The Year Round: Little grass growth but the nettles are back in force

NO volcanic ash has fallen at Mill Farm, high in the South Pennines, as far as we know. Its effects are so devastating in so many areas that it is a reminder of the folly of not growing as much of our own food as we can.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Apr 2010, 16:53 BST
Updated 23rd Apr 2010, 16:53 BST

At the 1,000 contour in this Halifax area we cannot grow corn to ripen, and must buy all straw and concentrates. However, we have heavy crops of grass for both grazing and silage.

Some 80 acres of meadow have been closed from stock to give a cut for silage.

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A lot of repairs were needed where stone walls have been affected by winter frosts. Despite the lack of grass growth, nettles, docks, and thistles are appearing especially around field boundaries.

We use a knapsack spray to catch up with them.

A local Young Farmers Club drew a 200 crowd, very pleasing news.

The settlement of a claim we made against a supermarket whose tanker became fast in our lanes through following sat nav has been settled.

Dairy cattle have not yet been turned out to grass, but it is still April.

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May arrives here before we expect much growth, when the plan is to keep a regular milk supply for the roundsmen who sell direct to customers.

Two beef calves and their single calves are grazing near the homestead. Both are reasonably calved and now stay out at night after a few days housing.

Ewes are being sold with lambs at foot, the highest price being 192 for a Dorset Down with twin lambs by a Beltex ram.

That white faced breed and the Texel are the most popular sires in this area. It seemed a good price but it follows a long and hard and expensive winter.

My brother and son transport stock for other people, and enjoy getting the latest market news.

Warm rain is our greatest need at the moment.

CW 24/4/10

Related topics:Halifax