – or often two kilometres – away from the next human being, if you’re spending your days in a tractor.

It is also very fortunate that the jet stream which has plagued us all winter has pushed off to allow high pressure back in and given us some decent weather to at last get on with some drilling, and give better conditions for our ewes to lamb in.

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With barley, beans, linseed, rye, millet and borage to get in the ground, we have our work cut out.

As Hew gets on with drilling Explorer spring barley with our Sly Boss drill, one of my jobs has been to spray off in advance with glyphosate.

Waiting for walkers

This has been interesting lately because a large percentage of the 6,000 people that live in our village are using our farm for their daily exercise.

I think this is great, and I am always pleased to see people enjoying our footpaths.

When the footpath is alongside the field I am spraying, though, and someone is walking there as I do the headland, I feel it is only right to stop spraying and let them get out of the way.

I have spent quite a bit of my time in a stationary sprayer, waving cheerfully and wishing that they would walk a bit quicker.

I have noticed some of the local dogs being walked by different humans lately.

I assume that the partner who is usually at work, finding themselves cooped up at home, now finds the dog a great asset and the perfect excuse to get out for a while.