Well folks, spring is well upon us. For a change we have a season that is truly bang on time! I can’t remember the last time I had the genuine feeling of Easter firing on all cylinders at once. Daffodils are in their prime, Iris plants are smiling coupled with a healthy crop lambs. And not forgetting broods of chicks scratching around… But on the down side, Schmallenburg launched itself onto the scene, dovetailed with a lack of rainfall.
Understandably the last two subjects are very important but there are couple of things that I think are worth a mention.
- We are currently enjoying a nice warm spell, but be aware, if you are lambing please pay attention to the ewe. The fluids that stain the tail/leg area from giving birth coupled with the warm temperatures could be enough to trigger a fly strike attack on the ewes! I strongly advise that you either dag/wash or treat the area with the appropriate products such as Crovect or Cimetrol.
- Spring sown cereals are currently establishing themselves. However, the dry period could be taking its toll on germination rates. The early sown spring cereals have shown sufficient germination but, are starting to already suffer. Unless we experience classic April showers, enabling the crops to catch up/recuperate, straw this Autumn will be in short supply and very expensive!!!
- Olympic food, I am sure that killing livestock prices are going to be very erratic this summer. With Olympics approaching ever closer, there are buyers seeking out supplies of livestock for the Ethnic minorities. The Halal/Kosher market is going to hit an all time rise due to the shift in clientèle visiting the Olympic games… And these guys will pay well over the odds to get the product they desire! The legendary meats such as Welsh Lamb and Scotch Beef will no doubt see a huge leap in demand. When prices do “leap” during the games, the temptation to kill prime breeding stock may just be too much to resist, potentially making a dent in the coming Autumns breeding stocks. Certainly in the Southern counties…