The year round: Rolling hay bales mean a few repairs to walls

Although 650 large round bales have been made a later cut would not come amiss. One advantage of the hills is that we can see how our neighbours are progressing.

Many fields are bare following hay or silage cuts but there is little regrowth following the late June sunshine. Thank goodness for plastic bags; they can be used to make haleage even if the hay is rained on.

Our 100 Mule and Texel cross ewes have been clipped. My brother clipped 30 Charollais cross sheep for a neighbour while our son was spreading fertiliser at home.

No corn is grown at this high elevation in the Halifax area but I have negotiated loads of straw from our usual supplier. Another farmer buys all our surplus bull calves. They are out of Holstein/Friesian cows by a beef bull.

All have been taught to drink from a bucket. A point appreciated by the buyer. It takes time to train them in which period they are more likely to pick up ailments.

Traditional farm practices have their place; an easy transfer saves money in the long run. Such arrangements seem to simplify life.

The last ten calves have all been bulls so we are ready for a run of heifer calves, but must take what comes.

The fly problem is affecting the dairy herd but new treatments are proving effective.

Dipping has given way to spraying on many sheep farms, and we find that our sheep sprays do the job for the recommended period.

Care is taken to ensure that no sheep is sold to enter the food chain before the regulation time has elapsed. We are pigless at the moment.

Our one remaining sow could not be got in-pig again. A few pigs are always handy to take surplus milk.