What do farmers actually do all day? The obvious answer is farm. But what does that really involve? One day might mean shearing sheep or taking soil samples; the next, hosting a farm walk, speaking at a conference or tackling something entirely unexpected. This is anything but a one-job profession. Our Farmer Diary gives you a glimpse into the working lives of different farmers, with regular updates, both on and off the farm.
7 October
October, the month when you can experience all four seasons before breakfast!
The grass is still growing, but shorter days and cooler temperatures mean we’re constantly assessing what the cows are actually eating. Having grass in the field and getting it into a cow are two very different things. Unfortunately, the cows haven’t yet learnt to read a grass budget!
It’s this constant problem solving that I love about farming. No two days are ever quite the same.
9 October
We’re TB clear!
Over 600 animals tested and a huge sigh of relief from the whole team. Anyone who’s been through a TB test knows how much it means to get that clear result.
It’s a real team effort getting that many animals through safely and calmly. I think the cows were just as pleased to see the vet leave as we were!
A brilliant result and one worth celebrating.
12 October
Swapped wellies for some slightly different shoes and headed to New Scientist Live in London to talk all things dairy farming.
I absolutely love sharing what we do and connecting people with where their food comes from. The questions are always fascinating and it’s a brilliant reminder of how much interest there is in farming.
Give me an opportunity to talk about cows and you’ll struggle to shut me up!
18 October
Silage is in!
Just under 300 acres, two pits, a small army of machinery and people – and approximately 700 weather forecast checks later.
After a challenging growing season, watching the last trailer roll in was a wonderful moment. I could have cried with relief!
There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing all that grass safely tucked away, knowing we’ve secured quality feed for our cows this winter.
Four milkings for me this weekend, alongside keeping an eye on the silaging. A busy few days, but exactly why I love farming. The teamwork, the achievement and the satisfaction of a job well done.
22 October
Winter preparations are in full swing. Cow cubicles are going back in, bedding is being sorted, gutters checked and feed areas prepared for housing.
For anyone who isn’t familiar with dairy farming, cubicles are individual resting spaces where cows can lie down comfortably in a clean, dry bed. They’re designed to give each cow somewhere comfortable to rest, which is incredibly important for their health and welfare.
Our cows spend as much time outside grazing as the weather and ground conditions allow. As we move into winter, we’ll start bringing them inside overnight from November, with the aim of keeping them out grazing during the day for as long as conditions allow. By December, they’ll usually be fully housed until spring.
It’s not just about keeping the cows warm. It’s about protecting our soils from damage when the ground gets wet, making sure the cows have enough nutritious feed and providing somewhere dry and comfortable to rest.
There’s something really satisfying about getting everything organised for the cows. Comfortable beds, good feed and a routine that works for both cows and people.
It’s a lovely reminder of just how much care and planning goes into producing something as everyday as a glass of milk.
Something you might not know about cows
Cows are absolute creatures of habit. Many will choose the same bed every night and come into the milking parlour at roughly the same time and in the same order.
They’re remarkably predictable, which is more than can be said for the British weather!
These routines are incredibly useful. When a cow suddenly changes where she lies, hangs back at milking or behaves differently, it can be one of the first signs something isn’t right.
It’s often the little things that tell us the most. And after spending enough time with cows, you realise they’ve all got their own personalities. Some are wonderfully laid-back, others like to keep us on our toes!
That’s one of the things I love most about dairy farming. Getting to know the animals, working with a brilliant team and knowing that every day we’re producing nutritious food while caring for the land and livestock that we’re lucky enough to look after.
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