General

Today I had the pleasure of participating in the launch of a new initiative, “Dairy 2020”. At Westminster Hall, Jim Paice outlined directions the group will be taking. It is very encouraging that the dairy industry is uniting and working as a collective group. This forward thinking positive attitude is very refreshing for Agriculture and I am sure will guide the industry into its goal, a sustainable cycle. Most importantly, they have identified that the consumer needs to be pro actively involved and, maybe in some cases, the cows as well…

Please take a look at Dairy 2020 and familiarise yourself with the projects aim. http://www.dairy2020.com/

“Personally, I will be doing everything I can to make my contribution, however big or small”

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…

Here are a few tips for the Veg Growers… To make the most of your plot this year, you need to get started now! Garlic, Leeks and Broad Beans should be started off in pots in the green house. Once they have started to emerge, keep a careful eye on the temperature. When appropriate, acclimatise them by leaving the door open or put them outside in the sun. This will start to harden them off for transferring directly into the plot in a few weeks. Any space that has been left fallow over the winter should now be dug over to help the soil breathe.

Parsnips: can be a nightmare to germinate. During the next few days I suggest that you cover the growing area with black plastic for two-three weeks. Prior to sowing remove the plastic. Upon completion of sowing, cover the seeds with a cloche. The benefits of this are a drier seed bed with a higher soil temperature, perfect for parsnips…  Good Luck 🙂

Recently I had the pleasure of giving a talk to a group of Foundation Degree students from Easton College. A whole array of subject matter was explored. The students displayed a thirst for information that is hard to come by, delving deep into the bowels of a multi function diverse enterprise. “They certainly weren’t shy”, prying into business models and marketing strategies… “The whole group were well mannered and focused. A credit to the organisation”.

Hi folks, take a look at these Master Classes at Jimmys Farm!!! Perfect for Christmas Presents…

http://www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk/jimmys-farm