THROUGH REASONS of necessity as much as optimism for the future, machinery investment continues.

 Still recovering from the shock of supplying us with a new telescopic handler, Mr Paxton the local farm machinery dealer has now sold us a nearly new tractor. Ten years of providing toilet rolls and washing powder have finally reaped the rewards he has been so keen to achieve.

 Since this will put paid to the bulk of any income from farming, I am continuing to attend meetings regarding single farm payment and the Entry Level Scheme.

 I was led to believe attending such an event would provide me with some of the required points. Points were indeed available, but going towards a crop spraying and crop walking certificate were not what I had in mind.

 In readiness for the lifting of the OTMS I received a rejected meat receipt for a cull cow, destined to be incinerated, for a generalised oedema. Although it had a mastitic quarter, it was in tremendous health as I wrestled to put a replacement ear tag in, and I only decided to get rid of it after discussions with my own highly experienced vet.

 I discussed my case with one of the meat inspectors concerned, but declined to speak to the young, female, foreign vet whose signature cost me so dear, as my arguments could have been construed as ageist, sexist and racist.

 As turnout hopefully approaches, the luxury of abundant silage we have had in recent years is absent this year, in fact quite the reverse.

A 30t load of brewers” grains has been ordered to address this situation and tip in the largely empty silage clamp to be mixed with silage before feeding.

Sadly, just before delivery this space was deemed an ideal spot to park a muck spreader and remove the punctured wheel. Now I am hoping a replacement inner tube will arrive before an articulated lorry.