Farmer Focus: Will creep feeding cut weaning stress?
James Playfair-Hannay © Angus Findlay What a difference a year makes. We have most of the winter crops sown, leaving only a field of broccoli to be harvested before drilling with wheat.
This time last year we were only just starting to sow winter crops. On our free-draining land, we do like to get our crops in the ground as soon as possible to aid best establishment.
But having been so dry for so long, will the weather turn to rain and not know when to stop?
See also: 3 weaning strategies explored for suckler farms
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As I write, Storm Amy is approaching – and our local Yetholm Border Shepherds Show has been cancelled as the marquee company was unwilling to erect tents with the proposed forecast.
The rain, when it arrives, will do a power of good as the ground is still warm (evidenced by the mushrooms now appearing in the fields).
Weaning of calves is due to take place next week, so it may well be noisy for a few days.
Because of the dry conditions and lack of grass, creep was introduced in September and, hopefully, will reduce the stress of weaning and change of diet.
We have sufficient shed space to house all the cows and calves in separate facilities.
The big advantage being that we no longer get phone calls at all hours of the day informing us of escapees rampaging around the country.
It will be interesting to see how the calves have performed this summer. They certainly look well enough, but how many kilos will there be?
Especially as all the animals have been grazing the hill ground for the past six weeks –where there is belly fill, but not great nutrition.
The cows will be weighed and pregnancy tested, which will also indicate how good (or bad) the season has been. Have the conditions affected the herd’s fertility?
It was very pleasing to see Dougie Stephen and Crop Services winning Farmers Weekly’s Contractor of the Year 2025.
This is a local business based in Kelso that has expanded greatly under Dougie’s guidance to cover an area from Angus through Fife, Lothians and Borders, to Northumberland.
Dougie has also been heavily involved with the Border Union Agricultural Society as a director, trustee and chairman.
He is a great asset to the community. Congratulations to all concerned.