Livestock Farmer Focus: John Bainbridge has been tackling weed infestations

I begin writing after a difficult day that started with shearing some Swaledale gimmer hoggs, full of wool, and then ended seeing England draw 0-0 with Algeria. I am still not sure which event caused me the most pain.

The geld hoggs have been good to clip and, looking around the stock, I have noticed a lot of ewes have shed much of their wool, which shows they are once again thriving after the difficult winter.

Grass growth varies from one area to another. This year, as an experiment, we applied liquid fertiliser to some of our meadows. It has certainly had a positive impact with pleasing results.

Every year we make an effort to tackle weed infestations. Contractors are used to spray dense areas of thistles and such like, while continual knapsack spraying is used to keep on top of less populated areas. Usually we cut rushes with some success, but after consultation with neighbouring farmers we are trying a different approach this time.

A parish problem of the churchyard being virtually full has become one of my other tasks. A piece of land had been given to the church by a local trust and planning consent had elapsed for work to take place, so we had to start from the very beginning.

I applied to Yorkshire Forward for any funding through the RDPE scheme thinking hedgerows, walling and other such work might be kindly looked upon. My hope was shortlived – the answer being an emphatic no. The families that have lived and worked here for generations would like to remain here when their time comes. There is a good sense of community spirit and hopefully by pulling together funds will be found.