Autumn news from Saddlescombe
I love this time of year, the colours, sounds, smells and feelings of autumn, the leaves which are left on the trees are stunning colours, the noise of cock pheasants roosting and the cows coats are so woolly! The grass has slowed down significantly after such an amazing summer of perfect conditions for growth. Such a difference from last year when hay (grass cut and left to wilt in the summer sun and then baled and stored for winter feed for the cows and sheep) was so short, this summer us and farmers across the country had more grass than we needed to cut and have had a surplus, we are very thankful.
We have been moving the animals around the fields following the regenerative practice of splitting the fields up into smaller areas using electric fencing, to allow for longer rest periods between grazing. The impact this has had already on the fields we have split has been significant. From not grazing too hard and not allowing the animals to nibble the regrowth, a mat of grass cover has formed which sustains warmth in the soil encouraging prolonged microbial activity beneath. Organic matter will also be increasing from trampled grass, dung beetles being busy and carbon being sequestered via photosynthesis. Effective photosynthesis is happening because the grass has the chance to rest. To be following these principles feels right and progressive, particularly given the COP26 talks going on. We are all trying hard to make sure grass fed meat is seen as part of the solution not the problem. Please visit www.pastureforlife.org for more information and please watch Kiss the Ground on Netflix if you haven’t already!
We had a busy week with the cows a couple of weeks ago. Two visits from our vet in 4 days as we were due our TB (tuberculosis) test. We are fortunate to be in a testing area where we only test every 4 years, some farmers it is as regular as every year and it is really tough. Each breeding cow, and Monty the bull, are tested on day 1 and then on day 4 the vet returns to see if they have reacted to the test they injected on day 1. If there is no lump it is good news, if there is a lump which is wider than the measurement taken on day 1, the cow is called a reactor and has to be isolated, retested and then removed if the lump appears again. All sorts of restrictions on movements of the animals are imposed too so it is a really tricky time. All of our cows passed, but it is a really anxious time. Claire (our vet) also checked to see if they are pregnant and every one is! We are thrilled, well done Monty!
The rams are visibly enjoying themselves in with the ewes, how quickly the seasons come round, we are busy preparing for our lambing open days in April next year already, 2/3 and 9/10, it will be 3 years since we last had visitors during lambing, we can’t wait. We will be asking people to prebook on our website to avoid cash being used, otherwise it will be our same event to share such a special time of year.
Teds (our young sheepdog) ongoing training is going well but he needs constant reminders! He has got the most wonderful character and his and Fly’s constant enthusiasm and loyalty is so rewarding.
More soon
Camilla, Roly, Molly, Freddie, Fly and Ted