Farmer Focus Livestock: Iain Green learns from visitors

First-cut silage turned out to be a good crop even with the lack of heat and cold winds. The rain meant it was a stop-start affair, but luckily we got it all lifted before we had a whole day’s rain. The regrowth for second cut looks good and thankfully the decision to hold off buying fertiliser until the week it was required paid off, with prices half what they were previously.
Ewes have all been clipped and lambs given their first dose of wormer and trace elements. The lambs are growing well despite the lack of sunshine, but as they put on weight and approach marketing day, the price continues to fall.
All bulling heifers had their first spray of fly repellent to prevent mastitis, although, so far, we have no cases.
Last month, more than 110 farmers from four discussion groups visited our farms. Having visitors is an enjoyable experience and I always learn something. This time it was how to control the thousands of docks that decided to raise their heads just days before our visitors turned up.
The pig price continues to edge upwards, although the main processor has reduced its weekly through-put in a move to suppress prices. The main worry recently is that other European countries have seen a reduction in price; this along with the weakening euro will start to put pressure on prices.
Normally I would have bought feed barley on a forward contract by now, but I resisted this year hoping that with the huge acreage of spring barley and harvest pressure, I will be able to source enough at a price that will allow the pig unit a good margin, compensating for the high price of soya meal.
- Read more columns from Iain Green