The year round: The hot weather rushed us into sheep shearing

The warmth really forced us into sheep shearing. Some of the 100 Mule ewes began panting and were obviously ready to lose their jackets.

While we had them in, they were wormed and had their feet trimmed.

They should not need much attention for a month or so which will help us in silage time.

My brother and son clip other people's sheep as well as our own and there is a growing demand for their services. Shearing tackle is fairly expensive these days.

One early born lamb has gone to market, but he was a big single born by mistake. The rest will go in a month's time.

Wool rises much better on fit and well-wintered sheep but any in poor condition are hard to clip.

Our local Young Farmers' Club staged a sports night recently and got up to date with all local farming progress.

Government policies are difficult to understand for farming. I hope they give priority to TB eradication. There has been a long series of animal diseases, including BSE, foot and mouth, blue tongue and TB in cattle.

There are conflicting views on the role that badgers play in spreading TB but this disease is a constant worry to farmers and very disheartening.

We have had nine calves born recently including three in one day. This should maintain the milk supply for some time.

The cows were allowed to stay in for two hours after each evening milking and were fed silage and the remaining brewers' grains.

We have 100 big round bales of silage left, but this may be useful if the new crop is on the light side.